Guide
Carpet buying & fitting cost guide (2026)
A plain-English guide to choosing carpet — the main types, what they cost per m², underlay, and what carpet fitting costs in the UK in 2026.
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Carpet buying & fitting cost guide (2026)
Carpet is still the cosiest, quietest, most affordable way to finish a bedroom, lounge or stairs — but the choice of fibres, piles and grades can be baffling. This guide breaks down the main carpet types, what drives the price, and roughly what to budget for supply and fitting.
Prices vary by quality, room shape and where you are, so treat the figures as a guide — for an exact, fixed price, Ben offers a free home visit with samples across London, Essex, the M4 corridor and South Wales.
Main types of carpet
Wool & wool-mix
Natural, luxurious, naturally flame- and dirt-resistant. Premium feel, higher price.
Twist pile
The all-rounder — durable and practical for lounges, bedrooms and stairs.
Saxony
Deep, soft, plush pile for a luxurious bedroom or lounge feel.
Loop & berber
Hard-wearing textured loops; great for hallways (avoid with pets that snag).
Polypropylene
Budget-friendly and very stain-resistant — ideal for kids, pets and rentals.
Underlay
Don’t skimp — good underlay makes a carpet feel better and last longer.
What carpet costs (2026, indicative)
As a rough UK guide, budget carpet starts around £8–£15 per m², mid-range wool-mix and quality twists sit around £20–£35 per m², and premium wool runs £40 per m² and up. Underlay typically adds £4–£9 per m². Fitting is charged per m² or per room on top.
These are ballpark figures — the only way to know your price is a proper measure. See our full flooring cost guide, or book a free quote.
Quick tips before you buy
- Match the grade to the room — stairs and halls need a tougher carpet than a spare bedroom.
- For pets and kids, choose stain-resistant polypropylene or a tough twist; see best flooring for pets.
- Budget for good underlay — it transforms how a carpet feels.
- Measure carefully (or let us) — see how to measure.
Carpet cost questions
How much does carpet cost per m² in the UK?
As a 2026 guide: budget £8–£15/m², mid-range and quality twists £20–£35/m², premium wool £40/m²+, plus £4–£9/m² for underlay. A home visit gives an exact price.
How much does carpet fitting cost?
Fitting is usually charged per m² or per room on top of materials. We quote a single fixed price including underlay, gripper, fitting and old-carpet removal.
What’s the most hard-wearing carpet?
A good wool-mix or twist pile for durability, or stain-resistant polypropylene for pets and kids. Match the grade to the room’s traffic.
Do I need new underlay?
Usually yes — old underlay is often worn or the wrong type. Good underlay makes the carpet feel better and last longer, and it’s included in our quotes.
Related
Carpets · Carpet fitting · Flooring cost guide · How to measure
Get a fixed carpet quote
Call or request a quote and Ben will bring the showroom to you, measure up and give you a clear, fixed price.