Everything you need to know about having a new carpet fitted
Choose the perfect carpet for any room of your home with a guide to fabulous flooring.
Forget hardwood flooring and flagstone tiles, there’s nothing better than sinking your toes into a squishy, warm carpet when you get home from work and it’s cold outside. The right carpet can do wonders to a room, and there is such a variety of textures, patterns and colours to choose from today – gone are the days of garish swirly carpets in 50 shades of beige.
Carpets are a large and (often) expensive part of a home, so you don’t want to get it wrong. When fitting a carpet, there is so much to consider. From size and budget to colour and texture, it can be one of the most complex things to get right in the home. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are ten things to consider for a stress-free carpet fitting.
1. Get your measurement right!
This step is essential for planning your budget and getting the best quality carpet you can afford. We suggest measuring the width and the length of the room at the widest points. Then multiply the two measurements for an idea of the total square metres required. You will then be able to work out the approximate price of your carpet by multiplying this number by the square meter price of your chosen carpet.
2. Make the right choice
This is where the fun begins. Do you want a carpet that’s firm and coarse or one that you can sink your feet into? This may depend on which area you are carpeting. For example, high traffic areas, such as staircases, will need hardwearing fibre, whereas bedrooms and living rooms can afford to have a softer material. An 80:20 wool, to nylon blend, meanwhile, will provide a good balance of softness and durability. Some carpets will last longer than others too, so it may be worth splashing the cash for a better-quality material, which will save you money in the long run.
3. Make a plan for throwing away your old carpet
It’s best to decide how you’ll dispose of the old carpet beforehand, as this may cost money. Some retailers may do this for you on the delivery of your new carpet, but make sure you look into their recycling policy. Some local councils have carpet removal services, but this isn’t the norm. If your carpet is in reasonable condition, you might be able to donate it to a furniture charity shop or give it away on a site like Freecycle.org. Ask local allotment holders if they would find it useful – it’s a great material for insulating compost heaps. Some animal shelters also take carpet donations, using them as mats for kennels.
4. Clear the room
Remove all furniture from the room – you’ll need access to the entire floor. Then, vacuum the old carpet to get rid of any excess dust before you pull it up. You might want to wear a dust mask if the carpet is old or damp.
5. Get rid of your old carpet
It’s out with the old and in with the new. Start in one corner, pulling up the carpet with pliers. Use a utility or carpet knife to slice the carpet into manageable strips and roll it up as you go along. Heavy-duty gloves are a good idea to avoid cutting your hands.
But while you’ll certainly save money by doing it yourself, you could save yourself the hassle and get someone to do it for you…
6. Take the underlay away
Don’t cut any corners and try to save money by keeping your old underlay. It’s unlikely it will have much life left in it and a good underlay will prolong the life of your carpet. Underlay is either glued or stapled around the perimeter of the floor. If it’s glued, an adhesive remover and scraper should be your weapons of choice. For staples, pliers and a flat-bladed screwdriver will do the trick. Then, as with the carpet, cut the underlay into sections and pull it up from the edges.
7. Air the room
Ventilation is vital! With excess dust and fibres around, fling open the windows for as long as you can during the process.
8. Take advantage of the bare floor
If your floor is uneven or damaged, now’s your time to get it repaired. Also, make sure you hoover up at this stage, to remove any debris left behind from the old carpet.
9. Fitting your new carpet
For the best result, it’s recommended that you get your new carpet fitted professionally. Most shops will offer a fitting service. Keep an eye out for any rucks after the fitting, as this means it hasn’t been laid properly.
10. Hoover your new carpet
Don’t be afraid to hoover your carpet as soon as it’s been laid. It’s won’t cause any damage and removes any short fibres that might otherwise stick to your feet or socks and get walked through the house. Do it at regular intervals as more fibres rise to the surface – you really cannot over-vacuum a wool-rich carpet.
So, for all your carpet requirements look no further than the team at Blackberry Hill Carpets and Flooring. Call us on 01858 288 031 or email gareth@blackberryhill.co.uk.