Carpet installation preparation: Top tips

Carpet installation preparation is key if you want your new fibres to last. Do you have a faded, old, or musty carpet you want to rip out and replace?

Maybe your lifestyle is changing and you need a long-lasting option to accommodate all the new foot traffic.

Whatever the reason, knowing how to prepare for a carpet installation is the difference between a flimsy finish and a durable one.

So, keep scrolling for all our top tips on how to prepare your floors for new carpets. And if you can’t wait to get started…

Enter your postcode into the search bar below to browse our online directory of top carpet installation specialists in your area.

How do you plan a carpet installation?

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to prepare for carpet installation. You can apply these tips whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional.

Step one: Measure the area – twice

Accuracy is key when measuring the square footage of the area where your carpet will be installed. Measure twice to avoid errors and don’t forget to check alcoves, odd corners, or other irregularities.

Step two: Choose the right type of carpet

When picking the perfect carpet material for your needs, consider factors such as the level of foot traffic it will endure, how stain-resistant it needs to be, and if hypoallergenic materials are better.

You can then choose the pile height, level of durability, colour and material to fit your aesthetic. For example, sisal or nylon flatweaves are ideal if you need a hard-wearing and stylish carpet.

Step three: Ask for estimates

If you’re installing the carpet yourself, skip this step. However, if you want to make sure you get a professional and durable finish, we recommend gathering two to four estimates and comparing their costs.

This also allows you to make an informed decision and gauge the average prices for carpet installation in your area.

Step four: Check the schedule and details

You need to make sure your carpet installation is undertaken at a suitable time and date. Don’t be afraid to ask for timeframes, discuss time constraints, and find solutions for other blockers you might have.

When you understand how long the installation will take, ask about the process. For example, the seam placements, carpet direction, and how they’ll tackle any awkward areas.

Step five: Prepare the room

Once the first four steps are in place, it’s time to prepare the floor for new carpets. To start, clear the room of furniture, decoration, and other obstacles.

1. Remove existing flooring with appropriate tools
2. Make sure the subfloor is clean, dry and level
3. Repair any dents or damage before the installation goes ahead

Step six: Ventilate the room

Crack open a window or use a fan to dissipate fumes from any adhesives and carpet treatments.

Skip to step eight if you’re installing your carpets yourself.

Step seven: Oversee and sign off the project

To make sure everything goes to plan, it helps if you’re around to oversee the installation. This lets your contractors ask you any questions and solve problems straight away.

Once the carpets are installed, don’t sign off on the project until you’ve checked for any damage, defects, or inconsistencies. Address these immediately to avoid issues further down the line.

Step eight: Brush up on maintenance requirements

To keep your carpet looking its best, understand the maintenance needed to ensure its longevity. This might include regular vacuuming, spot cleaning, and professional deep cleaning.

Related content: Your step-by-step on how to lay carpet.

You’ll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass our quality checks on Checkatrade.

Preparing stairs for carpet or runners

Whether you’re preparing your stairs for a new carpet or preparing your stairs for a carpet runner, the steps are the same.

1. Remove the existing carpet or runner (if there is one) and any old adhesive or padding
2. Check your stairs for any damage, loose boards, or squeaks – repair as needed
3. Clean your stairs so they’re free of dust and debris, then wipe down with a cloth
4. Measure the dimension of each stair tread and riser (twice) and make a record
5. Consider the width of your stairs and any decorative elements that might affect the measurements (e.g., stair rods or lights)
6. Choose the right material for your stair runner, considering durability, safety, and aesthetic
7. Using a utility knife, cut the carpet or runner to fit your measurements (or hire a professional!)
8. If you’re installing a runner, leave enough exposed wood on either side of the carpet
9. For comfort or noise reduction, add any padding before your carpet goes down
10. Install your carpet or runner from the bottom step to the top, using carpet staples or tack string to keep the carpet in place
11. Smooth out wrinkles or bubbles as you go for a snug fit
12. Trim any excess carpet at the edges, then secure them with carpet tape or trim strips
13. Double-check check the installation is secure and free from trip hazards

Related content: How to measure stairs for carpet.

Your questions about carpet installation preparation answered

Do I have to empty the room for a new carpet?

Yes, ideally. To lay a new carpet, the entire floor space needs clearing so you or your fitter can access it easily. For immovable items, a carpet fitter will work around them.

However, for items like beds or wardrobes, the movement of these around your room will incur an extra cost.

How much does it cost to carpet a 3-bedroom house in the UK?

The average price for a carpet fitter is £240 per day, while the average cost for a carpet is £6 – £60 per m2.

So, when taking into account the fact it takes 2 days to carpet a 3-bedroom home from top to bottom, you’re looking at £480 for labour alone.

Read our Carpet replacement cost guide and How much does carpet fitting cost? blogs for more information.

How long does it take to put carpet in two bedrooms?

It takes around two to four hours for a professional to install carpet in one room.

If you expect to pay an average hourly rate of £30 for a carpet installer, two rooms will cost you between £60 and £120 for labour alone.

Should you paint first or lay the carpet first?

We recommend installing your carpet first and then protecting it with a tarp or plastic sheet when you start painting. This avoids dust, scratches, and damage to your new paint job when installing a carpet.

You also want to make sure your skirting boards are fully painted and safe from any damage your carpet installation might inflict.

How soon can you walk on the new carpet?

Right away! It’s a good idea to encourage foot traffic on your newly laid carpet. The better you tread it into your floor, the more fixed it will be and the longer it will last.

What happens to your furniture when you get a new carpet?

The floor prep for your carpet means all your furniture will need to be moved out. However, you can place your items in a different room while the carpet installation goes ahead.

It doesn’t usually take long and you can walk on newly installed carpets immediately.

What rooms should not have carpet?

There are three rooms in your house we’d recommend you never carpet. These include the kitchen, bathroom, and utility room.

These are high-risk areas for spillages, damage, and mould growth. So, avoid the hassle and choose a stress-free flooring material like vinyl, laminate, or tiles.

Related content: Cost of vinyl flooring vs tile flooring: Which to choose?

Did you find this blog on carpet installation preparation useful? If so, we have more where this came from. Just check out our blog for more top tips, planning guides, and helpful information.