Fun on the Floor logo - Carpet Flooring Inspiration

Budgeting

It's always good to have a rough idea of how much carpet you'll require fitting before you visit your local retailer. However if you can't find your tape measure, your local carpet retailer will be more than happy to visit your home and measure the required rooms for you.

The main dimensions you need to think about are the overall width and length of the room you would like to buy carpet for, making sure you take into account any big variations in the room's shape and any recesses like doorways and bay windows.

When you have these dimensions, you can use our simple carpet calculator to work out the approximate amount of carpet your room requires, to give you an idea of the price per square metre of carpet within your budget. Don't forget that you may also need to allow for fitting the carpet and underlay.

Function

The location and use of your carpet is an important factor in your selection process. It's no use selecting an expensive luxury carpet for the hallway if there will be constant foot traffic, so before visiting your local retailer ask yourself the following questions:

• Which room is the carpet for?
• What's this room mainly used for?
• How much foot traffic will be passing through?
• Is this room going to be the focus of family activity?
• Will there be pets or children spending a lot of time in the room?
• Is the carpet exposed to direct sunlight daily?
• Is it near a main doorway or an entrance with direct access from outside?

Installation

Once you've selected your carpet from your local retailer, they'll provide you with a fully inclusive quote, also including a professional measuring service if required.
When you have accepted a quote from your retailer, your carpet can normally be obtained and installed within two weeks.

Carpet Underlay

Whilst not all carpets need underlay, it's always a good idea to consider it for those carpets which do. Underlay acts as a cushion to the continual foot traffic within your home and protects against the pile flattening. Although you don't see your carpet underlay, you'll certainly notice its effects. New carpet underlay also increases your carpet's heat and sound insulation qualities considerably. If you have under floor heating, ensure that when fitting carpet you use an underlay with a good thermal conductivity rating.