First, a bit of honesty about how carpet is sold
Carpet in Darlington is sold three main ways: supply-and-fit from a shop or showroom, supply-only from a warehouse or roll-end supplier, and online from the big flooring websites. All three can work out well. The difference is who takes responsibility for measuring, ordering and fitting.
I'm a fitting business, not a retailer — I don't hold stock and I don't earn anything on the carpet you buy. That means there's no reason for me to steer you towards a particular range, and no showroom mark-up sitting on top of the fitting price.
Buying supply-and-fit from a shop or showroom
A showroom is the easiest option if you want to feel the carpet, compare ranges side by side and have one company handle everything. You'll usually get a measure, a single quote covering carpet, underlay, gripper and fitting, and a delivery date.
Worth checking before you sign: whether the quote includes underlay and door bars, whether uplift and moving furniture are included, and who actually turns out to fit it. Fitting is often subcontracted, so ask.
Buying carpet online or supply-only
Buying the carpet on its own — online, from a warehouse or a roll-end deal — usually gives the lowest carpet price and the widest choice. The trade-off is that the measuring and ordering is on you, and a mis-measure is an expensive mistake once the roll is cut.
The simplest way round that is to have the rooms measured before you order. I'll come out, measure everything properly and tell you the roll width and length to order, free and with no obligation to book the fitting with me.
- Order by roll width — usually 4m or 5m — not by the exact room size
- Add around 10cm each way for trimming, more for pattern repeats
- Stairs, bay windows and doorways need extra; get them measured
- Ask about delivery: kerbside drops need someone to move the roll
- Keep the offcuts until the job is finished and checked
Underlay, gripper and door bars
New carpet over old, flattened underlay will feel firm and wear out early. I supply and fit underlay so it matches the room — a heavier density for stairs, hallways and lounges, something more comfortable underfoot in bedrooms. Gripper rods and door bars are supplied and fitted as part of the job.
If you'd like to understand the options before you spend anything, the underlay guide explains thickness, density and where each type belongs.
What happens on fitting day
Furniture is moved, the old carpet is uplifted if needed, gripper and underlay go down, and the carpet is cut, stretched and trimmed in. Doorways are finished with bars, offcuts are taken away and the room is left ready to use.
Uplift of old flooring is charged from £2 per square metre and doesn't include taking it away for disposal — that's the one thing worth planning for in advance.
Already found your carpet?
If you've chosen your carpet — or already have it sitting in the hallway — getting it fitted is straightforward. Fitting is a £70 minimum charge covering up to 15 sqm, then £4.50 per extra square metre, with stairs and landings from £100 and stair runners from £120.
Send me the room sizes by text and I'll come back with a price, or book a free measure and I'll do the sums for you.
Common questions
Do you sell carpet?
No — I'm a fitter, not a carpet shop. You buy the carpet wherever you get the best price or the pattern you want, and I fit it. I do supply the underlay, gripper rods, door bars and tape needed for the job.
Is it cheaper to buy carpet online and pay a fitter separately?
Often it is, because you avoid showroom mark-up on the carpet. The saving only holds if you order the right amount and the fitting is done properly, so it's worth having the rooms measured before you order.
How much carpet do I need to order?
Measure the longest length and the widest width of the room, add roughly 10cm to each for trimming, then round the width up to the next roll width — usually 4m or 5m. Stairs and awkward shapes are easier to get measured properly. My measuring guide walks through it step by step.
What should I check when the carpet is delivered?
Check the roll width and length against what you ordered, check the colour and batch, and unroll enough to look for damage or manufacturing marks before fitting day. It's far easier to sort a problem before the old floor has been lifted.
How much does fitting cost once I've bought my carpet?
Carpet fitting is a £70 minimum charge covering up to 15 sqm, then £4.50 per extra square metre. Stairs and landings start from £100, stair runners from £120, and door bars are £6 each. Measures and quotes are free.
Do I need new underlay?
Usually yes. Old underlay flattens and holds dirt, and new carpet fitted over tired underlay wears out faster. I supply and fit underlay so you get the right thickness and density for the room.
Want a price? Send me the room sizes.