How is Carpet Fitted? A Step-by-Step Guide

Quick answer: We prepare the subfloor, fix grippers, lay underlay, cut the carpet, stretch it tight, trim to the skirting and finish doorways. Stairs and natural fibres need extra steps — never guess sizes from a DIY tape measure alone.

1. Measure and plan

Exact sizes, stairs, joins and door clearances come first. Start with how to measure for carpet for a DIY sketch, then confirm on a free home visit. Guide price: carpet estimate calculator.

2. Subfloor prep

The floor must be clean and dry. Loose boards get screwed down. Old carpet and underlay can be uplifted if you want a clear start.

3. Gripper rods

Thin timber strips with angled pins go around the perimeter (not across doorways). They hold the carpet under tension.

4. Underlay

Underlay is laid up to the grippers. New underlay is almost always recommended — underlay guide.

5. Cut and position

Carpet is rolled out with allowance up the walls, then aligned for pile direction or pattern.

6. Stretch and secure

A knee kicker or power stretcher hooks the carpet onto grippers so it stays flat. Poor tension is what causes ripples later.

7. Trim and finish

Excess is trimmed and tucked. Door bars cover joins to other floors. Stairs and runners are fitted tread-by-tread.

Natural flooring is different

Sisal and seagrass usually need acclimatisation and double-stick methods — see natural flooring fitting and sisal stair runners.

Book fitting

Arrange carpet fitting across West Sussex including Bognor Regis, Worthing and Chichester, or start with the estimator.