Quick Answer
Carpet in the UK typically costs £5 to £60 per square metre for the material alone, depending on quality, with budget polypropylene at the lower end and premium wool at the top. Add £3 to £7 per square metre for underlay and £4 to £10 per square metre for professional fitting. A standard living room fully fitted usually totals £250 to £800 depending on carpet quality and room size.
Cost by Carpet Type
| Carpet Type | Typical Price per m² |
|---|---|
| Budget polypropylene | £5 to £10 |
| Mid-range twist or saxony pile | £10 to £35 |
| Premium wool or wool blend | £25 to £60 or more |
Polypropylene is generally the most affordable while still offering reasonable durability and stain resistance, making it a common choice for budget-conscious households or rental properties. Wool and wool blend carpets sit at the premium end, offering greater comfort and longevity but at a noticeably higher upfront cost.
Cost by Room Size
A typical living room of around 20 square metres, roughly 4m by 5m, costs approximately £250 to £415 fully fitted with budget carpet, £410 to £815 with mid-range carpet, and £770 to £1,335 with premium carpet, including underlay and gripper rods. Smaller bedrooms cost proportionally less, while a full 3-bedroom house, including all rooms, typically totals £1,000 to £2,000 for carpet, underlay, and fitting combined.
Fitting Cost on Top
Professional carpet fitting alone typically costs £4 to £10 per square metre, or fitters may quote a day rate of £150 to £300 depending on region, with London and the South East sitting at the higher end. Underlay adds a further £3 to £7 per square metre. Removing old carpet and underlay before fitting typically adds £2 to £4 per square metre, or £50 to £150 per room, unless your fitter includes this as part of a new carpet purchase.
What’s Often Not Included
- Removing and disposing of old carpet or flooring, sometimes charged separately at £2 to £4 per square metre
- Moving heavy furniture, such as wardrobes or beds, out of the room before fitting
- Repairing or levelling the subfloor if it is uneven or damaged
- Gripper rods and door bars, though many suppliers do include these as standard in a full quote
Ways to Save
- Many major retailers, including Carpetright, Tapi, and United Carpets, include free fitting when you spend over a set threshold, often around £399, which can save £100 to £400 depending on room size
- Compare the total price, carpet plus fitting, rather than just the advertised per-metre carpet price, since headline prices can be misleading once fitting and underlay are added
- Get at least three quotes for larger jobs, since fitting costs alone can vary noticeably between tradespeople for the same room
- Ask whether old carpet removal is included, since this can otherwise be an unexpected addition to the final bill
Related Reading
Carpeting a staircase specifically? See our guide on how to measure stairs for carpet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does carpet cost per square metre in the UK?
Most carpets cost between £5 and £60 or more per square metre, depending on material, style, and quality.
Does carpet price include fitting?
Not usually, unless specifically advertised as a supply-and-fit deal, so always check whether the quoted price covers carpet only or the full fitted cost.
How much does it cost to carpet a 3-bedroom house?
Typically £1,000 to £2,000 in total, including carpet, underlay, and professional fitting across all rooms.
Is polypropylene carpet good value?
It is generally one of the most affordable options while still offering decent durability and stain resistance, making it popular for budget-conscious households.
Does removing old carpet cost extra?
Often yes, typically £2 to £4 per square metre or £50 to £150 per room, unless your fitter includes it as part of a new carpet purchase.