JourneyCareersCarpet Fitter
Global Career Guide (EN)From Construction & Trades β†’

Carpet Fitter

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A carpet fitter measures, cuts and lays carpets and other floor coverings in homes, shops and offices. It is practical, hands-on work that suits people who like seeing a job finished, enjoy working with their hands and take pride in a neat, well-laid floor.

The role

What a carpet fitter actually does, day to day.

The job involves measuring rooms, preparing floors, cutting and fitting carpet, vinyl or laminate, and finishing edges so everything looks clean and tidy. It takes accuracy, a good eye and physical fitness, as you spend a lot of time kneeling, lifting heavy rolls and working in tight spaces.

You will often travel between jobs, work in people's homes, and may be self-employed or work for a flooring firm or retailer. The work can be hard on the knees and back, pay varies with skill and how busy you are, and self-employed fitters carry the ups and downs of finding their own work.

Most fitters learn on the job alongside an experienced tradesperson or through an apprenticeship, building up speed and skill over time. A CSCS card is often needed for work on building sites, and a driving licence is usually essential.

A typical week

Day to day

1Measure rooms and work out materials needed
2Prepare and clean floors before fitting
3Cut carpet, vinyl or laminate to size
4Lay and stretch flooring neatly
5Fit gripper rods, underlay and trims
6Finish edges and around doorways
7Clear up and dispose of offcuts