How To Become A Carpet Fitter

A well fitted carpet can do wonders for any room, instantly transforming its appearance, feel and overall ambience. Carpets add a layer of comfort underfoot, instantly making the room warmer and cosier. A carpet insulates a room, retaining heat and creating a wonderfully inviting atmosphere. They also have excellent noise reducing qualities, which can make a significant difference.

Carpet fitters are often qualified to not only lay a carpet, but often specialise in other techniques such as vinyl flooring, laminate and wooden floors. There is a wide range to choose from nowadays, to suit all budgets and tastes. They can work in a huge range of settings and this can include private homes, office buildings, shops, hotels, commercial businesses, the list goes on.

Carpet fitters must be fit as it can be a physically demanding job and as well as lifting and carrying heavy rolls of carpet or other flooring types, you may be responsible for moving furniture out of the way and then replacing it into the original position. Carpet fitters spend much of their time kneeling on the floor, crouching and bending so good flexibility and strength is essential.

Old flooring will need to be removed and disposed of, the room properly measured and the appropriate type of underlay fitted, if appropriate. Then the chosen type of flooring will then be fitted to the exact measurements as there is no room for errors. You may be using certain chemicals on the floor or using protective coatings and therefore you must be up to date with all the current safety guidelines and wear protective clothing.

As well as being physically fit, you must also have good customer service skills, be able to work well alone and with others, depending on the type of job. Carpet fitters have to be able to work out measurements and be able to make calculations so a good grasp of maths is very important.

There are several pathways in which to get into this type of work. You may decide to apply for an apprenticeship which can take several years to complete but you will receive in depth on the job training which will equip you with all of the skills, knowledge and experience needed for future employment and progression, as well as time to study. You will usually be required to have some GCSE’s including maths and English. Alternatively, you could apply directly to a company or take a training course through a professional body for this industry such as FITA, (Flooring Industry Training Association) which gives a vast amount of information regarding many types of courses, covering all the main flooring categories which include sub floor preparation, installation of vinyl and tile, linoleum, laminate, solid wood, sanding and finishing.

There are several bodies of interest within this industry, with many carpet fitters opting to become members.. The Contract Flooring Association (CFA) is a definitive source for the latest information on flooring industry training opportunities and has guides for every aspect of the industry. The National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers, (NICF), is the home of professionals working in the domestic flooring trade with the aim of promoting excellence.

Once qualified, there are many opportunities for career progression, allowing you to expand your skills, increase your earnings and move into specialised fields. Many qualified carpet fitters choose to become self employed, setting up their own business. This can be a lucrative option as it allows you to set your own rates, choose your clients and work on a variety of projects. With good marketing and a strong reputation, you can build a steady stream of work and even hire additional fitters. You may wish to step into a managerial role, overseeing fitters, coordinating projects and monitoring quality control. Another option is to become a trainer or mentor for new carpet fitters. Experienced professionals are often in demand to teach and this role can be especially rewarding if you enjoy sharing your knowledge and helping others to develop their skills.