Carpet fitter or floor layer
Transform rooms by measuring, cutting and fitting carpets, vinyl or wood to perfection.
About the job
What it's like
Intereseted in helping to make every step within a building a little more comfortable and stylish? As a carpet fitter or floor layer, you'll transform spaces by installing new flooring in homes, offices and public buildings.
This role is perfect for someone who's looking for a hands-on job that combines practical skills with an eye for detail. You'll focus on measuring, cutting and fitting a range of flooring materials – from carpets and vinyl to laminate and wood.
A carpet fitter or floor layer's work is rewarding, especially when you see a room completely change after a new floor goes down. You could work on everything from new builds and renovations to commercial spaces like hotels, schools or shops. Some floor layers specialise in certain materials, such as luxury vinyl tiles or sports flooring, while others become experts in restoration or bespoke designs.
You’ll find carpet fitters and floor layers in construction, property maintenance, interior design and even event staging. There’s plenty of variety, and every job brings a new challenge!
Your tasks might include:
measuring rooms and calculating the amount of flooring you'll need
preparing surfaces by cleaning, levelling or repairing subfloors
cutting carpet, vinyl or wood to fit around corners and doorways
fitting underlay and securing flooring with adhesives or tacks
joining seams and finishing edges for a neat result
advising customers on flooring options and aftercare
Working as a commercial floor layer is a little different. In this role, you'll be responsible for preparing and installing all kinds of floor coverings on a commercial site. You'll deal with materials like textile, wood, tile and resin.
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You might:
install sustainable flooring materials like recycled carpet or bamboo
advise clients on eco-friendly flooring choices
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Floor Industry Training Association — supported by Contract Flooring Association & National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayer
Go Construct – learn more about working as a commercial floor layer
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Carpet fitter or floor layer'
Select qualification level(s)
Other careers that you might like
-
Wall and floor tiler
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
-
Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- managing resources
- implementing ideas
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- observation
- working with numbers
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
-
Practical Craft Skills
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider a construction-based MA.
Discover Modern Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job or progress to more advanced study. You may want to consider studying Construction Crafts.
Find courses on My World of Work's course search.
You usually need to pass an aptitude test to become a carpet fitter or floor layer.
A driving licence can be useful.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to work and train on construction sites.
You'll also need to pass a health and safety test and have an Scottish Vocational Certificate.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Carpet fitter or floor layer'
