Carpet fitter or floor layer

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

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

Find out more about green jobs.

• Floor Industry Training Association — supported by Contract Flooring Association & National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayer