I am getting new carpets fitted - 5 rooms plus the stairs and landing. The job is being done over 2 visits so that I can empty rooms etc. I am happy with the way that the first two carpets have been fitted. The same fitters are due to come back in a few days time. The thing that I am querying is , is it normal for a fitter to cut a roll of carpet outside my home? The roll was for a bedroom and the spare piece will be used towards the stairs. One of the fitters rolled out the carpet onto my road ( top of a cul de sac), there was nothing under the carpet, he then measured and cut the carpet into the required length. Is this standard practice for carpet fitters? I was surprised that there was nothing placed under the carpet before it was rolled out! I didn't say anything to the fitter nor have I said anything to the shop but I am concerned that this will be done again when they next visit. Is this the way that fitters would normally cut a carpet roll that is too big for them? Or would they normally protect the carpet from dirt etc and if so how? What would happen in rain etc. The carpet shop is a family business with a good reputation. The fitters are independent installers but the shop has used them for years. Just wondering if this is the way things are done! Thanks for any advice. LJ
If they dont have access to a cutting space you should ask the to bring a tarpaulin at least to cut it on. Just common sense, cutting on the road is not ideal but i think most carpet fitters have had to do it at some point
Thank you for your reply. I thought that they should have provided at least a tarpaulin to cut it on - I just wanted to hear what other people thought! I didn't want to be telling them how to do their job especially if I was incorrect and cutting on the street, without a cover down, was normal!
I always use a 5 x 5 tarp but you do see alot of fitters give the surface a 'quick' brush and start chopping up over your neighbours front If it was raining then I'm sure they wouldn't have attempted it but again, I have seen it done on new build sites.
Thanks Rugmunching. That's interesting! Unfortunately my fitter didn't even give the surface a brush! I read a post on Reddit from a few years back which implied using nothing was almost 'normal' and that the person asking the question should just ignore the fact that the carpet hadn't been protected! I wasn't sure if it was UK comments though and wondered what UK fitters tended to do!
Maybe they live in a hot country with really clean new roads lol. You could end up with your carpet in a pothole over here
We always carry a tarpaulin in case we have to cut the carpet outside. Sadly though many do just go straight into the road/drive/grass.
Hi LJ, Thanks for reaching out and sharing your experience! I’m glad you’re happy with the first two carpet installations. Regarding the carpet being cut outside on the road, it’s actually quite common, especially for areas like stairs and landings where precise measurements are needed. Professional fitters usually take steps to protect the carpet, such as using drop cloths to keep it clean. However, it’s totally okay to feel unsure. I recommend mentioning your concerns to the fitters during their next visit. They can explain their process and ensure everything is handled carefully. Since the shop has a great reputation, they’ll want to make sure you’re completely satisfied. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions. Best wishes, Steve Pro-Fit Floor Coverings
On my own jobs i cut everything down before leaving the warehouse, but sometimes when you work for places especially independant shops they dont always have a cutting area. Ive cut up on driveways but theyre usually clean and its a dry day etc. As long as the carpets not got wet or muddy its fine really, obviously it looks more professional to have a tarp under it,if i was doing it regularly id carry one. All in all its not a big deal, if theyve fit the carpet properly id be happy with that rather than a crap job but atleast they used a tarp
