A new carpet can make a room feel warmer, quieter and more welcoming. It can also be a big spend, so it pays to get it right first time. Whether you run an office, a shop or a care home, or you simply want something lovely underfoot at home, this guide will help you pick the best carpet for your space in Ashford.
At Kent Flooring, we have been supplying and fitting carpets across Kent for over 20 years. Most of our work is for businesses, so we know which carpets cope with heavy footfall and which ones are better kept for quieter rooms. Below, we share what we have learnt, in plain and simple terms.
Why Ashford Businesses and Homes Choose Carpet
Ashford is one of the busiest towns in Kent. It has a growing number of offices, shops, schools and new homes, and each of these needs a floor that works hard every day. Carpet is still one of the most popular choices, and for good reason:
- It is quiet. Carpet soaks up the sound of footsteps and chatter, which helps in open-plan offices, classrooms and flats.
- It feels warm. Carpet helps to keep heat in a room and feels soft and comfortable to walk on.
- It is safer underfoot. A well-fitted carpet gives good grip and a softer landing if someone does trip.
- It comes in endless styles. From plain greys for a smart office to rich wool for a lounge, there is a carpet for every taste.
Know Your Carpet Fibres
The fibre is what the carpet is made from, and it has a big effect on how long your carpet lasts and how it feels. On our contract and high-end carpets page, we list the main fibres we work with. Here is a quick guide to how they compare.
| Fibre | How hard-wearing? | How it feels | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wool | Very good | Soft, rich and warm | Lounges, bedrooms, boardrooms and smart receptions |
| Wool mix | Very good | Soft with added strength | Hallways, stairs and family homes |
| Polyamide (nylon) | Excellent | Springy and smooth | Offices, corridors, shops and other busy areas |
| Polypropylene | Good | Firm and practical | Budget projects, rentals and some carpet tiles |
| Polyester | Fair | Very soft | Bedrooms and quiet rooms with light use |
If you are not sure which fibre suits your space, think about how many people will walk on it each day. A busy office corridor in Ashford town centre needs something much tougher than a guest bedroom in Kennington or Willesborough.
Carpet Tiles or Broadloom?
There are two main types of carpet. Broadloom carpet comes on a large roll and is fitted as one piece. Carpet tiles are small squares that fit together like a puzzle.
Carpet tiles are a favourite with businesses. If one tile gets a stain or wears thin, you can lift it out and swap in a new one without touching the rest of the floor. They also make it easy to reach cables under raised office floors.
Broadloom carpet gives a smooth, seamless look. It is a great choice for homes, hotels, meeting rooms and anywhere you want a softer, more luxurious finish.
Choosing the Right Carpet for Each Space
Every room has a different job to do. Here are a few simple tips.
Offices and shops
Go for a hard-wearing fibre such as polyamide, ideally in carpet tiles. Darker or flecked colours hide everyday dirt better than plain light shades. Pair your carpet with entrance matting at the door to trap grit before it reaches the main floor.
Schools and care homes
Safety and easy cleaning come first. Choose a low, tight pile that wheelchairs and walking frames can move over easily. Keep in mind that the law says floors in a workplace must be suitable, in good condition and free from obstructions, so a worn or loose carpet should be replaced before it becomes a trip hazard.
Homes
For lounges and bedrooms, a soft wool or wool mix carpet gives comfort and warmth. For stairs and hallways, choose a tougher, denser carpet, as these are the busiest spots in most homes.
Do Not Forget the Underlay
Underlay is the hidden layer that sits under your carpet. It makes the carpet feel softer, helps it last longer and keeps a room warmer and quieter. A cheap underlay can make even a good carpet wear out early. To find out more, read our guide to the best underlay for each flooring type.
How Much Do Carpets Cost in Ashford?
The price of a new carpet depends on a few things:
- The size of the room or building
- The fibre and quality of the carpet
- The type of underlay
- Whether old flooring needs to be lifted and taken away
- How much work the floor needs before fitting, such as levelling
Because every job is different, the best way to know your cost is to get a free quote. For a rough idea of fitting prices, take a look at our article on how much carpet fitters in Kent charge.
Why Choose Kent Flooring for Carpets in Ashford?
We are an experienced team of flooring and carpet fitters in Ashford and the wider county. Here is what you can expect when you work with us:
- Our own fitters. We use our own in-house teams and never sub-contract, so we can be sure of the quality from start to finish.
- Huge choice. We have over 1,000 samples from trusted names such as Cormar Carpets, Victoria Carpets, Heckmondwike, Burmatex and Marlings.
- Honest advice. There is no hard sell. We will talk you through the options and help you find the right carpet for how your space is used.
- Less disruption. For businesses, we can work around your opening hours so your day carries on as normal.
- A tidy finish. We can lift and take away your old flooring, so there is nothing left for you to sort out.
Our showroom is on the Medway City Estate in Rochester, with easy parking. Mandy, who runs the showroom, can help you match a carpet to your paint colours or wallpaper, so you can picture the finished room before you decide.
Book Your Free Carpet Quote Today
If you are looking for carpets in Ashford, Kent, we would love to help. Call Kent Flooring UK Ltd on 01634 907777 for a free survey and a no-obligation quote, or pop into our showroom for a friendly chat.
