Carpet fitters in Harlow

What are homes in Harlow like?

Harlow was built as a new town after the Second World War, planned around neighbourhoods each with their own shops and green spaces. Much of the housing dates from the late 1940s to the 1970s: terraces, semis, maisonettes and flats, many of them built to standard designs. Old Harlow, to the east, is much older, with period buildings around its original village centre. Newer estates have also been built on the edges of town.

Does a concrete floor change the flooring choice?

Many post-war Harlow homes have concrete ground floors rather than suspended timber, while the upstairs floors are usually timber joists with boards or chipboard. Concrete is solid and quiet but can be uneven, and in older homes the damp-proofing may not be as good as in a modern house.

• Carpet on concrete is usually fixed with gripper rods glued or nailed into the floor. A good underlay makes it feel warmer and softer.
• LVT and vinyl need a smooth, flat base. A levelling compound is often laid first, as any lump or crack in the concrete will show through.
• Laminate floats on its own underlay, but on concrete it usually needs a damp-proof layer underneath.
• Old floor tiles or adhesive may still be stuck to the concrete. Tell the fitter if you know of any, as old materials sometimes need checking before they are disturbed.

What about maisonettes and flats?

Maisonettes are a familiar part of Harlow's housing, and they often come with an internal staircase that runs straight up between two walls. These are easier to carpet than winding stairs, but carrying rolls of carpet up communal stairs and through narrow doorways takes planning. Say which floor you are on and whether there is a lift.

If you own a flat or maisonette on a lease, check whether the lease or the freeholder restricts hard floors upstairs, and whether an acoustic underlay is required.

Do businesses in Harlow use the service?

Harlow has several business parks and industrial areas, with offices, laboratories, workshops and trade premises. Carpet tiles suit most offices, and heavy-duty vinyl is common in kitchens, toilets and areas where equipment is moved. If you need flooring done in a working building, mention any hours when the area is quiet.

How does it work if I'm in Harlow?

Use the form to say what you need and where. We forward it, with your consent, to one fitter covering your Harlow postcode, rather than spreading your details around. They get in touch, look at the floors if that helps and agree any price with you directly. There is no fee for enquiring and you remain free to say no.