Carpet Installation in New Zealand: Making the Right Choice Between DIY and Professional Services

Nov 16, 2023

When it comes to enhancing the beauty and comfort of your living space, choosing the right flooring is essential. Carpets are a popular choice among homeowners in New Zealand, providing warmth, style, and a cosy atmosphere. However, before enjoying your new carpet, you must decide whether to install it yourself or hire a professional installation service. In this blog post, we’ll explore the options available for carpet installation in New Zealand, focusing on Online Carpets & Flooring, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your needs, budget, and preferences.

The Importance of Quality Carpet Installation

Proper carpet installation is more than just a cosmetic concern; it’s about ensuring your investment stands the test of time. Quality installation can make a significant difference in the lifespan and functionality of your carpet. A well-installed carpet lies flat, feels comfortable underfoot, and is aesthetically pleasing. It also helps prevent common issues like wrinkles and uneven seams.

DIY Carpet Installation: Pros and Cons

Pros of DIY Carpet Installation:

Cost Savings: If you have the skills, then doing your own installation can save you money on labour costs.
Flexibility: You can work independently and choose the installation date.
Learning Experience: It’s an opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge.

Cons of DIY Carpet Installation:

Skill and Experience Required: Carpet installation is not a beginner-level DIY project; it demands a certain level of expertise.
Time-Consuming: Installing a carpet is a labour-intensive task and can take much longer when done by inexperienced individuals.
Potential for Mistakes: Installation errors can lead to issues like wrinkles, uneven seams, and premature wear.

Hiring Professional Carpet Installers in New Zealand

Opting for professional carpet installation from a reputable service provider like Online Carpets & Flooring offers numerous advantages:

Expertise: Trained professionals have the skills and experience to ensure a high-quality installation.
Time Efficiency: Professionals can complete the installation quickly and efficiently.
Warranty: Many professional installation services offer warranties, providing peace of mind.

Factors to Consider When Choosing DIY or Professional Installation

Before making a decision, consider the following factors to help you make the right choice:

Budget: Determine your budget and assess whether professional installation fits within your financial constraints.
Skill Level: Evaluate your DIY skills and experience to decide if you can handle the installation.
Time: Consider your schedule and how much time you can allocate to the installation.
Complexity: Assess the complexity of the installation process, including room size and specific requirements.
Longevity: Think about the long-term durability of the installation and how it may affect your carpet’s lifespan.

Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Carpet Installation

For those opting to install the carpet themselves, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Measure and Prepare: Measure your room accurately and prepare the subfloor, ensuring it’s clean, level, and dry.
Choose Underlay: Select the appropriate underlay for your carpet type and room usage.
Position the Carpet: Lay the carpet and ensure it’s positioned correctly with the direction of the fibres.
Cut and Fit: Trim excess carpet, ensuring it fits snugly against the walls.
Seaming: If necessary, create seams carefully, ensuring they are barely visible.
Stretch and Tack: Stretch the carpet and use tack strips to secure it in place.
Trim and Finish: Trim any excess carpet and finish the edges with moulding.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Carpet Installation

When considering the cost, DIY carpet installation can save on labour expenses, but it might require more time and effort, especially if you encounter challenges. In contrast, professional carpet installation requires a higher initial investment but offers a hassle-free experience. Professionals ensure the job is done correctly the first time, potentially saving you from long-term maintenance costs. The choice depends on whether you prioritise short-term savings or long-term peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is it better to install a carpet yourself or use professionals?

A1. The choice depends on your budget, skills, and the job’s complexity. DIY can save money, but professionals offer expertise and peace of mind.

Q2. Is it worth installing carpet in my garage?

A2. The decision to install carpet in your garage depends on your specific needs. While an affordable garage carpet can create a more comfortable and inviting space, it might not suit everyone. Consider factors like the intended use of the garage, budget, and climate conditions. For a workshop or storage area, other types of floor options may be more practical. However, if you want to transform your garage into a cosy living space or play area, the garage carpets could be worth the investment.

Q3. What is the most popular carpet right now?

A3. Popular carpet styles change over time, but soft and durable options like plush wool carpets are often in demand. The perfect carpet for you will depend on your preferences, but with so many styles and colour choices, it will be easy to find your perfect choice.

Q4. How do I choose the right carpet style for my home?

A4. Consider your lifestyle, room usage, and design preferences. Consult with professionals for guidance on the best options.

Choosing the right carpet installation method in New Zealand is a crucial decision that impacts the appearance and longevity of your investment. DIY carpet installation can be a cost-effective option for those with the necessary skills and time, but it comes with potential challenges. On the other hand, hiring professional carpet installers like Online Carpets & Flooring offers peace of mind, expertise, and a high-quality result, albeit at a higher initial cost.

Whichever route you choose, ensure you consider your budget, skill level, available time, project complexity, and long-term goals. A well-executed carpet installation will enhance your home’s beauty and comfort, providing a cosy and inviting atmosphere for years to come.

Contact our friendly team at Online Carpets & Flooring for professional installation services and a great selection of carpeting and flooring options to make the right choice for your New Zealand home.

What is the difference between cheap and expensive laminate?

You get what you pay for with laminate flooring, with cheaper ranges using core material and joints that will swell more aggressively if exposed to water during cleaning or from spills. The repeat pattern is also a good indication of quality, ie. our best range has a pattern repeat of 10sqm, where most ranges are 3sqm. This ensures your floor looks authentic.

Can vinyl planks be used in wet areas?

Yes they can.

Do I need to move my furniture?

This can be discussed at the time of measuring. We can assist with moving large furniture items, but will still require you to empty shelves, move smaller items and unmake beds etc.

What does the ‘weight’ of the carpet mean?

Carpet quality is measured in weight, or ‘oz’. Essentially, the heavier a carpet is, means the longer it will last you and the nicer it will feel underfoot. As well as quality increasing as weight increases, price also goes up.

Is Nylon, wool or polyester carpet best?

Each have their own strengths and weaknesses and we are happy to discuss this further with you, however Solution Dyed Nylon tends to be what we sell the most of.

What is the guarantee on the installation?

We provide a lifetime guarantee on the installation.

What is the process of getting new flooring?

If you have an idea of what you want, the next step is to book in for a measure. You will receive a written quote within 24 hours. Once you accept the quote, we will work with you to find a suitable installation date and will request a 50% deposit. Your flooring will then be ordered. Installation timing varies depending on your needs, layer and product availability. Install usually takes 1-2 days depending on the size of your property. The final payment is due on job completion.

Can I shop ‘online?’

Carpet and flooring is a big investment and it can look a lot different in real life to the photos you see online. You can do your research and book your appointment online and then sit back and let our experts come to your home for you to view samples.

Can laminate be used in wet areas?

Some of our laminate ranges can be used in wet areas such as bathrooms and laundries as they have joint sealing technology that will resist water for a long period of time.

How do I best clean my vinyl planks or laminate floor?

Laminate and vinyl floors are very easy to maintain and should only require vacuuming and mopping. However, you should never use a steam mop on either vinyl planks or laminate. Rubber backed items such as mats or bar stool feet should not be used on vinyl floors as these can cause discolouration.

What is tracking and shading?

Plush carpets will show slight depressions left behind from footprints. This is normal and will come out with your next vacuum. All solution dyed nylon carpets do this to some extent, but some more than others, so let us know if this is something you don’t like and we will point you towards the ranges that do it the least.

How long will new carpet last me?

Depending on the weight of your new carpet, and how it is looked after, most manufacturers say carpet should last for ten years.

Do you do repairs?

Our main service is supplying and installing new flooring, however if you have something you are stuck on we can likely steer you in the right direction.

Will I need my doors trimmed?

Sometimes you do need to trim the doors. We have a handyman who charges a very reasonable price, we recommend using him if your doors need to be trimmed.

What sort of carpet or flooring is suitable for me?

We need to establish what your needs are. Is this for your own home, for a rental or are you selling? The best way to do this is to call into our showroom or you can ring and talk to one of our experienced sales staff.