Carpet laying is a solid trade that combines physical work with attention to detail, and for those with good customer skills and work ethic, it can become a highly profitable business. Whether you’re working for a flooring company or running your own small outfit, there’s consistent demand for carpet installation in homes, offices, rental properties, and new builds.
What Does a Carpet Layer Do?
Carpet layers install carpet flooring in residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. The job involves:
- Measuring and planning the layout to minimise waste and seams
- Preparing the subfloor (cleaning, smoothing, sometimes removing old flooring)
- Laying underlay for cushioning and insulation
- Cutting and fitting the carpet to the room dimensions
- Stretching and securing the carpet using gripper strips and a power stretcher
- Trimming the edges and ensuring a clean, tight finish around walls and obstacles
Carpet installation may seem straightforward, but getting clean joins, straight edges, and smooth surfaces requires real skill. It’s physical work — involving kneeling, lifting, and using your hands — so it suits people who enjoy practical, hands-on jobs.
How Long Does It Take to Learn?
You can learn the basics of carpet laying in a few months under supervision, but it generally takes 12 to 24 months to become highly competent. You’ll need to work on a range of projects and learn how to handle different types of carpet, subfloors, and room layouts.
How Do You Learn To Become A Carpet Layer?
Training options include:
- On-the-job experience with a flooring company or contractor (most common)
- Apprenticeships – some regions offer formal pathways (e.g., Certificate III in Flooring Technology in Australia)
- TAFE or trade schools – short courses or full qualifications covering carpet, vinyl, and other flooring types
- Manufacturer training – some carpet brands run installation workshops
No university degree is required, but licensing rules vary by region. In some areas, especially for commercial work, you may need to hold a contractor’s licence or trade certificate.
Equipment Needed and Costs
Carpet laying doesn’t require expensive machinery, which makes it a great trade to start small. Here’s a breakdown of typical tools and prices:
- Knee kicker (for positioning carpet): $150–$300
- Power stretcher (for tensioning large rooms): $400–$800
- Carpet knife and blades: $30–$100
- Seam roller and heat iron (for joining carpets): $150–$500
- Staple gun or tacker: $100–$300
- Carpet trimmer and edge tools: $50–$200
- Measuring tools, chalk line, straight edge: $50–$150
- Tool bag and kneepads: $100–$200
Startup cost for a full toolkit ranges from $1,000 to $2,000, making this one of the more affordable trades to enter.
How Much Can You Earn?
As an employee, qualified carpet layers typically earn:
- $30–$45 per hour (Australia)
- $40,000–$80,000+ per year depending on experience and location
As a sole trader or contractor, you can charge:
- $25–$45 per square metre (includes labour, sometimes underlay)
- $300–$800+ per job for small to medium rooms
- $1,500+ for full-house installations or commercial jobs
A solo carpet layer doing 3–5 jobs per week could earn $1,500–$3,000 weekly, before expenses. Profit margins are solid, especially if you keep overhead low and get consistent referrals.
Many carpet layers also supply carpet and underlay, marking up materials and increasing profits. Others diversify into vinyl plank flooring, carpet tile installations, or floor prep.
Is Carpet Laying a Good Business?
Yes — it’s a low-barrier, high-demand trade with a broad customer base. Clients include:
- Homeowners (new builds and renovations)
- Property managers (rentals and end-of-lease replacements)
- Commercial builders (offices, retail)
- Retirement homes, schools, and public buildings
Good carpet layers with a reputation for clean work and on-time service get booked solid, especially in busy metro areas. With low equipment costs and minimal setup, it’s a great trade to grow into your own business or subcontracting team.
Conclusion:
Carpet laying is a hands-on, profitable trade that’s relatively quick to learn and cheap to start. Whether you want to work for a company or run your own mobile flooring business, there’s a steady market for skilled layers who can work efficiently, communicate well with clients, and deliver a quality finish every time.
