Supply and fit: the convenient option
With supply and fit, your carpet fitter sources, supplies and installs everything — carpet, underlay and fitting. The main advantages are convenience and the fitter taking responsibility for correct quantities, no transport headaches, and professional advice on carpet selection. Fitters often have trade accounts with wholesalers and can source good quality carpet at competitive prices.
Fit only: take control of your carpet choice
If you have a specific carpet in mind from a retailer, or want to take advantage of a sale, buying the carpet yourself and using a local fitter for installation is a perfectly viable option. You may be able to achieve a better carpet for the same total budget if you find a good deal.
The risks of fit only
Measurement errors are your responsibility with fit only. Buying too little is expensive — a second delivery may not be from the same dye lot, causing colour variation. Always buy 10% extra for wastage and pattern matching on patterned carpets.
Which is cheaper overall?
It varies. For standard carpets, supply and fit from a local fitter is often competitive with DIY sourcing once you factor in delivery costs. For premium or specialist carpets, sourcing yourself may offer genuine savings. The safest approach is to get quotes for both and compare.