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Carpet fitter invoice template

A worked example for carpet fitters in the construction and building trades category, with 2026 prices and the VAT rules that apply.

A carpet fitter invoice should show a unique invoice number, your name and address, the client's details, the date, each item of work with its price, and the total due. Carpet fitters typically ask for payment on receipt. VAT at 20% is added only if you are VAT registered.

Example carpet fitter invoice

Dated 1 October 2026 with payment due on receipt. Names and prices are fictional.

Invoice

INV-0042

Example

From

J. Rossi

Carpet fitter

88 Victoria Road

Manchester

M14 7KL

Bill to

Ms P. Lindqvist

Flat 6, 27 Park Avenue

Bristol

BS8 1LN

Invoice date
1 October 2026
Due date
On receipt
Terms
Payment on receipt
Reference
Carpet fitter work, October 2026
DescriptionQtyUnit priceVATAmount
Fit carpet to stairs, landing and 3 bedrooms (customer supplied, 58 m2)58 m2£5.5020%£319.00
Underlay, 10 mm PU58 m2£4.2020%£243.60
Gripper rods and door bars1 lot£48.0020%£48.00
Uplift and dispose of old carpet1 fixed£60.0020%£60.00
Subtotal
£670.60
VAT at 20%
£134.12
Total
£804.72
Fictional names and prices for illustration. Payment by bank transfer to the account shown on your real invoice. Payment is due on receipt.

Typical rates for carpet fitters

Guide figures for 2026. Rates vary by region and experience; the VAT figures come from the 2026-27 tax year data.

ItemTypical figure
Typical hourly rate£25 to £40
Typical day rate£180 to £280
Payment termsOn receipt
DepositNot usually taken
VAT flat rate sectorLabour-only building or construction services (14.5%)
VAT registration threshold£90,000 taxable turnover in 12 months

How do carpet fitters usually invoice?

Carpet fitters are usually paid on the day, by the square metre fitted, with underlay, gripper and door bars supplied by the fitter and shown as separate lines. Most work comes from carpet shops that subcontract the fitting and pay a set rate per square metre at the end of the week or month. Direct customers pay on completion by card or bank transfer, so the invoice doubles as a receipt.

Carpet fitters in this example are paid on receipt. Hourly rates run from £25 to £40. A full day is typically £180 to £280.

What should a carpet fitter put on an invoice?

Beyond the legal basics, carpet fitters should:

  • Show square metres per room and the fitting rate; stairs are priced per stair or at a higher rate.
  • For shop work, put the retailer's job number and the customer's name and address on the invoice.
  • List underlay and gripper with quantities so the customer knows they were supplied, not reused.
  • Charge uplift and disposal separately; some customers clear the room themselves.

Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:

  • a unique, sequential invoice number
  • your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
  • the client’s name and address
  • the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
  • a clear description of each item of work or goods
  • the amount due and when it must be paid
  • your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered

Do carpet fitters charge VAT?

Carpet fitting is specifically excluded from CIS, so no deduction applies even when a builder pays you. If you are VAT registered, fitting and any underlay or gripper you supply are standard rated at 20%. Below the £90,000 threshold you charge no VAT.

On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for carpet fitters is usually “Labour-only building or construction services” at 14.5% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.

Source: GOV.UK: Invoicing and taking payment from customers; GOV.UK: VAT Flat Rate Scheme, how much you pay. Last updated .

Frequently asked questions

Is a carpet fitter under CIS?
No. Carpet fitting is one of the activities specifically excluded from the Construction Industry Scheme, so a builder paying you makes no deduction. Fitting laminate or wood flooring is not excluded, so if you do both, only the carpet work escapes CIS.
How much do carpet fitters charge per square metre?
Typically £4 to £7 per square metre for straightforward rooms in 2026, with stairs charged at £5 to £8 per step and a minimum charge of around £80. Underlay adds £3 to £6 per square metre. Shop subcontract rates are lower but come with steady volume.
Do carpet fitters charge VAT?
Only if VAT registered, which most sole trader fitters are not because fitting-only turnover rarely passes £90,000. Once registered, fitting, underlay and gripper are all standard rated at 20%. If you also sell carpet, that is standard rated too.

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Cite this page: “Carpet fitter invoice template (free UK example)”, SoleKit, https://solekit.co.uk/invoice-template/carpet-fitter