The availability of free samples for flooring products is a significant advantage for UK consumers, allowing them to assess colour, texture, and quality in their own homes before committing to a purchase. Multiple UK-based flooring retailers offer complimentary sample services, though the specifics—such as the number of samples allowed, delivery methods, and any associated costs—can vary. This article details the sample programmes offered by several prominent UK flooring companies, based on information from their official websites and promotional pages. The focus is on practical information for consumers seeking to order carpet, laminate, vinyl, and other flooring samples by post.
Flooring Direct Sample Service
Flooring Direct provides a free sample service across its range of carpets, vinyl flooring, laminate floors, and engineered flooring. According to its official information, customers can order up to six separate samples, which are delivered directly to their address for a flat fee of £3.99. This fee covers delivery across the UK. The company emphasises the practicality of the service, noting that sample packs are designed to fit through standard post boxes and do not require a signature for delivery.
To request samples, customers browse the Flooring Direct website and use the grey 'Order Free Sample' button on individual product pages. They can select up to four samples at once. After adding samples to the basket, the checkout process requires personal details. Samples are dispatched within 24 hours and typically arrive within a couple of days.
For customers requiring larger samples than the standard size, Flooring Direct offers an upgraded service for a fee: £5 for carpets and vinyl floors, and £10 for engineered or laminate flooring. These larger samples can be requested by calling the company on 01332 977 417 or emailing [email protected]. The standard sample service itself has no hidden charges, and postage is free. Once samples are received and a decision is made, customers can order the full flooring product online or by phone.
RightCarpet.store Free Samples
RightCarpet.store offers a free sample service for carpets, vinyl flooring, laminate flooring, Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), and underlay. The service is promoted as a way to ensure an exact colour match and feel the quality of the flooring before purchase. The company states that colours can appear different on screens, making physical samples essential for accurate decision-making.
Customers can order up to six free samples. The process involves visiting the product page for the desired flooring, selecting the exact colour and style using the variation box, and clicking the 'Order Sample' button to add it to the sample page. Up to three samples can be added at a time. Once selections are made, the order is completed on the sample page.
RightCarpet.store also offers Artificial Grass samples, but these are subject to a £1.00 postage charge. All other samples are sent via Royal Mail with free postage and are dispatched promptly upon ordering. The service highlights benefits such as comparing texture and density of carpet piles, checking vinyl patterns and cushioning, and verifying laminate shade and thickness.
Onlinecarpets.co.uk Free Samples
Onlinecarpets.co.uk provides an identical sample service to RightCarpet.store, as indicated by the matching promotional text and instructions in the source data. The company offers free samples for carpets, vinyl flooring, laminate flooring, LVT, and underlay, with a £1.00 postage charge for Artificial Grass samples. Customers can order up to six free samples.
The ordering process mirrors that of RightCarpet.store: select the product variation, click 'Order Sample,' add up to three samples at a time to the sample page, and complete the order. Samples are sent by Royal Mail with free postage. The service is designed to help customers achieve a perfect colour match, feel the texture, and compare options confidently. The website encourages customers to order multiple samples to compare different options side-by-side in their home environment.
Tapi Flooring Samples
Tapi offers free flooring and carpet samples as part of its customer service. According to its website, customers can select up to three free flooring samples, which are delivered to their home within 3 to 5 working days. The samples are completely free, with no extra charge for delivery. The standard carpet samples measure 14 cm by 14 cm, a size intended for easy comparison in the home.
The sample request process on the Tapi website involves adding favourite options to the basket or a designated drop zone while browsing carpet and flooring options. Customers can select up to three carpet and flooring samples at a time. The service covers a range of products, including carpet, laminate, engineered wood, and LVT flooring. For customers who wish to see a larger sample size or a wider collection, Tapi recommends visiting one of their stores or booking a free home visit with a flooring expert. These appointments are available seven days a week, some evenings, and last approximately 90 minutes for a home visit or 45 minutes in-store.
Tapi’s website also notes that when ordering samples, customers may encounter products with different availability types. In such cases, customers are advised to seek more information before proceeding, though they can still complete their sample order.
Comparative Overview and Key Considerations
When evaluating these UK flooring sample services, several key factors emerge from the source data:
- Sample Limits: Most retailers allow between three and six free samples per order. Flooring Direct and RightCarpet.store/Onlinecarpets.co.uk allow up to six, while Tapi limits customers to three samples at a time.
- Costs: Standard sample services are generally free, but delivery fees vary. Flooring Direct charges a £3.99 delivery fee for its standard service, though samples are free. RightCarpet.store and Onlinecarpets.co.uk offer free samples with free postage (Royal Mail). Tapi provides samples at no cost, including free delivery. Artificial Grass samples from RightCarpet.store/Onlinecarpets.co.uk incur a £1.00 postage charge.
- Delivery Method and Time: Samples are typically sent via Royal Mail. Delivery times vary from "within a couple of days" (Flooring Direct) to "within 3-5 working days" (Tapi). RightCarpet.store and Onlinecarpets.co.uk emphasise "super-fast" delivery.
- Sample Size: Standard samples are small, designed for post-box delivery (Flooring Direct) or for comparison (Tapi’s 14x14 cm carpets). Larger samples are available for an additional fee from Flooring Direct or by visiting a Tapi store.
- Additional Services: Tapi uniquely offers free home visits and in-store appointments with flooring experts, which include access to a wider range of samples. Flooring Direct allows requests for larger samples via phone or email.
Conclusion
UK consumers have access to several reliable, official sample programmes for flooring products, enabling informed purchasing decisions. Services from Flooring Direct, RightCarpet.store, Onlinecarpets.co.uk, and Tapi provide free or low-cost access to carpet, laminate, vinyl, and LVT samples. Key differences lie in delivery fees, sample quantity limits, and the availability of supplementary services like expert consultations. By using these programmes, customers can assess colour, texture, and quality in their own homes, reducing the risk of dissatisfaction with a final purchase. It is advisable for consumers to review the specific terms on each retailer’s website before placing a sample order, as details may be updated.