Sam and Natalie, who run Phil Irwin Carpets and Flooring in Teddington
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Phil Irwin flooring and carpeting is the latest local firm to join the growing family of local businesses who recognise the value of partnering Teddington’s best and most reliable community website to engage with their customers. Here, the owners share their views about the recipe for success in a competitive sector.
Q) Congratulations Sam and Natalie on being in business for 50 years here in Teddington – what’s been the secret of your success over the years.
A) Thank you! The real secret is simple – personal service, quality products, and trust. We’re a family-run business, started by Sam’s dad Phil, now continuing as husband and wife and we’ve always prided ourselves on being honest, reliable and giving customers the best advice for their homes. People know they can come to us and we’ll look after them – that reputation has kept us going strong for five decades.
Q) I suppose one of the big positives is that you aren’t in a business which can be overtaken by technology or AI but you must have seen some big changes over the years? What are the biggest ones?
A) Yes, it’s true – flooring is very hands-on, but we’ve definitely seen changes. The biggest ones are in materials and sustainability. Customers are much more eco-conscious now, asking about where products are sourced and how long they’ll last. We’ve also seen improvements in manufacturing, so carpets and floors are more durable and easier to maintain than ever.
Q) Do carpets and floors go through phases when something develops a bit of a trend and then everyone wants the same thing? Give us some examples.
A) Absolutely – trends play a huge role. For example, grey carpets were incredibly popular for years, and now we’re seeing a shift towards warmer tones like beige and natural stone shades. Stripes are not in demand as much and now Flatweave and Herringbone carpets have replaced these. With hard floors, oak has always been a classic, but herringbone patterns have become a big trend recently – people love the timeless, stylish look.
Q) The other big change must be prices. What are the biggest influences on costs of carpets and floors – where do they actually come from – China?
A) Prices are influenced mainly by raw materials, energy costs, and shipping. Wool carpets, for example, are affected by the global price of wool. Many carpets are still made here in the UK, particularly in Yorkshire and Devon, while hard flooring often comes from Europe – Germany, France, and Eastern Europe are strong in wood manufacturing. Some budget products are made in China and Turkey, but most of what we sell comes from the UK and Europe.
Q) Is the UK a big player in the manufacturing of carpets. Axminster was always famous but what about wooden floors – where does that come from?
A) Yes, the UK is still one of the world’s leading carpet manufacturers, especially when it comes to quality wool carpets. Brands like Axminster and Brintons are still made here and are hugely respected. Wooden floors, on the other hand, tend to come from Europe – countries like Germany, Austria and Eastern Europe supply a lot of oak flooring.
Q) Tastes must have changed over the years from heavily patterned carpets to plain colours – and is there a tendency for more flooring now because it’s easier to clean?
A) That’s right. In the 70s and 80s, patterned carpets were the thing – think bold florals and swirls! Nowadays, people go for neutral shades that make a home feel bigger and more modern. Flooring has also grown in popularity, especially luxury vinyl and engineered wood, because it’s stylish, practical and easy to maintain.
Q) Tell us a bit about Teddington, how the business started by your dad Phil, and what you like about the area.
A) Phil started the business 50 years ago as a man in a van, we opened our showroom in Teddington around 18 years ago. It’s always been a community shop, serving families who’ve come back to us again and again over the years. Teddington is a wonderful place – it has a village feel with friendly people, great schools, and the river on our doorstep. We love being part of it.
Q) Can you give us any stories about strange requests from customers or amazing properties or buildings you’ve worked on?
A) We’ve had a few unusual ones but those ones are always fun. We’ve also worked in some beautiful period homes around Richmond and Hampton Court, where fitting flooring around grand staircases and original features can be challenging but very rewarding.
Q) I assume the cost of carpets can vary massively. Can you give an example of a very expensive carpet and why it’s so expensive? What makes it special?
A) Yes, prices vary hugely. A top-end wool carpet from a British manufacturer can cost several hundred pounds per square metre. The price comes from the quality of the wool, the craftsmanship, and the intricate weaving techniques. These carpets are built to last decades, and you really can feel the difference underfoot.
Q) You are obviously a successful and well-established business locally, but do you have customers from far away? This is one of the few things you can’t really buy online without seeing first, isn’t it?
Q) That’s right – flooring is very tactile, you need to see and feel it. Most of our customers are local, but we do have people travel in from further afield, especially if they’ve been recommended by family or friends. We’ve even had people move away and still come back to us when they need new flooring because they trust our advice.
Q) Do you think the business will carry on through to the next generation?
A) We’d love that. It’s very much a family business, and we’re proud to have carried on what my dad Phil started. Whether the next generation decides to join us will be up to them, but we’d be delighted and very proud if they did.
Q) Is it possible to give an average figure of how much someone would spend on carpets or/and flooring?
A) It really depends on the size of the home and the materials chosen. We always work with customers to find something that suits their budget without compromising on quality.
Q) Do carpets and floors go through phases when something develops a bit of a trend and then everyone wants the same thing? Give us some examples.
Q) Can you give us any stories about strange requests from customers or amazing properties or buildings you’ve worked on?
