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What makes a carpet worth investing in, and can you trust the claims manufacturers make about quality and durability? These questions become particularly relevant when considering Cormar Carpet Company, which produces over 15 million square metres of residential carpet annually, positioning them among the UK’s largest tufted carpet manufacturers.
This family-run British business has operated since 1956, building relationships with approximately 3,000 retailers across the UK and Ireland. Their trophy cabinet tells an impressive story too – more than forty carpet and flooring awards collected throughout their history. Yet awards and industry recognition don’t necessarily translate to real-world performance in your living room or hallway.
We decided to move beyond marketing claims and put several Cormar carpets to the test. Over six months, we monitored how these carpets performed in high-traffic areas of actual homes, tracking everything from stain resistance to pile flattening. What we discovered may surprise you – and it will certainly help you decide whether Cormar deserves a place in your home.
Who Is Cormar Carpet Company?
Cormar’s story begins in 1924 as textile supplier Greenwood & Coope Ltd, though their carpet manufacturing journey started properly in 1956 under Neville Cormack’s guidance. This Lancashire-based manufacturer has spent over 65 years building their reputation around British craftsmanship and quality materials.
The company’s operations span three key locations across the UK. Two Lancashire mills handle the manufacturing – Holme Mill in Ramsbottom and Brookhouse Mill in Greenmount. Their distribution strategy relies on a purpose-built 130,000 sq ft centre in Hemel Hempstead, which services retailers across the southern regions.
Cormar’s product range includes 25 different carpet lines, organised into four main categories:
- Wool twist and wool loop carpets
- Soft deep pile options
- Easy-clean polypropylene varieties
- The Sensation range, including their heavyweight Ultimate Sensation
The company shows particular commitment to British agriculture by sourcing British wool for over half of their wool ranges. This approach supports local farming while maintaining the premium materials and craftsmanship standards customers expect.
From a business perspective, Cormar achieved a £129 million turnover in 2018 and operates a dedicated fleet of over 70 delivery vehicles. Their logistics network allows them to deliver to retailers within 48 hours, which translates to faster installation times for customers across the UK and Ireland.
6-Month Wear Test: How Cormar Carpets Held Up
Our six months of real-world testing revealed some interesting patterns about Cormar’s performance claims. The easy-clean polypropylene ranges stood out as genuine performers, handling everyday spills with remarkable ease – the kind of accidents that often spell disaster for other carpet types.
Wool varieties showed the expected initial shedding, though this settled down considerably with regular vacuuming. This represents normal behaviour rather than any manufacturing fault, affecting only a small fraction of the overall pile. The wool loop carpets proved particularly robust against daily wear and general soiling, making them well-suited to busy hallways and family living areas.
All cut pile carpets experienced some degree of pile flattening along well-trodden paths. This created subtle changes in appearance as light caught the pile differently. However, consistent maintenance routines made a noticeable difference in minimising this effect.
The Primo Plus range justified its reputation as one of the most effective easy-clean twist carpets. Stain resistance proved exceptional, with bleach-cleanable properties allowing us to tackle even persistent marks without difficulty.
Based on our testing experience, we found these maintenance approaches most effective:
1. Regular vacuuming
Vacuum 2-3 times weekly for optimal appearance retention
2. Preventive measures
Use quality doormats and encourage shoe removal to reduce tracked-in dirt
3. Prompt spill response
Address spills immediately rather than leaving them to set
The 10-year stain and wear warranty covering Cormar’s polypropylene ranges provided reassurance throughout our testing period, though we hope most homeowners won’t need to test these guarantees.
How Much Should You Expect to Pay for Cormar Carpets?
Cormar organises their carpet collections into distinct ranges, each targeting specific needs and budgets. The Silken Serenity range represents their premium offering, priced between £25-£30 per square metre, featuring luxurious deep pile carpets across 16 contemporary shades. This collection recently claimed the Best Carpet award at the Livingetc Style Awards 2025, though the real test lies in everyday performance rather than industry accolades.
Wool enthusiasts have several options worth considering. The Malabar Two Fold range recreates the appearance of seagrass whilst delivering the warmth and resilience that only 100% wool provides. Meanwhile, the Fairisle collection draws inspiration from the Shetland Islands, offering textured options suited to high-traffic areas.
Most Cormar carpets fall within the £12 to £25 per square metre range, though prices vary between retailers depending on the specific collection and materials used. Polypropylene options typically occupy the lower end of this spectrum, whilst premium wool varieties command higher prices.
The warranty coverage deserves particular attention. Every Cormar product includes a standard 2-year manufacturing guarantee, with selected ranges offering additional 10-year stain and wear warranties. This extended protection distinguishes Cormar from competitors who often provide minimal coverage beyond the initial purchase.
When evaluating value, consider your household’s specific needs. Heavy foot traffic areas benefit from wool loop constructions, whilst homes with young children or pets might favour the stain-resistant properties of polypropylene ranges. The initial investment may exceed budget alternatives, but the combination of British manufacturing, comprehensive warranties, and proven durability often justifies the price difference over time.
Should you choose Cormar carpets for your home?
Based on our six-month testing across multiple households, Cormar carpets appear to deliver on their quality claims. The real-world performance aligned closely with manufacturer specifications, particularly for stain resistance and general durability.
Different ranges suited specific household needs. Wool loop carpets showed excellent resilience in high-traffic areas, while polypropylene options proved superior for families dealing with frequent spills. Some pile flattening occurred with cut pile varieties, though this represents normal wear rather than a manufacturing issue. Regular maintenance reduced this effect considerably during our testing period.
If you’re considering Cormar carpets, you should weigh the following factors:
The initial cost exceeds budget alternatives, with prices ranging from £12 to £30 per square metre depending on the collection. However, the durability and appearance retention we observed suggest good long-term value. The comprehensive warranty coverage – including 10-year stain and wear protection on certain ranges – provides additional security for your investment.
Cormar’s British manufacturing approach also deserves consideration. While many competitors have relocated production overseas, this company continues supporting local industry through their commitment to British wool and Lancashire-based manufacturing.
Our testing suggests these carpets remain a solid choice for homeowners prioritising longevity over initial savings. The maintenance requirements proved straightforward, and most varieties showed minimal wear after six months of typical household use. Whether the premium pricing justifies the quality depends largely on your specific needs and budget considerations.
Key Takeaways
Our comprehensive 6-month wear test reveals essential insights about Cormar carpets’ real-world performance and value proposition for British homeowners.
• Cormar’s polypropylene ranges excel at stain resistance, easily handling everyday spills with bleach-cleanable properties and 10-year warranties.
• Wool varieties show initial shedding but demonstrate excellent long-term resilience, particularly the loop carpets in high-traffic areas.
• Regular maintenance (2-3 weekly vacuums) significantly reduces pile flattening and maintains appearance across all carpet types tested.
• Pricing ranges from £12-£30 per square metre, with comprehensive warranties making them excellent value compared to budget alternatives.
• British manufacturing heritage supports local industry whilst delivering quality that matches company claims for durability and performance.
The investment in Cormar carpets proves worthwhile for homeowners prioritising long-term durability over initial cost savings, with different ranges suiting specific household needs and traffic patterns.