About us

Family flooring specialists since 1972.

Three generations in, we still believe the best flooring service feels personal, practical, and properly looked after from the first conversation to the final fit.

Historic exterior of the family flooring shop.
Exterior of the warehouse used by the family business.
Inside the warehouse filled with flooring stock.
Historic warehouse interior showing flooring stock and displays.
Historic project or recognition from the family business archive.
Historic Croydon-related moment from the business archive.

Our story

Built the old-fashioned way.

From a van and a handful of trusted clients to a warehouse, a showroom, and decades of repeat recommendations, the business has grown by staying reliable, knowledgeable, and hands-on. Over the years that has opened doors to all kinds of work, including projects connected to the BAFTAs alongside homes, contracts, and private clients.

BAFTA-related work from the family business archive.
1972

1972

Founded by Ted and Edward Carlton

E. Carlton & Son was established by father and son, Ted and Edward Carlton. They started exactly how many great family businesses do: one van, a lot of hard work, and a reputation earned job by job.

1976

1976

From van rounds to a proper shop

After four years trading as a man in a van, they acquired their first shop on Long Lane. That storefront brought new clients through the door and helped properly establish the business in the trade.

1978

1978

A bigger home in Crystal Palace

Demand quickly outgrew the shop, so the business moved into a warehouse in Paddock Gardens, Crystal Palace. From there they handled everything from domestic homes to large contracts and private clients of every kind.

2002

2002

A new generation, same standards

Billy joined straight from school in 2002 and learned the trade hands-on from Edward and experienced fitters. Sophie joined full time in 2020 after years helping part time. Together they now lead the family business with deep product knowledge, practical experience, and the same no-fuss service the company was built on.

Today

Billy and Sophie now lead the business together.

Billy joined the team in 2002 and learned the trade from Edward and a generation of highly experienced fitters. He now brings more than 24 years of practical fitting knowledge to every kind of flooring project.

Sophie joined full time in 2020 after years helping the business alongside her education. Between them they bring deep product knowledge, real enthusiasm for the work, and a straightforward way of looking after customers from start to finish.

They have kept the family way of doing things: a fast and efficient service, an extensive choice of products, and pricing that stays competitive without cutting corners.

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