The rate of retail price inflation for flooring slipped back in May, despite higher prices for smooth flooring.
According to ONS, the rate for carpet and other floorcoverings fell from 9% in April to 8.1% in May. In the past year it has averaged 8.17%.
The rate for carpets and rugs dropped from 7.6% to 6.1% but other flooring saw the rate rise from 15.2% to 21%.
The overall furniture, furnishings and flooring index saw the rate edge down from 15% to 14.7%: a year ago it was 6.8%.