The Importance of Carpet Underlay: What It Is and Why It Matters for Your Flooring

 A luxurious, soft carpeted floor can make any room in your home feel more comfortable. If you’re looking to re-carpet your living space, then there are many options for you to consider; from colours and materials to textures and thicknesses. But one aspect of a carpeting project that’s often overlooked is the underlay that sits underneath all flooring. It might not be visible, but it’s an essential component that can have numerous positive effects on your new Carpet Underlay.

 Longevity or a luxury feel underfoot

Whether you’re looking for longevity or a luxury feel underfoot, it’s essential to always choose a quality underlay, as it can have a huge impact on how your carpets look and perform. In fact, a carpet fitted without underlay can also invalidate its guarantee or warranty. So, we’ve put together a guide to help you understand Carpet Underlay; from why it’s an essential component to how to choose the best underlay for your home.

Carpet Underlay: What is it?

Essentially, carpet underlay is a layer of material that’s placed underneath your carpet before it’s laid down. It can be made from a variety of materials, including foam, felt and rubber, and has numerous benefits. For example, it minimises indentation marks from furniture, helps your carpet last longer, and depending on the thickness can even reduce noise in your home.

 Old underlay can harbour dirt and moisture

Many homeowners think they can re-use existing underlay beneath their carpets when they’re getting them replaced, but this is a very bad idea. Old underlay can harbour dirt and moisture, which will damage your carpet and cause it to wear unevenly.

 A reliable option that’s suitable for most purposes

It can also reduce the acoustic properties of your carpet, which is why it’s important to choose the right underlay for your needs. Different underlay types are suited to different purposes, rooms and underfloor bases; for example, rebond foam is great for stair carpeting as it’s hard-wearing, while SBR latex is ideal for lounge Carpet Underlay.

conclusion

Crumb rubber underlay is a good choice for high-traffic areas as it’s dense and durable, while flat sponge rubber is also a reliable option that’s suitable for most purposes. Alternatively, there’s foam underlay, which is a more affordable option than rubber and made from recycled products for an eco-friendly alternative. All of these types are available in a range of thicknesses and tog ratings, so you can find the perfect underlay for your needs and budget.