How to Choose Carpet Underlay for Different Flooring Types: Hardwood, Tile, and More

 We often get caught up selecting the right style and colour carpet, but the underlay that lies beneath it shapes how your new carpet feels, wears and performs. Whether your new carpet is for your home or commercial environment, the underlay you choose is vital to its longevity and quality.

More durable

When choosing Carpet Underlay, the material it is made from and its thickness and density are important considerations. Modern underlays are generally made of foam (often PU), re-bond rubber, SBR latex and felt, and are available in varying densities. The higher the underlay's density, the more durable it is.

Aside from its protective function, underlay also helps to keep your new carpet looking great by providing a cushion between it and the floor beneath. It can also help improve your home's thermal efficiency by trapping heat and reducing sound levels.

High-quality 

Underlay is an integral part of the carpet and it is not something you should skimp on or try to save money by avoiding – doing so will likely invalidate your warranty. The best way to ensure you get a high-quality underlay for your carpet is to select it at the same time as your new carpet.

Carpet Underlay

The type of underlay you need for your carpet is determined by the type and positioning of the room, your lifestyle needs and the overall aesthetic of the space. Underlay for loop pile carpets may need to be firmer and a little thicker to prevent the carpet from stretching, while underlay for cut pile carpets will benefit from being soft and pliable to increase comfort.

 Designed to be acoustic

In addition, some underlay is designed to be anti-microbial to protect against moisture which can lead to mould and mildew and affect health issues like asthma and allergies. Others are designed to be acoustic, insulating and to reduce the transmission of impact and airborne noise.

Conclusion

Carpet underlay is available in a range of thicknesses and densities, with varying price points to suit all budgets. For example, the popular PU foam underlay from Dunlop is made from recycled post-industrial materials which enhances its sustainability credentials and is very affordable.

Choosing an integrated Carpet Underlay is the most cost-effective and efficient solution for your flooring project. It allows you to avoid the hassle of ordering and installing separate underlays and ensuring they are correctly aligned.