A Guide to Carpet Underlay

Sometimes referred to as carpet padding or carpet cushioning; underlay is the spongy layer which is directly underneath your carpet.

While carpet underlay makes your carpet feel nice and soft that isn’t its primary purpose. The most beneficial reason for having carpet padding is to prolong the lifespan of your carpet; underlay acts like a shock absorber, taking the weight of people walking all over it and making sure your carpet bounces back to its original shape instead of being flattened and worn down into the hard surface below.

There are differing opinions about how much money you should spend on carpet underlay. One camp says if you have scrimp on something choose cheaper carpet but the most expensive underlay, the other camp says the exact opposite… so who do you believe?

In my experience you are better off finding a middle ground. Don’t buy the cheapest of one thing and the best of the other; why not buy a good quality underlay and good quality carpet? If you can afford the best of both that’s great! The key is to find a solution that works for you and your budget.

Sound Insulation – Carpet underlay not only reduces the amount of noise inside the room by dulling sound waves, but it also helps to reduce the amount of noise heard in other rooms such as listening to someone walking around upstairs.

Heating Insulation – By adding an extra layer of insulation under the carpet it helps keep the heat inside and prevent so much loss through the floorboards.

Personal Enjoyment – Carpet underlay makes your floors feel extra soft and comfortable. Great for those families that play rough and tumble on the ground!

Reduces Wear & Tear – As mentioned previously, carpet padding is often used as a way to preserve your carpet. It helps by keeping your carpet from being worn down by furniture and foot traffic.

PU Rebond Carpet Underlay – A by product of manufacturing industries, PU Rebond underlay is made from the type of foam used to stuff couches and car seats. It is rebonded into a sheet of foam which is easy to handle and pretty lightweight. Usually considered the ‘luxury’ underlay, it provides superb insulation and is the thickest underlay for sale.

Crumb Rubber Carpet Underlay – Made from old car tyres which are powdered then rebonded into a sheet of underlay similar to the PU underlay. Normally used in commercial environments as it is very hard wearing and durable. It doesn’t have the spongy feel like the PU.

Felt Carpet Underlay – Very old fashioned and not used much these days. Felt underlay was great for noise insulation, but terrible at trapping dust and mites, hence the reason it is seldom used.