What is underlay?

 

Underlay is placed underneath carpet to provide comfort, to reduce wear on the carpet and also to insulate sound and heat. Currently, there are three types of Underlay available in the market today, they are Crushed Crumb Rubber Underlay, Rubber Waffle Underlay and PU Foam.

 

The thicker the Underlay is, the more effective it is regarding comfort, sound and heat insulation.

Why use underlay? 

 

Underlay is very important for when you are having your new carpet. Underlay provides added softness to the carpet, improves sound insulation, improves heat insulation, absorbs the weight of furniture to prevent marks and helps against general wear and tear. It's safe to say, underlay is definately a helpful thing to have!

Do I need underlay?

 

This all depends on what type of carpet you are looking to purchase.

Woven carpets do not have any type of cushioned backing, therefore underlay is required.

Carpets with a secondary backing usually have either a polypropylene mesh or hessian backing with no cushioning, therefore underlay is required.

Felt backed carpets have a thin layer of felt which is often described as having a built in underlay. Unfortunately, this 'felt back' offers very little in the way of the benefits compared to our underlay products.

For foam backed carpets, underlay is not recommened.