Outside of choosing the right type, colour and fibre of your new carpet, a quality underlay is an important consideration when re-carpeting your home or business. We recommend choosing an underlay that provides ultimate comfort underfoot and delivers the support your carpet needs to achieve its advertised lifespan.
While choosing underlay is usually overlooked, we’ve taken the guesswork out and have picked some of Australia’s leading carpet underlay suppliers that are guaranteed to improve the performance of your new carpet.
So, What is Carpet Underlay?
Carpet underlay is a layer of cushioning between your subfloor and carpet. Carpet underlay also offers thermal insulation properties. It helps to retain heat, making the room feel warmer and more comfortable. Additionally, it acts as a barrier against cold drafts and can contribute to energy efficiency by reducing heat loss through the floor.
It’s this layer that helps provide additional support for your carpet—improving its lifespan. It also helps reduce noise transmission with some underlay options even including an antimicrobial treatment—making them perfect for families with allergies.
Modern carpet underlays are generally made from re-bond foam, SBR latex, rubber or felt and are available in varying thickness and density. The density is measured in kg/m³ which helps give you an indication on the longevity of your underlay. Weights start around 69kg/m³ with some commercial underlay going all the way up to 542kg/m³. But, it’s all about balance. You don’t want to go too dense as you want to enjoy the comfort of your new carpet too!
Benefits of Choosing A Quality Underlay
- Underlay adds comfort and softness underfoot
- Improves acoustics by reducing noise transfer
- Acts as a thermal insulator – reducing your energy bills
- Prolongs life of your new carpet as crushing forces on the pile are absorbed by the underlay
- Underlay can help in hiding subfloor imperfections
- Underlay can improve carpet appearance & retention
- Can help reduce indentations left by heavy furniture
- Reduces the risk of injury when slips and falls occur
- Our underlay options are even guaranteed for the life of your carpet.
How to Choose the Best Underlay
Choosing the best underlay for your carpeted floor depends on various factors such as your specific needs, carpet type, and the characteristics of the room. Here are some key considerations to help you choose the right underlay:
- Comfort: Look for underlay that offers good cushioning and support underfoot. Consider the density and thickness of the underlay, as they can impact the level of comfort. Thicker underlay generally provides more cushioning.
- Carpet Type: Different carpet types may have specific requirements for underlay. For example, loop pile carpets may require firmer underlay to prevent excessive stretching, while softer underlay may be suitable for cut pile carpets. Check the carpet manufacturer’s recommendations or consult with a carpet professional for guidance.
- Traffic and Usage: Consider the level of foot traffic in the room. High-traffic areas may benefit from denser and more durable underlay to withstand heavy use. If you have pets or children, you might want underlay that is resistant to spills and stains.
- Sound Insulation: If noise reduction is a priority, choose underlay with good sound insulation properties. Look for underlay specifically designed to minimize impact noise and airborne sound transmission between floors.
- Thermal Insulation: If you want to improve energy efficiency and create a warmer environment, select underlay with good thermal insulation properties. Insulating underlay helps to retain heat and prevent heat loss through the floor.
- Quality and Durability: Choose underlay from reputable manufacturers known for producing high-quality products (we’ve taken the guess-work out of this for you!). Look for underlay that is durable and resilient, as it will contribute to the longevity of your carpet.
It’s recommended to consult with our expert carpet professionals or retailers who can provide specific recommendations based on your carpet type, budget, and requirements. They can offer expert advice on the best underlay options available to suit your specific needs.
