Underlay

Underlay is constructed of several different materials, including sponge rubber, foam rubber, urethane foam, bonded urethane and felted combinations of hair and jute. 

Choosing the right underlay is crucial. The choices vary with Felt, Rubber and Foam underlay being the most popular and used. 

Be sure to choose a good quality underlay as the benefits far outway the cost. A good quality will not only provide increased padding underfoot it will serve to prolong the life of your carpet too. 

A better quality underlay will also provide better sound insulation, dampening foot traffic noise. It will also improve heat insulation in the winter and keep the room cooler in the summer. 

We recommend that if you are re-laying new carpet over old that you choose a new underlay rather that reuse the old underlay again. This is because it has probably deteriorated considerably especially if it has been situated in high traffic areas such as lounge rooms, hall ways and offices. 

Don't skimp because you think that no-one can see it. Buy the very best you can afford. It would be such a pity to have the quality of your carpet undermined by a poor and inappropriate underlay. You could also reduce your carpet's life by years. 

You want your underlay to last as long as your new carpet so spend
a little more and get a good quality underlay and your new carpet
will love you for years to come.

Carpet, Carpet Underlay, Carpet Insulation - Buying good quality carpet underlay

Buying good quality carpet is a sensible move, but the look and performance are going to be severely undermined if the carpet is poorly laid. Problems such as poor joins, badly matched patterns, rucking and lumpy underlay can arise. As a general rule, the better the underlay you buy, the longer the carpet will look good. Don't skimp on the grounds that no-one can see it! Buy the very best you can afford. It would be such a pity to have the quality of your carpet undermined by a poor and inappropriate underlay. You could also reduce your carpet's life by years.

The underlay for your new carpet can be either rubber or foam there is also felt underlay which is recommended for woven carpets. 

What is important is the level of quality you choose. A better quality foam or rubber underlay will provide increased cushioning underfoot, will last longer and offer better support for the life of your carpet. It will also provide improved sound, and heat and cold insulation, all for a relatively small cost.

If the existing underlay is only 2 or 3 years old it can be reused but we do not recommend it as it will have deteriorated to some degree, particularly in the high traffic areas. If you are purchasing a carpet that will last many years you need an underlay that will last the same period of time. 
 

The right underlay will:	The wrong underlay can:
Absorb the constant pressure of foot traffic   Cause wrinkling and buckling Keep the carpet from matting down and looking worn   Trigger the carpet to separate from the backing or pull apart at the seams Add insulation   Break down the carpet Reduce noise