Do you need underlay for carpet?

Author: Maryse Mueller  |  Last update: Friday, November 14, 2025

When fitting your desired carpet, we always recommend having an underlay. Carpet and underlay deteriorate at roughly the same rate, so if you are replacing your carpet you should usually replace your underlay alongside it.

How important is underlay for carpet?

Underlay isn't just crucial for comfort underfoot, but it also drastically helps maintain your carpet as well as providing extra protection against moisture. It is also a great shock absorber, meaning it's ideal for reducing noise from things like footsteps, voices or moving furniture.

Can you install carpet without underlay?

Yes, it is necessary - trust me on this, you will be able to see the lines of the floorboards through the carpet after a little while. It also makes the carpet last longer as the friction from the subfloor is reduced when you walk over it. Try recycled wool underlay - it's fairly cheap when you buy it online.

Do you need underlay for carpet on stairs?

The staircase is one of the busiest areas of the home. To withstand the high levels of footfall and protect your new carpet, a high-quality underlay is essential.

Do you need underlay in bedrooms?

Bedrooms need a luxury underlay, for a spongy bouncy feel whilst you are barefoot upstairs.

Getting Technical: Choosing Underlay

What happens if you don't use underlay?

It smooths out the subfloor

If you have areas in your subfloor that are bumpy, uneven or rough, laying carpet directly on it will lead to uneven wear and significantly shorten its lifespan. By installing underlay first you negate a lot of these imperfections, keeping your carpet looking its best for longer.

Why is carpet underlay so expensive?

It goes without saying that the more there is of a particular underlay, the more you can expect it to cost. This applies to both thickness and density. Thicker products quite clearly mean more material has been used to produce it, which means a higher cost. But density plays a huge part too.

Do you need underlay for carpet on concrete floors?

Lay Out The Under Padding

Best Underlayment with moisture barrier is essential to a good carpet Install, a good pad not only feels good under foot, but helps keep a concrete pad warm and helps make your carpet last longer!

Can you put carpet just on stairs?

A colorful carpet runner cascading down a flight of stairs is more than just a decor upgrade. Installing carpet on stairs helps protect them from damage and wear. A stair runner can also help muffle the noise that people make as they go up or down the stairs. This guide will teach you how to install a stair runner.

Does carpet need subfloor?

The carpet can be installed directly over the wood subfloor, providing a comfortable and cozy flooring option for your space. However, it's crucial to inspect the subfloor for any signs of damage or unevenness that may need to be addressed before installation.

Is it okay to install carpet without padding?

Yes. Think of it as asphalt for your carpet installation. Without asphalt, your car would drive over an unpaved road?with dust, potholes, and mud.

Is carpet underlay glued?

Dual Bond Carpet Installation

Often called double stick installation. This is similar to direct glue-down installation, except that we first glue an underlay to the floor and then glue the carpet to the underlay.

Can you lay flooring without underlay?

Laminate flooring manufacturers typically recommend an underlayment. What happens if you don't put padding under laminate flooring is moisture coming through the subfloor can cause it to warp and mildew. And footsteps on the floor will be louder.

Does carpet underlay absorb water?

Underlay is typically made from materials such as foam, rubber, or cork, which can absorb moisture if they are not properly protected. Moisture can create a damp environment where the growth of bacteria and mildew can get into underlay. Bacteria and mildew can be introduced into underlay from a variety of sources.

Do you need underlay upstairs?

Noise reducing underlays might be considered for older properties and renovation projects where there is a particular concern about the impact sound of the flooring underfoot. They are worth looking into if you're installing on the second floor of your home and want to minimise the impact noise from above.

What type of underlay is best for carpet?

A high-quality PU foam underlay is an excellent choice, as it offers superior cushioning, creating a soft and luxurious feel underfoot.

What carpet to avoid for stairs?

What carpet should you avoid for stairs? Avoid plush, high-pile, or thick carpets on your stairs because they can increase the risk of slipping and wear down quickly in busy homes. Also, ensure the carpet you install is stain-resistant, particularly if you select a light color.

Can you put carpet on stairs without underlay?

Your stairs are one of the areas where this takes the most damage. As such, carpet on stairs without underlay will quickly become thin and deteriorate. However, it is not always possible to get the thickest underlay money can buy. The intricate nature of a staircase and its turns means a balance has to be reached.

How to install carpet on concrete?

  1. Clear the Room. Clear the room of all furniture and décor. ...
  2. Install Tack Strips. Install concrete tack strips around the room's perimeter, cutting them with tin snips if needed. ...
  3. Lay the Vapor Barrier. ...
  4. Install Carpet Padding. ...
  5. Cut the Carpeting. ...
  6. Seal the Seams. ...
  7. Tack the Carpet to One Wall. ...
  8. Stretch the Carpet.

Does carpet have underlayment?

No matter if your carpet has a high or low pile or it is thick and plush, you will still definitely need an underlayment. Commonly known as padding or cushion, it helps protect the rug from wearing against a bare floor and cushions the impact of furniture and foot traffic.

Can you put carpet on top of cement?

Yes, it can be installed over concrete, but we keep a few things in mind: We make sure it's the correct type of carpet and that the subfloor is smooth and dry. We also use tan epoxy adhesive, so it's not affected by any moisture.

How thick should carpet underlay be?

So generally speaking 7mm is about as thin as you want to go unless you have a specialist need for something thinner, but 8-12mm is the band most manufacturers produce carpet underlay with and its perfect for any room and any carpet.

Should all carpet have underlay?

We recommend all carpet has a new underlay, however, you must ensure the combined TOG rating value of the carpet and underlay isn't too high as this would an adverse effect on the heating.

Is carpet the best flooring?

Choosing Carpet or Hardwood for your Room:

For living rooms, family rooms, and dining rooms, hardwood floors can elevate the look of the space. For high traffic areas, entryways, and playrooms, carpet can be a practical and comfortable option.

What makes carpet look expensive?

Expensive carpets look and feel more luxurious underfoot. The quality of the fibres and materials used is higher. They are and they will last longer and wear better. In comparison a budget carpet will look and feel lower quality, and it will wear and need replaced sooner.

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