We'd like to get one thing clear from the start – underlay thickness does matter. Getting it right can make a huge difference to the final look and feel of your new flooring, having a significant impact on its underfoot comfort, sound and heat insulation, and longevity.
Popular manufacturers make underlay of around 11mm-12mm and this is ideal. Although for more difficult areas like stairs, a 9mm underlay would be far easier to fit, rather than something as much as 12mm. Which is the best type of underlay to use for contract use?
Thickness
But as a general rule, the thicker it is, the better. Those around the 3-5mm mark are a great budget-friendly option and they will make a difference to the look and feel of your laminate. But they don't offer the same performance as a thicker underlay.
Our 2mm Foam Laminate and Wood Flooring Underlay is our low cost underlay which is suitable for all types of wood and laminate flooring. It is also suitable for use on wooden and concrete subfloors.
Ball & Young supply underlay from 3mm all the way through to 11mm; the thicker the product, the more travel of compression there is, which makes the product feel more comfortable and gives better heat insulation.
That's why, for most projects, we typically recommend the Plushwalk 12mm Carpet Underlay. This is the best thermal carpet underlay to date. It boasts an exceptionally high TOG rating of 3.5 and benefits from a 12mm thick, memory foam construction. It will make a huge difference to the temperature of the room.
' Underlays do vary in quality and suitability, but generally speaking, when comparing ranges, the more you pay for the carpet underlay, the better the quality it will be, giving extended life to your carpet.
Too much padding can make the floor too bouncy, which strains the laminate's locking system. If you are fitting a laminate floor with a pre-attached underlay to concrete though, it's a good idea to install a vapour barrier as well. This will help prevent moisture damage.
The high cost of synthetic underlayment is due to its superior material strength and long lifespan compared to felt or asphalt paper underlayment. While the initial investment may be higher, synthetic underlayment can save you money in the long run by lasting longer and requiring fewer repairs or replacements.
A first option to counter the coolness of laminate flooring is the installation of a quality underlay. It's important to note that we are not talking about paint or a liquid coating, but rather a solid membrane often sold in rolls that is deployed under the laminate floor.
Your choice of carpet won't have a huge amount of influence on the type of underlay you need. However, if you've opted for a thinner carpet, you may want to choose a slightly thicker underlay. This will provide extra cushioning without compromising on the style of your carpet.
When moisture penetrates your flooring, it can cause mold, mildew, and the potential for water damage. A moisture barrier helps control the water vapor's movement to help protect your floors. Therefore, if you're installing floors in an area that sees moisture, even a little, a vapor barrier is needed.
DRICORE Insul-Armor is the most premium subfloor. With an R-value of 4.1, DRICORE Insul-Armor provides one of the highest R-values in the market, meaning maximum warmth and comfort for your family.
Choosing a thick (10mm+) underlay for your stairs is not a good idea as it can pose a trip hazard. Moreover, thicker carpet underlays tend to compress slightly with heavy use, which can lead to irregular wear and unsightly lumps, particularly in frequently trodden areas.
Other factors like type, sound ratings, and density matter just as much, if not more than the thickness. With that being said, most underlayments are 2-3mm thick, but are sometimes thicker for carpet or to smooth out an uneven subfloor.
Impact on Flooring Warranty:
Many flooring manufacturers specifically advise against using more than one layer of underlay, as this can void the product's warranty. The extra cushioning places unnecessary stress on the locking mechanisms and joints of the floor, making it more likely to fail prematurely.
The main purpose of carpet underlay is to enhance underfoot comfort and improve insulation. Therefore, as a general rule of thumb – the thicker it is, the better.
Synthetic underlayment is made of tough materials that effectively resist water and UV rays. Its textured surface provides improved traction for roofers, making it safer to work on sloped roofs, especially in wet or icy conditions. Estimated lifespan: 20 to 35 years.
No subfloor is perfectly level, but any signs of unevenness and high or low spots must be remedied. Please follow these requirements: Subfloor unevenness cannot be greater than 3/16 of an inch over a 10-foot span or 1/8 inch over a 6-foot span. Subfloors must not slope more than ½ inch per 6 feet (25 mm per 1.8 m)
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.
Underlay can last anywhere between 5 and 20 years. Foam and Felt underlay can last up to 8-12 years. However, if foam underlay isn't properly installed or maintained, it lasts only 5 years. Acoustic and rubber underlay have the longest lifespan, lasting 10-20 years.
Without underlayment to add a layer between these damp subfloors and the surface flooring, your laminate can quickly become wet, warped, and mildewy, harming its overall integrity. Moisture over time can also break down floor adhesive which causes the floor to start warping.
What is the average price of underlay? The price of carpet underlay is calculated per m2 and – dependent on the supplier and the quality of the product – you can expect to pay anywhere between £2-£8. The more luxurious the underlay, and the better its overall performance, the more it will cost.
A high-quality PU foam underlay is an excellent choice, as it offers superior cushioning, creating a soft and luxurious feel underfoot. It also provides brilliant insulation, keeping your living room warm and comfortable, especially during colder months.
8lb, 7/16” Rebond Padding
The lighter density pad, 4 or 6lb will be cushy but not withstand traffic for years to come. And on the opposite spectrum, a 10lb will be durable but is very firm underfoot. The 8lb, 7/16” rebond pad is our most popular pad. It is a fantastic value, performs well and is very comfortable!