This goes to show that you shouldn't always assume that thicker is better. 9-10mm carpet underlays are usually good all-rounders that can be installed in all areas of the home, including stairs and hallways. Offering high levels of comfort, insulation and soundproofing, they represent excellent value for money.
Most carpets call for 7/16-inch padding. Choose stiff, stable padding with a thickness of 3/8-inch or less for a low-pile carpet. This includes Berbers, loop pattern carpets and commercial options. Tip: Carpet padding should be replaced when new carpet is installed.
The 8mm carpet underlay is also suitable if you're looking for carpet underlay that lasts, it will enable you to maintain the quality of your carpet for longer, reducing the need to replace it. 8mm carpet underlay also works great for stairs as they fit flush with the carpet grippers.
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.
The denser and thicker your carpet and pad are, the more noise they will muffle. Consider a carpet pad made out of dense memory foam for a quieter and more peaceful home. Pets: Pets are like furry little children. They spill drinks, they have accidents, and they track in mud and dirt.
Stairs and hallways
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.
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!
Sponge rubber underlay combines the best of durability and comfort. Sponge rubber underlay is made from synthetic rubber, and this gives comfort and durability meaning it can last for years and years underneath your carpet.
The average thickness of carpet and underlay combined is around 18mm. This is based on a standard 9mm underlay and a short pile carpet, such as a twist or Berber. Yet it should be noted that the thickness of both carpet and underlay varies greatly, meaning there's no definitive answer to the question.
Good quality underlay will prevent premature wearing and keep your floor looking new for longer. As the underlay acts as a shock absorber, your flooring or carpet will sit better and take more wear.
So, when deciding which carpet underlay – rubber or foam – remember that rubber will last longer, and offer greater impact resistance, but PU foam will be softer, warmer, quieter, and cheaper.
12mm carpet underlay is perfect for all areas of your home and we recommend it for areas requiring good to high levels of comfort. Want The Best Performance Underlay? Size: Choose at the drop down box above. Sound Reduction: 43dB approx.
1/2 in. Thick 8 lb.
Bonded Urethane: This carpet cushion is also called rebond and is the most popular type of carpet padding sold today.
Carpet padding can make you feel like you're walking on clouds, but that's not all they're good for. The best type of carpet padding keeps the backing on the bottom of the carpet safe and also increases its longevity. It also adds cushioning and contributes to noise reduction, insulation, and stability.
The short answer is that doubling up on underlay is not recommended and, in fact, can cause more harm than good. But before we dive into why you should avoid multiple layers, let's explore what an underlay is and the critical role it plays in the flooring installation process.
Medium pile – 7mm to 13mm
Medium pile carpets are the Goldilocks of the carpet world. Being able to be soft and hardwearing.
Density plays a role in both comfort and durability. Higher-density underlay tends to be more resilient and durable, as it can better withstand the pressure and weight placed on the flooring surface. It offers improved support and helps prevent premature wear and tear of the floor covering.
Most residential carpet requires a pad that is between 3/8 of an inch and 7/16 of an inch thick with a minimum 6-pound density rating. However, low-profile carpets, such as berber, should not use padding that is thicker than 7/16 of an inch (3/8 of an inch is commonly recommended).
Thick underlay may be the gold standard, but those measuring 10-11mm are a great compromise. They're thick enough to provide an excellent level of comfort and warmth, and capable of withstanding high levels of foot traffic. Yet 'thin' enough that it's easy to handle and install the underlay – even for a DIY novice!
Grade 3: High-End Residential Grade
If you are looking for a carpet that offers superior quality and luxury, high-end residential grade carpeting may be the right choice for you. This grade of carpeting is made from top-quality fibers like nylon or wool, which provide exceptional durability and comfort.
A quality pad will make the carpet feel softer and cushioned to sit on, lie, and play. The pad also offers thermal insulation, providing an extra layer between the cold floor and carpet to keep the home warmer.
Generally speaking, 6 pounds is a good minimum carpet pad weight for a residential carpet. Commercial settings that will see extreme foot traffic need the extreme durability offered by a synthetic fiber carpet pad.
Thicker and firmer carpet padding can last up to 25 years. In high-traffic areas, the padding may last only about 10 years. Carpets with thick and firm padding last longer because they don't tear or wear easily.
However, without the barrier, a larger puddle is likely to soak down through the pad and into the subflooring. In this case, moisture barrier padding could save a lot of money on subflooring repairs in the future. For those with small pets, this padding may not be necessary .