As a general rule of thumb, most carpet installers recommend using carpet padding for residential spaces that are: No more than 7/16 of an inch thick. No less than ¼-inch thick.
Carpet pads come in three thickness sizes: 1/4” for a low-profile cushion, 3/8” for a medium profile, and 1/2” for a high profile. The thicker the carpet pad, the softer it will feel. But while the thickness of your carpet padding is important, it's really the density that will matter most in the end.
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.
A thicker carpet will last longer and resist crushing and fraying, while a thinner carpet may be more prone to damage. As a general rule of thumb is to choose cushion no more than 7/16 inch thick and no less than 1/4 inch with 6 pounds per cubic feet density.
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.
Well, we would generally recommend a thickness between 6mm and 9mm, with a density rating of at least 110kg/m³. The stair underlays below fit the bill, and have been handpicked by our experts for their quality and longevity. So, whether you're fitting full carpet or a stair runner, you won't go wrong.
We recommend 8lb, 7/16” because it performs great under a nice mid-grade nylon and will withstand even the heaviest of traffic. Most importantly, it is cushy and comfortable underfoot! The lighter density pad, 4 or 6lb will be cushy but not withstand traffic for years to come.
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.
Thick carpets can be more challenging to clean and maintain, especially if they have a high pile. They can also trap more dirt and allergens than thinner carpets since they have more fibers. In some cases, thicker carpets may trap moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.
But it's important to bear in mind, Cloud 9 underlay is a much cheaper alternative – starting from just £4.82 per m2 (compared to £6.99 per m2 for Plushwalk). Made by award-winning manufacturers, Ball & Young Ltd, it's of good quality and complies with all UK safety standards.
Do you need to staple down underlay? To ensure that the underlay is secure and stays in place, you should staple down the underlay or use an adhesive to glue it down into place.
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.
We always recommend removing any old underlay before laying a new underlay. Underlay is designed to be used by itself, so there's no need to double underlay up. Old underlay, whilst always looking OK - can contain dirt and dust - so it's a good idea to replace it whenever you replace the carpet.
Bonded Urethane: This carpet cushion is also called rebond and is the most popular type of carpet padding sold today.
Foam underlay – Typically made of PU foam, this is one of the most versatile types of underlay. It's soft and lightweight as well as being good for insulation and noise reduction. Foam is also a very easy underlay to fit, making it fantastic for difficult areas like staircases or hallways.
While a 6 LB carpet pad will have a lighter, softer feel under your feet, it is not built to withstand heavy foot traffic. On the other hand, a 10 LB carpet pad is very durable but will feel firm underfoot. An 8 LB pad is an excellent middle ground between the two options.
Medium pile – 7mm to 13mm
Medium pile carpets are the Goldilocks of the carpet world. Being able to be soft and hardwearing.
You can put a new carpet over the carpet but there are special circumstances that you need to take into account. If the carpets are not worn out, are still in good quality, and are securely adhered to the floor, then you can simply lay the new carpet on top of the old one.
The simple answer is you should only need to get your carpet stretched once. Most people are asking this question because they believe that stretching is an ongoing process. Carpets do relax but do not relax indefinitely. Think of it like this, carpet is like a good pair of leather shoes.
The thickness of the padding will have a direct impact on the comfort level it offers, as well as its insulating qualities – both in terms of temperature and noise. As a general rule of thumb, most carpet installers recommend using carpet padding for residential spaces that are: No more than 7/16 of an inch thick.
Carpet flooring
An underlay is glued to the subfloor. Then, the carpet adhesive should be spread evenly on the back of the underlay. After this, you should neatly lay the carpet onto the adhesive making sure not to leave any bumps or rises in the carpet. You can smooth out any fullness or air bubbles with a glider.
The density of a carpet pad's foam is measured by pounds per cubic foot. For good comfort and durability, experts recommend a foam in the 6 pound to 8 pound range. The denser it is, the longer and better the pad will hold up.
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.
Class I - 5 and 6-pound density are certified for light to moderate traffic. Class II - 8 and 10-pound density and above are certified for heavy traffic. Class II cushion may be used in Class I applications. High-density polyurethane carpet pad is made of virgin foam or all new materials.