Carpet Underlay Types Rubber is the greatest material for carpeted floors in both residential and commercial settings since it provides unparalleled support and comfort and offers the best protection in high-traffic areas.
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.
For a typical home we'd recommend a density rating above 100 kg/m³. This will ensure your underlay outlasts your carpet but still provides that comfortable, plush feeling when walking on it.
Short answer - Yes. Underlay definitely does prolong the life of your carpet as well as making it feel better. If you are having an expensive carpet, then go for the best quality underlay you can afford. The difference really is noticeable.
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.
A high-quality PU foam underlay is an excellent choice, as it offers superior cushioning, creating a soft and luxurious feel underfoot.
Resistance to abrasion and wear: most rubber materials will not easily break down over time. They also can't easily be scratched when used in conjunction with a rough surface. You'll find that rubber is generally much more durable than foam.
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!
Most carpet underlays span ten to twenty years, depending on the material and the level of foot traffic. If your underlay is close to or exceeds this age range, it's likely best to replace it.
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.
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.
Medium pile – 7mm to 13mm
Medium pile carpets are the Goldilocks of the carpet world. Being able to be soft and hardwearing.
Utilising underlay not only provides a softer and more luxurious feel but also helps in reducing wear and tear, extending the lifespan of the carpet. Underlay aids in maintaining the carpet's shape, preventing wrinkles and bulges that can occur when carpets are laid directly on hard surfaces.
Bonded Urethane: This carpet cushion is also called rebond and is the most popular type of carpet padding sold today.
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!
The shock absorbing ability of the carpet padding makes them more comfortable. 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.
Although a typical carpet underlay will last somewhere between 10 and 25 years, we would always recommend installing new underlay every time you replace your carpets.
No, using more than one layer of underlay is not recommended.
Warm and comfy pet beds: Upcycle larger pieces of underlay into snuggly beds for your pets. Add a layer of soft fabric for extra comfort. Organised storage solutions: Cut underlay into shelf dividers or drawer organisers to keep your belongings neat. You can even decorate them with fabric or paint for a pop of colour.
If you buy a more expensive carpet, for example wool, that is designed to be durable and last for many years, then you should try to invest in a higher quality underlay. Of course, that's if the budget allows.
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.
The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. Flat rubber is top-tier for durability and comfort, while options like frothed foam or higher-density rebond offer good performance at more moderate prices. Consider factors like room traffic, desired comfort, and longevity when selecting your carpet padding.
Latex foam is one of the most durable types of foam available. Latex mattresses and mattress toppers long outlast those made with memory foam and polyurethane foam. We often hear stories from customers that have had latex mattresses last over 20 years.
The disadvantage is poor performance to adapt to the climate, low temperature when the hard brittle, high temperature or sunlight under the plasticizer is easy to volatilize insulation aging accelerated.