Are you planning on re-carpeting your home? If so, you need to familiarise yourself with carpet underlays. Picking out a carpet underlay is as important as picking out the carpet itself! If you don’t know anything about carpet underlays, don’t worry. Our short guide below has everything you need to know about underlays, their benefits, the different types, and how to select the one for your home.
What Is a Carpet Underlay?
A carpet underlay is a material placed over your floor and under your carpet before it’s laid down. It can be made from a variety of different materials, including foam, felt, rubber, and more. There are many benefits to using a carpet underlay, but its primary purpose is keeping your carpet in good condition for as long as possible.
The Benefits of Carpet Underlays
If you decide against laying down a carpet underlay, you’ll miss out on a wide range of benefits. Here are a few things you’ll enjoy by investing in a quality carpet underlay:
- Protects against moisture. Underlay provides extra protection against moisture. This makes it a must-have, especially for homes in humid areas. Moisture can lead to mould and mildew in your carpets, which can damage your carpet fibres and can trigger health issues like allergies and asthma.
- Effective shock absorber. Shock absorption is a great feature of any carpet. Underlays take this feature to the next level, helping your carpet to absorb shock and impacts from both furniture and foot traffic.
- Added comfort underfoot. Depending on the type you choose, an underlay can add some extra cushion to your carpet. You’ll find walking around feels much more comfortable and luxurious.
- Improves insulation. The extra layer provided by an underlay can improve your home’s insulation and its overall energy efficiency.
- Extends carpet lifespan. Underlay protects the carpet pile, helps your carpet withstand impacts, protects against mould, and much more. All these benefits extend your carpet’s lifespan, making an underlay a smart long-term investment.
Different Types of Carpet Underlay
Not all carpet underlays are the same! They come in a variety of different types with their own advantages. Knowing what sets them apart will help you select the correct type for the room you’re re-carpeting.
- Felt underlay. A traditional type of underlay that offers comfort and warmth. It’s a very affordable option and is easier to lay than most forms of underlay.
- Crumb rubber underlay. This underlay is made primarily from recyclable materials. It’s very strong, making it suited to rooms with heavy furniture that could otherwise form indentations on your carpet.
- Foam underlay. This type is very versatile, lightweight, and soft. It’s great for noise reduction and is easy to fit, making it ideal for potentially difficult areas like hallways and staircases.
- Sponge rubber underlay. This underlay is one of the most durable and the best for underfloor heating. It’s often used for concrete floors.
How to Choose a Carpet Underlay
When choosing a carpet underlay, there are a few factors you should consider. The first is what type of carpet you’re placing over it. This isn’t hugely important, but if you’ve purchased a thinner carpet (for example), you may want a thicker underlay for added comfort.
The type of floor the underlay will be placed over matters too. If you’re laying it over harder floors like concrete, you’ll want a tough underlay that offers lots of insulation, like a sponge rubber underlay. The room you’re re-carpeting and the furniture in that room matter as well. As mentioned above, underlays like crumb rubber are great for rooms with heavy furniture and/or lots of foot traffic.
Shop Carpet Underlays in Australia
Shop quality carpets online and carpet underlays with Jagers Carpets. Our massive selection of carpets in Melbourne is made possible through our connections with trusted carpet suppliers.
Browse our inventory to find everything you need to transform your home’s interior. Prefer to see our inventory in person? Please feel free to drop by our showroom at 1350 Toorak Rd in Camberwell, Victoria. You’re also welcome to call us at 03-9889-1111 or complete our online form if you have any questions or would like to request a free carpet quote.
We’d be happy to hear from you.