When choosing a new carpet, most people spend time selecting the perfect colour, style and texture often overlooking what’s underneath.

The right carpet underlay can make just as much difference as the carpet itself, improving comfort, extending the life of your flooring and even helping to reduce energy bills.

At Croft Carpets Curtains & Blinds Limited, we always recommend investing in quality underlay to get the very best performance from your new carpet.

What does carpet underlay do?
Carpet underlay is the cushioning layer installed between your carpet and the subfloor. Although hidden from view, it plays a vital role in how your carpet feels and performs over time.

A good quality underlay helps to:

Create a softer, more comfortable feel underfoot
Protect your carpet from everyday wear and tear
Improve heat insulation, helping to keep rooms warmer
Reduce noise throughout the home
Smooth out minor imperfections in the subfloor
Help your carpet maintain its appearance for longer
Extend the overall lifespan of your carpet
What happens if you choose cheap or old underlay?
Using worn or poor-quality underlay can have a significant impact on your flooring.

Common problems include:

Hard, uncomfortable floors
Faster carpet wear and flattening
Wrinkles and ripples developing over time
Increased pressure on carpet fibres, causing premature damage
Reduced insulation and soundproofing
Replacing your underlay when fitting a new carpet is often one of the best investments you can make.

Choosing the right thickness
Many people assume thicker is always better but that’s not necessarily true.

The ideal underlay depends on the room, the type of carpet and the amount of foot traffic.

For most homes:

5mm heavy weight flat sponge rubber, suitable for underfloor heating. Recommended on stairs, especially runners.
8mm provides comfort and protection for your new carpet, suitable for all areas of your home.
11mm offers a luxurious feel for bedrooms and living areas. Be mindful that a thicker underlay could mean doors need trimming.

It’s important to remember that density is just as important as thickness. A high-density underlay often performs better than a thicker, lower-density product.

Different types of carpet underlay
There are several types of underlay available, each designed for different applications.

PU foam underlay
Polyurethane (PU) foam is the most popular choice for modern homes. Made using recycled foam, it offers excellent comfort, insulation and durability while remaining lightweight and easy to install.

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms and most domestic areas.

Sponge rubber underlay
Sponge rubber has been used for many years and remains an excellent option. It provides outstanding comfort and has excellent resilience, helping it recover after heavy foot traffic.

Best for: General household use where comfort is a priority.

Crumb rubber underlay
Manufactured from recycled rubber, crumb rubber is denser than foam underlay and is ideal for areas with heavy traffic. It offers exceptional durability, although it is firmer underfoot.

Best for: Hallways, stairs and commercial spaces.

Combination underlay
Combination underlay features a rubber base with a felt top layer, offering both strength and comfort. It is particularly useful where carpets are being stretched and fitted.

Felt underlay
Traditional felt underlay is made from recycled fibres and provides excellent thermal insulation. It remains a popular option for certain carpet installations.

Underlay for underfloor heating
If your home has underfloor heating, it’s important to choose an underlay specifically designed to allow heat to pass through efficiently. Using the correct product helps maximise heating performance while maintaining comfort.

Underlay for laminate and LVT flooring
Underlay isn’t just for carpets.

Specialist underlays for laminate flooring can improve sound insulation and help smooth out minor subfloor imperfections. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring also has its own specialist underlay systems where required, providing a stable and even surface for installation.

Is underlay worth the investment?
Absolutely!

While it may seem like an extra cost, quality underlay can significantly increase the life of your carpet, improve comfort and reduce wear. In many cases, replacing a carpet prematurely costs far more than investing in the right underlay from the start.

Think of underlay as the foundation of your flooring, without a solid base, even the highest quality carpet won’t perform at its best.

Need advice?
Not all underlays are the same, and choosing the right one depends on your flooring, your home and your budget.

Our experienced team can help you select the perfect underlay to complement your new carpet, ensuring you enjoy maximum comfort, durability and value for years to come.

Visit our showroom or get in touch today to discuss the best underlay for your home.

Simon Croft