New carpet is one of those essential household refurbishments that homeowners tend to go through every ten years or so. It can be a serious investment, so when you invest in a carpet, you want to make sure that it looks great, is properly fitted, and will last for at least a decade.
Stain resistance, feel and appearances are all key considerations, but what a lot of people don’t realise is that the underlay you choose will make a big difference to both feel and durability. In fact, the underlay you choose is just as important as the carpet itself. Here’s what you need to know.
PU (Polyurethane)
One of the most popular options on the market today , PU foam underlay is made from recycled polyurethane. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and available in a variety of thicknesses and densities. It offers excellent comfort underfoot and provides good thermal and sound insulation. As it’s manufactured using recycled materials, PU underlay is often considered an eco-friendlier option too. However, in high-traffic areas like hallways or stairs, PU foam can compress over time, reducing its cushioning effect and potentially shortening its lifespan. For this reason, it’s best suited to bedrooms, lounges and other low to medium-traffic areas where comfort is the main priority.
Rubber
Rubber underlay is another widely used option and comes in two main forms: sponge rubber and crumb rubber. Sponge rubber can be flat or rippled in texture, and both types offer excellent comfort and durability. They’re a great choice for most parts of the home, particularly where a softer feel and better insulation are desirable. The rippled variety is especially good at retaining heat and reducing noise. However, rubber underlays are heavier than PU foam and can be a little trickier to install. They’re also generally more expensive.
Crumb rubber is made from recycled car tyres so is very dense and supportive, making it ideal for areas that see heavy foot traffic, such as hallways or stairs. It provides excellent sound insulation and is durable, but doesn’t offer the same soft, cushioned feel as foam or sponge rubber underlays. It’s also heavier and more rigid, which can make it harder to fit.
Felt
For a more traditional feel, felt underlay is a popular choice, especially in older or period properties. Usually made from wool or wool blends, it’s known for its excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. It’s a very durable option and tends to hold up well over time. However, it’s heavier than foam alternatives and can be harder to install. It also tends to be more expensive and doesn’t offer the same level of softness underfoot as modern PU foam.
Making the right decision now can help you to make the right choice for the longer term. So before you decide, check with your carpet fitter about the cost and durability implications of each underlay type.