Your choice of flooring can make or break an entire room, which explains why most people put a lot of effort into picking out their favourite colours, fabrics, and designs.
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring is a highly sought-after option for homeowners seeking real wood floors without the upkeep, but carpet remains the most comfortable – offering a soft feeling underfoot.
Of course you want to find something that suits your interior décor and feels cushioned and warm under your feet, but the importance of a high-quality underlay can’t be overstated.
Regardless of whether you have carpet, vinyl, or laminate flooring, underlay can drastically enhance your living space.
Keep reading as Carpet Style explains why you should replace your underlay at the same time as your carpet in Nottingham.
Why is carpet underlay important?
Though frequently overlooked, underlay is just as important as the carpet itself.
Let's draw an analogy with car tyres to understand its significance.
Imagine you purchase a budget tyre for one side of your car, priced at £45, and keep it properly inflated.
On the other side, you opt for a top-of-the-range tyre but run it under-inflated.
It's clear that the quality tyre will show signs of wear sooner.
Why?
Because it's not just the quality of what's on the surface that matters; it's also the support from underneath. The same principle applies to carpets.
What are the benefits of installing carpets with underlay?
As a premier carpet shop in Nottingham, we emphasise the importance of investing in quality underlay to accompany your new carpet.
Below are just some of the key advantages of using underlay.
· Better insulation
Thick, dense, and spongy, carpet underlay provides an extra layer of insulation, enhancing the carpet's thermal and acoustic properties, making your space more comfortable and energy-efficient.
Tredaire carpet underlays are guaranteed to give your carpets a more luxurious feel, and their Treadmore crumb rubber underlay is perfect for high-traffic areas. It offers excellent protection against wear and tear and provides a barrier between the carpet and subfloor to help keep your home warmer.
· Noise reduction
Carpet underlay provides extra padding that helps to reduce the transfer of unwanted noise, which is especially useful for the rooms upstairs.
Not only great for absorbing the sound of footsteps, carpet underlay won’t allow conversations or booming music to carry through the house as much, offering comfort and privacy!
· Improved hygiene
A top-quality underlay will serve as a barrier to embedded dirt – making vacuuming more effective.
A huge advantage of carpet underlays is that they can help minimise allergens such as pollen, pet dander, and dust mites, meaning less sneezing during allergy season.
· Money saving
Most people consider underlay to be an unnecessary expense, but this is far from the truth!
Investing in a decent underlay can actually prolong the lifespan of your carpet – meaning you won’t need to shell out on a new carpet as often.
Plus, it can improve energy efficiency by preventing heat from escaping through the floor. You’ll be able to keep your home nice and toasty for longer whilst saving money on your energy bills.
How can a good quality underlay extend the lifespan of your carpet?
How long underlay lasts can vary based on its quality and usage.
Typically, a carpet installed without a brand-new underlay will have a shorter lifespan and is prone to accelerated wear and tear.
This is because your old underlay may not be in the best condition (especially if it endures frequent heavy foot traffic!) and won’t offer the required support and comfort.
A good underlay not only enhances the overall feel and comfort of your carpet, but it also plays a crucial role in extending its appearance and lifespan.
It acts as a shock absorber for your carpet, preventing premature wear and tear.
By absorbing the impact of foot traffic, underlay reduces the stress on the carpet fibres, ensuring they retain their shape and appearance for longer.
The different types of underlay
Underlay comes in a wide range of types, including:
- Crumb rubber underlays
Mostly made from recyclable materials (i.e. old rubber tyres), crumb rubber underlay offers exceptional durability and is an eco-friendly choice. It’s often the go-to choice for rooms with heavy furnishings (i.e. sofas, tables, beds, etc.), as it will allow your carpet to bounce back to its normal position, preventing unsightly indentations.
- Felt underlays
Despite being a more traditional type, you’ll be hard-pushed to find an underlay that offers more cushioning and warmth than felt underlays. These are usually made of wool, making them cheaper and easier to install.
- Foam underlay
Soft and lightweight, foam underlays are made of PU (polyurethane) and are one of the most versatile types of carpet underlay. They’re straightforward to fit, which makes them great for tricky areas like the stairs, landing, or hallway.
- Sponge rubber underlays
Durable and great for sound reduction, sponge rubber underlays are an excellent choice for concrete floors and homes with underfloor heating systems, ensuring heat is distributed evenly throughout the room.
Invest in top-quality carpet underlay today!
At Carpet Style Nottingham, we offer a wide range of underlays, each carefully selected for its quality and performance.
From our budget-friendly options to premium underlays with advanced features, we have the perfect match for your carpet and budget.
Our knowledgeable team will guide you in choosing the ideal underlay to complement your new carpet, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Don't let your investment in a new carpet go to waste. Give it the support it deserves with a quality underlay from Carpet Style. Trust us to provide you with the perfect combination of surface beauty and underlying strength.
Visit our carpet shop in Nottingham and explore our wide selection of carpets and underlays.
Let us help you create a comfortable and long-lasting flooring solution for your home.