Flooring underlay

When considering new flooring options, it’s common to forget about the underlay, or to just go for whatever underlay type you first see available. 

However, in reality, underlay plays a key role in the overall comfort and performance of your carpet. What’s more, it is available in a range of different varieties, each offering their own specific benefits and best-fit use cases. 

As a result, it’s imperative that you take the time to also explore the different types of underlay on offer, and choose the right underlay for your specific requirements. 

Keep reading to find out more about the different types of underlay, their use cases and benefits, and why underlays are such an integral part of any new flooring project.

 

What are the main types of underlay?

There are a number of different underlay types available, each of which is designed to suit specific conditions and use cases (e.g. flooring types and room conditions). 

The main types of underlay are:

 

1. Felt underlay

Felt underlay is made from recycled fibres, and is one of the most popular, traditional underlay types. Thanks to its soft cushioning and effective thermal insulation, it is widely used under wool carpets.

 

2. Foam underlay

Foam underlay is super lightweight and cushioned. It is also easy to fit. It is widely used in laminate and engineered wood flooring, and often features in ground floors or concrete subfloors (as it often comes with an effective built-in moisture barrier).  

 

3. Polyurethane foam underlay

Another type of foam underlay, polyurethane foam is a modern, eco-friendly and high performance underlay type. You can purchase it in a range of different thicknesses and densities, depending on the specific nature of the room. It is typically made from recycled materials and, thanks to its impressive comfort and thermal insulation, it is commonly used in carpeted rooms. 

 

4. Rubber underlay

This underlay is made from sponge or crumb rubber. Thanks to the use of durable rubber, this underlay type is renowned for its fantastic durability and sound and impact insulation, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas.

 

5. Combination underlay

Combination underlays combine different underlay materials, to incorporate the benefits of multiple materials into one underlay. Common examples include combining foam and foil, or foam and rubber, to give the underlay high levels of comfort and insulation, plus durability and moisture resistance (particularly useful in moist environments, such as basements).

 

What does underlay do?

Adding underlay to your flooring unlocks numerous key benefits, including:

  • Levelling the subfloor - Evening out any minor imperfections, to ensure the new floor sits perfectly 

  • Comfort and cushioning - Making floors feel more comfortable underfoot

  • Thermal insulation - Helping to keep your property more energy efficient, and maintaining a comfortable, consistent temperature 

  • Sound insulation - The underlay can also absorb excess noise, effectively reducing noise levels in the property 

  • Moisture protection - By creating a barrier between your flooring and moisture coming from underneath

  • Extending the lifespan of your flooring - By minimising the stress placed on the floor during use

 

Do I need an underlay for new flooring?

In the majority of cases, yes - we would recommend installing a new underlay with your new flooring. 

Although you can reuse your existing underlay with the addition of new flooring, this can impact the performance of your new floor, and reduce its predicted lifespan. 

We particularly recommend adding new underlay to your new flooring if the existing underlay is compressed, worn, damaged, or is already over 10 years old. 

 

What do underlay thickness and TOG ratings mean?

These are two terms that you commonly see associated with underlays. 

  • Thickness - Underlays are available in a range of different thicknesses (typically, between 2-12mm). The thicker the underlay, the more comfortable and insulative it is. However, thicker underlays aren’t suitable for all room types and use cases.

  • TOG rating - A TOG rating denotes the thermal resistance of the underlay (the higher the TOG rating, the better its insulation ability). 

 

Do I need a damp proof membrane?

Damp proof membranes are designed to minimise the risk of damp-related issues and damage affecting your flooring. 

They are particularly important if you’re adding flooring over the top of a concrete or screed subfloor. They are also strongly recommended if your chosen floor type is susceptible to moisture damage (e.g. wood-based flooring).

Furthermore, if there is no existing damp proof course in place, or you know that the room has high humidity levels, then a damp proof membrane is an essential addition. 

Some underlays have an integrated damp proof membrane, which would mean you don’t need to add an additional damp proof membrane, so check this point with your supplier. 

 

Want to speak to the experts? 

At Floor Giants, we offer a wide range of underlays, with options to suit every flooring and room type. 

To find out more about underlays and their advantages, or to get expert guidance from our professional team, don’t hesitate to get in touch.