Carpet Underlay Buying Guide

Buying carpet underlay can be a little confusing. Are there different types of underlays for different floors? Can you have carpet underlay if you have under floor heating? There are many different questions you can ask when buying your underlay.

Here are a few answers to some of the most asked questions.

Does every type of carpet need underlay?

Secondary backed and woven carpets are the most commonly used carpets in homes today. The backing has no built in padding making carpet underlay essential.

Felt backed carpets have a thin layer on the back which is why people often say they have built in underlay. This however is not nearly sufficient underlay to have any real benefits so additional underlay should be used with these types of carpet.

Foam backed carpets are the only type of carpet which you do not need to buy additional carpet underlay for.

Can I use carpet underlay if I have under floor heating?

Yes absolutely you can, but you are limited to a few different types and styles depending on the tog rating. The total tog rating for both your carpet and underlay should not be more than 2.5tog.

A tog is a measure of resistance to heat flow through material. 1 tog = 0.1m2K/W

You should talk to your under floor heating specialist about which underlay would be best suited to the system you have installed.

Can you use existing underlay when laying new carpet?

Well no one can tell you what you can and can’t do, but we can tell you it would be foolish. Carpet needs the support of a firm underlay. If you’re replacing the carpet then chances are your underlay needs replacing too as it would have become flattened from previous use.

What is the best underlay for a concrete floor?

The higher the tog rating the better. So try and buy the best that you can afford. The higher tog underlay will help combat the cold by providing great thermal insulation.