There are three main types of carpet underlays, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. The best one for you will, of course, depend on your individual needs and preferences.

1. PU Foam

PU foam is the most popular type of carpet underlay. Many homeowners prefer this material because it is an excellent heat insulator that is versatile and ideal for a wide range of flooring. What’s more, PU foam carpets are made of recycled foam, making them kinder to the environment.

PU foam carpet underlays are also plush and come in various thicknesses to suit all your needs. Foam is also relatively light, and is the easiest carpet underlay to maintain.

Advantages of PU Foam:

• Provides excellent heat insulation
• Environmentally friendly
• Versatile and are available in various thicknesses
• Feels soft on the foot

Disadvantages of PU Foam:

• Flattens over time
• Aren’t resistant to furniture markings

2. Rubber

Are you searching for the best carpet underlay for noise reduction? Rubber is a great pick. That’s because rubber underlays are dense and thick, which makes them excellent in minimizing noise transfer. Rubber underlays are also great at protecting your floor against any marks or damage by furniture because of their thickness. There are two main types of rubber:

Sponge rubber is available either in flat or waffle patterns. However, waffle patterns flatten faster than flat designs.

Advantages of sponge rubber:

• Relatively soft underfoot (though not as plush as rubber)
• Firm

Disadvantages of sponge rubber:

• Cheap options may flatten or disintegrate after some time
• Although flat patterns are often durable, waffle rubber flattens easily

Crumb rubber is an environmentally friendly carpet underlay made of recycled tyres. The underlay is extremely firm and offers excellent protection to your carpet, making it perfect for high traffic areas.

Advantages of crumb rubber:

• Extremely firm
• Great noise reduction power
• Not easily damaged by furniture marks
• Environmentally friendly

Disadvantages of crumb rubber:

• Because of its high density, the underlay often makes the carpet feel hard

3. Felt

Another excellent carpet underlay for thermal insulation is felt. These carpet underlays are mainly made out of wool, which has impressive sound absorption power. They also have excellent retention.

On the flip side, felt carpet underlays also absorb liquids quickly. If you have pets or small kids around, they might not be your best choice.

Advantages of Felt:

• Very firm
• Great thermal insulation
• Not easily damaged by furniture

Disadvantages of Felt:

• Doesn’t feel as soft on the feet as the other types