Give your carpet a luxury soft feeling underfoot with the best carpet underlay available in the market today! We’ve also included an in-depth buyer’s guide to inform your choice.
Carpet underlays are an integral component that determines how soft your carpet feels, how good it looks, and how long it lasts. And to achieve all this, you’ll, of course, need to have the best carpet underlay for your home.
But there are no one-size-fits-all underlays. Some carpets underlays are extremely firm and are perfect for high traffic areas. Others are thick and may hinder the functioning of your underfloor heating. Also, there are carpets meant for thermal insulation, while others are best for soundproofing. Other key factors you must look at are the tog ratio, thickness, and the type.
With so many factors to consider, and the numerous options available, it can be challenging to pick the best carpet underlay for your home is. But we’ve compiled this review to make your search easier.
We invested hours researching the best carpet underlays in the market. And we finally narrowed to a few of the best carpet underlays, which we have reviewed below.
Last update on 2021-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2021-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2021-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The T & A Upholstery Thick PU Carpet Underlay is top of the class grade A carpet underlay that’s perfect for use under all your carpets. It has a tog rating of 2.71. Carpet underlays with a tog rating of anything above 2.5 are excellent heat insulators and are perfect for cold winters. You will notice a drastic drop in your usual energy bills.
This underlay has a density of 90kg per m³ and a thickness of 10mm. This is a relatively high density that ensures your carpet underlay stays firm and will serve you for many years to come. It is also extremely easy to cut and install. And once installed, your carpet feels well-cushioned and lovely underfoot.
The T & A Upholstery Thick PU Carpet Underlay is also environmentally friendly and is made out of non-toxic recycled materials. The only slight downside we noticed was that there were some hard bits on the carpets. Luckily, once we installed the carpet, the hard bits were no longer noticeable.
This Carpet Underlay is well made, thick, large, and soft underfoot, and it comes in at a very fair price.
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If you a looking for the best carpet underlay for soundproofing and noise reduction, our top choice may not be a perfect choice. That’s because its thickness is only at 10mm.
Luckily, our second contender, the Flooring Online UK Spring PU Foam Carpet Underlay, will come in handy. It has an impressive thickness of 12mm. With this thickness, your carpet will feel ultra-soft and bouncy. Installing it is a breeze, and you can cut it using scissors. Ensure you install with the purple side facing up to obtain maximum protection for your floor and cushioning on your feet.
What we like the most about this carpet is its excellent heat insulation. Its tog ratio is approximately 3.3. And we noticed our energy bill reduced greatly in just one month after installing. The carpets retain most heat leaving your rooms warm all day long. Another standout feature of this carpet underlay is its superb soundproofing ability.
If you live in an apartment and you’ve been searching for the best carpet underlay to reduce the noise coming from the floors below, this is a great choice worth considering. It reduces noise by a whopping 43db. Plus, it is available in three size options, including 5. 10 and 15m². These versatile sizes make it easy to fit it in rooms of all sizes.
From its 12mm thickness to the 3.3 tog rating, the Flooring Online UK Spring PU Foam Carpet Underlay takes the crown for the best carpet underlay for thermal insulation.
Last update on 2021-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sometimes all we need is a cheap carpet underlay to protect our carpets without really looking for insulation or the extra bounciness. In such cases, a PVC carpet underlay is ideal.
One of the most affordable options we came across during our search for the best carpet underlays was the HEQUN – Multipurpose Anti-slip carpet underlay. It is a versatile option that is not only ideal for use on wooden and marble flooring, but you can also use it under rugs, smooth surfaces, outdoor surfaces, and more.
This underlay is beige in colour and comes in four standard sizes, including 80 x 180cm, 100 x 180cm, 120 x 180cm, and 160 x 180cm. It is made out of premium quality polyvinyl chloride, which is a durable and tear-resistant material. Plus, it provides great anti-slip on smooth surfaces while still protecting your carpet. The carpet underlay grips firmly on the floor, preventing your rugs or carpets from wrinkling.
We were also impressed by the fact that this is a very low maintenance underlay. It has a weave design that is easy to clean and prevents the accumulation of dust, odours, and mould. Additionally, it is easy to cut as needed using household scissors. And if you are not satisfied with your purchase, HEQUIN allows a no questions asked full refund.
If you are searching for an underlay to protect your carpet and prevent it from slipping on smooth surfaces, this budget underlay is probably your best bet.
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If you are looking for a premium carpet underlay that will give you absolute value for your money, the Plushwalk Carpet Underlay is a perfect choice.
Just like its name suggests, this carpet underlay is thick and spongy. When installed, it will leave your carpet feeling super soft and plush underfoot. It has a thickness of 12mm, is 1.37m wide, and 11m long. The carpet underlay is also an excellent noise reducer. It has a tog rating of 3.3, one of the highest we came across during our research.
Due to its thickness, high density, and impressive tog ratio, the Plushwalk Carpet Underlay reduces the noise from outside your home by approximately 47db. What’s more, this underlay has two plastic backings that reinforce its quality to ensure optimum durability. Your carpet will last for many years to come. The backings also help to reduce any airborne noise. And thanks to the damp-proof membrane, your carpet will remain protected and will look new for an extended period.
You can use your underlay on all types of floors, including wood, concrete, asphalt, etc. The carpet is also an excellent heat insulator, which is very useful, especially during chilly weather.
The Plushwalk Carpet Underlay wins the top spot for our premium pick because it is a luxurious, thick, and top-quality option that will serve you for years.
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Have you bought a new carpet and are looking for the best underlay for the stairs? The ideal thickness of underlay for stairs is 9mm. It is neither too thick to interfere with the installation of your carpet, nor is it too thin that it might not serve its purpose.
Our winner for the best carpet underlay for stairs is the 247Floors Cloud 9 Cirrus 9mm Carpet Underlay. It is 9mm thick and is made of top quality material that protects your carpet and improves the feel of your carpet. Your carpet will feel bouncy and soft underfoot.
The underlay has a tog rating of 2.6. And although this rating isn’t as high as some other alternatives we have reviewed above, this amount provides a decent amount of heat insulation and cushioning. It also has excellent soundproofing power and has an impact sound reduction of approximately 39db.
This carpet underlay is 11m long and 1.37m wide, covering an area of up to 15.07sq.m.
The 247Floors Cloud 9 Cirrus 9mm Carpet Underlay fits well, lengthens your carpet’s life, and provides excellent heat insulation.
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Fed up with the rate at which your new carpets flatten? With a premium bouncy carpet underlay like this Carpet Underlay Tredaire Dreamwalk, you can now protect your carpets. And you’ll also protect the floor from all furniture markings. That’s because the carpet underlay is made with 11mm top quality PU foam, which transforms any carpet to a luxurious carpet that feels good on your feet. Plus, it bounces back into shape with each step.
Thanks to this thickness, the high density, and high tog rating, this top-rated underlay has an impressive impact sound reduction of 46db. It has a tog rating of 3.13 and provides superb thermal insulation to your home. One full roll is 11m long and has a width of 1.37m. It is large enough to cover an area of 15.07 square metres.
Because of its topnotch quality, this luxurious carpet underlay is perfect for high traffic areas such as the lounge, dining area, and stairs.
For a thick yet spongy carpet underlay that is easy to lay and has a nice feel on feet, the Carpet Underlay Tredaire Dreamwalk is the best bet.
Last update on 2021-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Now introducing an affordable yet versatile rubber carpet underlay you can use with all types of floors and surfaces. The DIY Doctor Rubber Carpet Underlay comes as two 190 x 30.5 cm rolls. It is an extra thick and non-slip mat with total coverage of up to 11, 600cm². If you want to cover a large area, you’ll only need to purchase several rolls and place them adjacent to each other.
This rubber carpet underlay feels soft and foamy, and it comes in a wide range of colours including, blue, black, green, yellow, and more. It is easy to cut and lay. And it is durable even with frequent use. And the best part? Because this rubber carpet underlay is non-slip, you can get creative with its use. You can use it under the shelf, sofa cushions, or any other smooth and slippery surfaces.
Other than versatility, another feature we love above this rubber carpet underlay is its durability. It protects your carpet and all the surfaces you lay it on. But on the downside, it is not thick and will not add any bouncy and soft underfoot feel on your carpet.
This is an excellent rubber carpet underlay that you can use it under almost everything. It is durable and non-slip.
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Many people still debate whether they should choose a wool carpet underlay instead of the popular PU foam or rubber options. But from our research, all three types have distinct advantages, but when you’re aiming for heat insulation and retention, wool carpet underlays are an ideal pick.
Our favourite pick of wool felt underlay is the Wool Heat Insulation Felt Carpet Underlay by Flooring Online UK. It is a 10mm thick underlay that has superb heat insulation capabilities. The underlay is made out of fibre that not only prevents heat loss from inside your house but it also retains any heat inside the home for extended periods.
This underlay also provides ample insulation from airborne noise. It is made of top quality wool, and laying it is a breeze. And thanks to the 10mm thickness, this underlay still provides a warm and comfortable underfoot. It also protects your carpet, giving it a longer life.
This felt carpet is of excellent quality, easy to cut and lay, and its heat insulation is good.
With so many options of the best carpet underlays, as in the review section above, it can be a little tricky choosing the best one for your needs.
And that’s why we have included this comprehensive buyer’s guide. Below we’ll walk you through all the essential things you need to know when buying a carpet underlay.
A carpet underlay is a layer, mostly made of foam, rubber, or felt, which you place underneath all your carpeted areas. The underlay’s thickness varies from one material to the other. However, most underlays have a thickness of 6 to 12mm.
The best carpet underlay for your bedroom may not be the best choice for your lounge or stairway. That’s because your bedroom is a low to medium traffic area. An underlay with medium thickness will work just fine. High traffic areas such as the dining room and stairway require a denser underlay to offer better cushioning.
Experts recommend that you should replace your carpet underlay each time you are installing a new carpet. Your carpet will feel softer and also last longer.
The best carpet underlay has numerous benefits, which we shall look at next.
1.Soundproofing
Is your house often filled with non-ending (and sometimes irritating) noise from the neighbourhood? With the best carpet underlay, you will notice a significant reduction in the noise inside your home.
2. Offers Ultimate Comfort
There is a difference between comfort and ultimate comfort. You see, a carpet is soft and comfortable to step on – there’s no doubt about that. But the best carpet underlay adds additional cushioning, making your carpet feel plusher and ultimately comfier.
3.Thermal Insulation
The best carpet underlay adds extra insulation to ensure a cosy and toasty room. This insulation helps to maintain a constant average temperature, which brings a significant reduction in your energy bills. However, not all carpet underlays offer the same level of thermal insulation.
The best carpet underlay for heat insulation should have a minimum tog rating of 2.5. This rating depends on the density, thickness, and material of your underlay.
However, if you have underfloor heating, a thick underlay with a higher tog rating may interfere with your usual heating. In that case, a thinner underlay with a lower rating is ideal.
4.Your Carpet Will Last Longer
Your carpet will not only feel softer but will look new and last longer. The underlay also acts as a shock absorber, which protects your floor against damage by furniture.
5.Easier to Dust and Clean your Carpet
A carpet underlay protects your carpet, making it easier to dust and clean.
Here are the key features you need to consider when picking the best carpet underlay.
1.Material
Some of the most commonly used materials in making carpet underlays are rubber and foam. But which is the better option?
Because rubber is heavier and denser than foam, it is often cumbersome to move around. But if you are searching for a light and easy to maintain carpet underlay, foam underlays are your best pick.
Other carpet underlays are made of felt. Felt contains large amounts of wool, making them perfect for noise reduction. On the downsides, they get soggy quickly and are not ideal for families with pets or kids.
2.Thickness
Carpet underlays come in all sizes and thickness. As a rule of thumb, go for a carpet underlay with a thickness of between 10mm to 12mm. These offer ultimate comfort and are easier to clean.
But there is an exception. The best carpet underlays for stairs should be thinner, at around 9mm. Thinner underlays fit more flawlessly on the stairs without elevating your carpet.
3.Tog Rating
The tog rating refers to the level of heat insulation a carpet underlay provides. This rating is usually determined by the density, composition, and thickness of your underlay. Most carpet underlays have a tog rating of 1.0 to 4.0. And the higher the rating, the better the insulation levels.
Although underlays with a high tog rating offer better thermal insulation, especially during winter, they may not be the best pick for every home. Some homes rely on underfloor heating, and thick underlays may reduce the heating system’s efficiency.
Thus, if your home has underfloor heating, choose underlays with a lower tog rating. Also, ensure that your choice of a carpet underlay is compatible with the high temperatures of underfloor heating. Most homeowners who rely on underfloor heating prefer to use underlays rated less than 1. Underlays with a rating above 2.5 are best for heat insulation.
A prevalent yet costly mistake many people make is investing in a premium carpet only to pair it with the cheapest carpet underlay available. These budget options can cost as low as £2 per metre squared. However, they do not offer enough protection to your carpet, and your carpet will not last as long as it should.
Premium carpet underlays will cost as much as £10 per metre squared. But you can still get an excellent underlay at approximately £4 per metre squared
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.
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:
Disadvantages of PU Foam:
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:
Disadvantages of sponge rubber:
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:
Disadvantages of crumb rubber:
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:
Disadvantages of Felt:
There are three main types of carpet underlays to pick from: felt, rubber, and PU foam. But of the three, which one is the best carpet underlay?
PU foam is the most popular choice for most homes. It is environmentally friendly, versatile, and gives a plush underfoot. These underlays are also available in different thicknesses, making them ideal for a wide range of flooring. PU foam carpet underlays also act as excellent heat insulators.
After intensive research and several considerations of the reliability and performance, we settled on the Luxury Thick PU Carpet Underlay Rolls as the best carpet underlay. It is an environmentally friendly PU Foam underlay that is thick and provides soft underfoot.
The best carpet underlay for noise reduction depends on its tog ratio. Tog ratio refers to the level of insulation a carpet underlay offers and is determined by its density, composition, and thickness. Ideally, the tog ratio of most underlays lies between 1 and 4. And the higher the number, the better the insulation.
Our pick of the best carpet underlay for noise reduction is the Flooring Online UK Spring PU Foam Carpet Underlay. It is 12mm thick with a tog ratio of approximately 3.3. And the best part? It reduces noise in your home by about 43db. You will notice the difference.
Concrete can get cold and damp, especially during cold weather. Therefore, not every kind of carpet underlay will work well with concrete floors. You need an underlay that is thick and has excellent thermal insulation. Ideally, it should have a tog rating above 2.5 – but the higher the rating, the better.
Our top pick of the best carpet underlay for concrete floors is the Plushwalk Carpet Underlay. It has a 12mm thickness and a tog rating of about 3.3. That makes it excellent in thermal insulation. On top of that, it is a luxurious carpet underlay that is durable and feels super-soft underfoot.
There are three popular types of carpet underlays: felt, PU foam, and rubber. PU foam is the favourite for most because of its versatility and easy maintenance. Rubber, on the other hand, is durable and is not damaged by furniture. But, is felt underlay any good?
Felt mostly comprises wool, which is an excellent thermal insulator. On top of that, wool is well-known for its heat retention. The underlay is also excellent at noise reduction and is not easily damaged by furniture. But on the downside, felt doesn’t feel as soft as PU Foam. Plus, it gets damp quickly and is not ideal for use around pets and kids.
A carpet underlay has many benefits. It helps to deaden airborne noise, protect your carpet, and provide thermal insulation in your room. The above benefits only emphasize the need for underlay for bedroom carpets.
Your bedroom will be toasty and quiet. And your carpet will feel soft and last longer.
Thickness is one of the essential factors you must have in mind when you’re searching for the best carpet underlay. A thicker carpet underlay will provide better cushioning, excellent heat insulation, and better soundproofing. However, a thick carpet may not be ideal in all circumstances.
For instance, although a stairway is a high traffic area, the best carpet underlay should be thinner than your dining room (which is an equally high traffic area). That’s because thicker underlays on the stairs are likely to elevate your carpet, and it won’t fit as it should.
There are many upcoming and established brands specialising in manufacturing the best carpet underlays in the market. Below we’ll have a closer look at the top 3.
There are many upcoming and established brands specialising inn manufacturing the best carpet underlays in the market. Below we’ll have a closer look at the top 3.
The best carpet underlay should be thick and durable. Its heat and thermal insulation, too, should be excellent. Most underlays are either made out of PU foam, rubber, or felt, but foam is the most popular.
In the above review, we’ve reviewed 7 of the best carpet underlays out there. There are available in various thicknesses and price ranges.
The T & A Upholstery Thick PU Carpet Underlay is our favourite pick. It has a tog rating of 2.71, which offers a great insulation. Plus, it is only 10mm and you can install it in any carpeted area of your home.
If you’re pulling up your old flooring then now is the perfect time to refresh your woodwork. Check our our guide to the best gloss paints here!
Hannah is an extremely well-experienced home product tester. She has been crafting product roundups and other informational articles for over five years. As a mother of one who loves her work’s freedom, Hannah dedicates most of her day to freelance writing. Hannah loves to spend time with her family in her free time, read, hike, or Netflix and chill.
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