Underlays

carpet underlay?

What is the best underlay to use for a domestic carpet.should it be felt,waffle and what thickness is best.

Public Comments

1. only need it on the stairs
2. felt, and 8mm
3. Rubber underlays are the best - be careful on "thickness" as if you're buying a thick pile carpet as well you may find that you have to take your doors off and get them trimmed - if you pay about £5.00 per square metre for underlay you'll end up with a decent one so long as you avoid the big stores such as Carpetright & Allied.
4. felt..8mm
5. Like most things - the more you pay - the better the quality. You need to consider whether the carpet is in a high traffic area. The bedroom for instance is considered low traffic and you will get away with a cheaper underlay there. A good manufacturer is http://www.floorwise.co.uk/und011.htm They are also the biggest. I have their 'pinnacle' offering underneath the carpet in our hall. It certainly feels very springy; makes the carpet feel more expensive. ALL carpets need underlay. If you do not use underlay you will witness the following:- Hard feel underfoot - Premature flattening of pile - Premature wear.
6. just to support one of the answers use a good underlay to extend the life of your carpet ignore the comment about matching the thickness of underlay so as you dont have to cut down your doors. the carpet will cost a lot more than the cost of cutting the doors and will make it last a lot longer. get a good underlay and cut doors if you have to, £15 ish each door.