It’s often seen as an optional extra, but choosing the right underlay can make a world of difference to the feel and durability of your flooring. Whether you’re installing a fresh carpet in your bedroom or some LVT in your kitchen, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you find the right option for your space.
What flooring have you chosen?
A key point to remember when choosing your underlay is that they all have different benefits and uses. Polyurethane (PU) and rubber are both excellent options for carpets as they add an extra layer of cushioning, but might not be your best choice for laminate or LVT. Always check with the manufacturer if you’re not sure what to use, or chat with one of our team when you’re selecting your flooring.
What room will it be used in?
As well as being optimised for specific flooring types, underlay’s usage should also depend on the location. Waffle sponge or PU underlay are both very popular choices due to their padding and insulation. You also have to think about how regularly you move furniture, as the weight of heavier objects can lead to significant marks.
Do you have underfloor heating?
You’ll probably have heard of tog ratings for duvets and bedding, but did you know that underlay also has tog ratings? Tog ratings relate to the thermal resistance of the underlay, and for an underlay to be compatible with underfloor heating, it’ll need a relatively low tog rating. Choosing an underlay that’s specially designed for underfloor heating will mean that your home is heated efficiently and effectively.
For more information about underlay and advice on the right option for your space, get in touch with our team, or book a free home consultation.
