Busting 5 Myths
about
Carpet & Underlay Flooring
Introduction
We want to bust a few myths we hear all the time and share some truths from what we’ve learned over the years. Trust us when we say, a good underlay is one of the smartest investments you can make for your carpet or hard floor.
Myth #1: “Underlay doesn’t make much difference - I’ll just use whatever’s cheapest.”
It’s tempting to skimp here. However, a top-quality underlay plays a huge role in how your floor feels and lasts. It cushions the carpet, allows it to retain that bounce and helps avoid flattening. That extra layer of support that helps your floor cope with day after day of footfall. (Yes, even those muddy boots from Fen Drayton walks.)
Myth #2: “I don’t need underlay if I put down hard flooring.”
We hear this a lot. In fact, many styles of laminate, engineered wood, or vinyl do benefit from underlay, especially when it comes to smoothing out minor imperfections in your subfloor, cutting noise and improving how warm the floor feels underfoot.
Myth #3: “Thicker underlay is always better.”
It sounds logical, but thickness alone isn’t enough. What matters more is density and how well it’s suited to the room and floor type. A dense, well-constructed underlay will outperform a spongy, thick one any day. That’s something we look at carefully when matching underlays to carpets or LVT for homes around Cambridgeshire and the villages near Dry Drayton.
Myth #4: “Underlay won’t help with bills or warmth.”
Actually, a good underlay will help retain heat. It provides thermal insulation, helping rooms feel warmer and reducing heat loss. In older homes, which we have many of in Cambridgeshire, that added insulation can make a noticeable difference.
Myth #5: “Underlay is just there for comfort.”
Yes, underlay makes walking on your floor more pleasant, but that’s only part of it. It also reduces noise (always welcome in homes with kids or upstairs rooms), protects your carpet or flooring from wear and impact and can even act as a moisture barrier, especially important in rooms where dampness may be an issue. We cover those roles in our existing underlay article.
What We Do at Floor Coverings
When we plan a flooring job, whether it’s carpet, laminate, timber or vinyl, we always take underlay very seriously. We source options like Tredaire, Ambience, Timbermate and tougher, sound-reducing types depending on the room. (You’ll find those underlay ranges described in our “Understanding Underlay” post.)
We also pay close attention to tog ratings, especially when underfloor heating is in play. The combined tog of carpet plus underlay needs to stay under certain limits so the heating still works efficiently. That’s something many people miss.
When we fit your floor, we make sure the underlay lies smooth, tight, without creases or gaps. Poorly laid underlay is one of the biggest causes of problems and complaints we see, it ruins the feel and look of even the nicest floor.
Our Advice
Underlay may not be glamorous but it’s absolutely fundamental. A beautiful carpet or wood floor deserves the best base you can give it. Don’t let it be an afterthought. If you’re planning new flooring across Cambridgeshire, Dry Drayton, Girton, or nearby, come talk to us about the right underlay to match your floor type and lifestyle.
We’re happy to explain options, bring over samples, or show you underlay types that perform best in real homes. Just drop by the showroom or give us a call.
Floor Coverings — We’ve Got You Covered