Underlay is the layer of cushioning laid beneath carpets, and it can be almost as important as the carpet itself.
There are many features and benefits of a high quality underlay:
- Underfoot comfort/softness: Underlay increases the comfort factor of a carpet, making it feel softer and reducing standing fatigue.
- Acoustics and sound reduction: Underlay helps eliminate excessive noise from a room, including both impact sounds from walking across the floor, and reverberations from elsewhere in the room.
- Thermal: Installing quality underlay can help reduce energy costs, as it acts as an insulator for your floor - keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
- Appearance: Underlay helps reduce premature wear and extend the life of the carpet by absorbing impacts.
If you've ever stepped onto a carpet and marvelled at how soft it felt, a good quality underlay can often be the answer to achieving this level of comfort.