18 March 2022

Our guide to underlay and why it shouldn’t be overlooked

Every room in your home deserves comfy, stylish flooring with a high-quality finish. But getting the look you want at a price that suits your budget can prove tricky, and it can be tempting to cut corners to save on cost.

Carpeted rooms have long since relied on underlay to provide an extra layer to the flooring. But what about when you’re considering laminate or LVT? Is underlay still worth the investment, or is it something you should ‘sweep under the rug’?

In this article, we’re taking a closer look at the types of underlay and why it shouldn’t be overlooked.

Why underlay matters

It might not be visible once your new flooring is in place, but don’t underestimate the importance of good underlay. It’s often the unsung hero in a room.

Comfort: Your flooring should always feel comfortable, and underlay is an effective way to ensure this stays the case whatever you lay above it. Woods, laminates and even the deepest shag carpets all benefit from the extra cushioning underlay provides.

Insulation: If you lay your flooring directly on a wood or concrete base, you will notice your room feels colder. If you use underlay, you create insulation that can significantly increase a room’s temperature, making it warmer and more energy-efficient.

Noise reduction: This is something to consider with any room where you lay laminate or wood, particularly if you have young children or pets who love running and jumping around. Underlay helps to soundproof your room by reducing the echoing sounds caused by bumps and imperfections in the upper flooring.

Extra stability: Flooring can move, especially if it is clicked together (floating). By placing underlay onto the subfloor, you provide a stable foundation for your flooring or carpet.

Reduce moisture: Buildings are susceptible to moisture, particularly on the lower floor, where it can creep up from the ground beneath the subfloor. Underlay prevents the moisture from rising and affecting the flooring above – essential for carpet, wood or laminate, which are all susceptible to moisture damage or mould.

Optimised lifespan: When you’re splashing out on a new floor, you want maximum bang for your buck. Underlay can prevent excessive wear and tear and extend the lifespan, especially when it comes to carpet. Ultimately, this saves on the cost of your new flooring and provides a stronger return on investment over the years.

Which type of underlay is best?

There are various types of underlay on offer, and some are better suited to one type of flooring than others. Here is a quick overview.

Foam: Basic synthetic 2mm polyethylene foam is perfect for soundproofing areas where moisture poses no threat. It is light, simple to fit and suited to most rooms.

Thicker, high-density foam with integrated fleece backing and an aluminium vapour barrier provides superior protection from moisture.

Sponge Rubber: This underlay is highly durable and one of the best options for reducing noise. Made from recycled tyres, sponge rubber is kind to the environment and kind to your pocket.

Fibreboard: This natural insulating board is ideal for glueless wood, LVT or laminate. Fibreboard is great for soundproofing areas where footfall is high, such as kitchens and hallways.

LVT fan-fold: This type of underlay is particularly suited to click-system LVT flooring. Despite being only 1.5mm thick, this high-density foil layered fan-fold board has incredible soundproofing and insulation qualities.

Felt: One of the more favourable options in terms of price, felt underlay provides excellent cushioning, reduces noise and helps retain warmth, making it a good choice for the cost-conscious.

What lies beneath…

Just as you need to consider what will sit on top of your underlay, you need to think about what lies beneath it too.

Underlay with underfloor heating

Many modern UK homes are now opting for underfloor heating to create warmth. If you’re considering an underfloor heating system, don’t be fooled into thinking it negates the need for underlay. You just need to choose something that doesn’t compromise your heating system.

You’ll need to consider the combined tog rating of any materials being laid. We recommend choosing an underlay with a low tog of 0.2 and no more than 2.5 togs when combined with the flooring.

Underlay for concrete subfloors

Many modern builds use concrete as a base which is a porous substance and susceptible to moisture and damp. Whether you’re laying natural or engineered wood, click LVT, laminate or carpet in your room, it’s a good idea to place a barrier between the top layer and the concrete to avoid damage. Opt for underlay that won’t be affected by moisture, such as thick foam with aluminium foil.

Can underlay be re-used?

When you remove your old carpet or flooring and reveal the underlay beneath, you might think it looks in a fit state to re-use. While this is tempting to save on the cost, we advise against it.

Underlay will never look as worn as the flooring on top, but it has been in place for the same number of years, which means it has endured the same amount of footfall. It might look ok, but the integrity could be compromised. If you want to optimise your new flooring installation, don’t scrimp on the underlay – you might regret it later.

Need a little inspiration or advice?

There are hundreds of flooring manufacturers, suppliers and installers, so it can be hard to know where to turn.

At Beyond Flooring, our mission is to enhance your home or business with expertly fitted flooring. Not only can we help you select the right products for your space, we can take care of installing your new flooring to the highest standards.

We only use quality products, and we offer a two-year warranty on all domestic projects.

If you need a little inspiration, check out our customer gallery, or visit our showroom. Our friendly team are always happy to help you select the perfect flooring (and underlay) for your home.