CARPET UNDERLAY
Our premium carpet underlay is the perfect choice for all types of properties, be it large or small, commercial or residential. It guarantees that your carpet will not only have an extended lifespan, but will also provide a soft, warm, and comfortable surface for you to walk on.
Carpet underlays typically come in thicknesses of 8-12mm and varying densities. Popular materials used to make carpet underlays are:
- PU Foam
- Crumb rubber
- Felt
- Cork
Our featured underlay collection is from the well-renowned Ball & Young range: Cloud 9
Manchester’s Trusted
Flooring Store
Cloud 9 Carpet Underlay
Cloud 9 is the leading brand of carpet underlay in terms of quality, comfort and durability. This award-winning brand supplies underlays that are made from recycled materials and are guaranteed to last the lifetime of the initial carpet installation.
It’s a great choice for pairing with our cheaper carpets, offering both affordability and long-lasting performance and actually increasing the perceived qualities of the carpet.
The Cloud 9 range has an underlay for every environment, from dense construction for stairs to the soft and airy type with incredible bounce-back for bedrooms. Whether you want incredible heat and sound insulation or good heat transfer over your underfloor heating, Ball & Young manufacturing is unsurpassed for evenness of density and resilience over time. For those considering landlord carpets in Manchester, the Cloud 9 underlay provides both durability and comfort, making it a reliable choice for high-traffic areas in rental properties.
Why Choose Carpet Underlay from Floor Express?
Carpet underlay is the perfect partner for all types of carpet, be it commercial or residential. It guarantees that your carpet will not only have an extended lifespan, but will also provide a soft, warm, and comfortable surface for you to walk on.
Having an underlay fitted will also protect the underside of your carpet from rubbing against the hard subfloor. Indentations from furniture will be less severe when the carpet is fitted with a firm underlay. Firmer underlays can also prevent excessive vertical movement and stretching of the carpet and will, therefore, reduce rucking problems. You can explore other varieties as well from our carpet shop in Manchester.
Polyurethane (PU Foam) Carpet Underlay
Floor Express stocks a range of polyurethane (PU) foam underlays for the domestic and commercial markets. All of the PU underlays that we stock are made. from recycled materials, and offer great underfoot comfort and insulation. Our PU underlays are available in 8mm, 10mm & 12mm.
Graphite Carpet Underlay
Graphite has been designed as an affordable carpet underlay and offers a lightweight solution for most areas in your home. This 6mm carpet underlay is designed for everyday domestic use and provides an ideal underlay solution for the buyer who is conscious of the price. Graphite underlay is made from closed-cell, black-coloured polyethylene foam. It is noise-reducing, CFC-free, and 100% recyclable.
Benefits of Carpet Underlay
Carpet underlay offers more than just a foundation for your carpet—it significantly enhances comfort, durability, and overall performance. Whether you’re installing it in a residential or commercial space, underlay provides numerous advantages that make it a must-have addition to your flooring.
-
Enhanced Comfort
Carpet underlay creates a cushioned surface underfoot, making your carpet feel softer and more luxurious. -
Improved Insulation
Underlay acts as a thermal barrier, reducing heat loss through floors. This helps maintain a warm indoor environment, making it an excellent choice for colder climates. -
Noise Reduction
Carpet underlay absorbs sound, minimizing noise from foot traffic, dropped items, or other activities. This is particularly beneficial in multi-story buildings, apartments, or offices where noise control is essential. -
Extended Carpet Lifespan
By acting as a protective layer between the carpet and the subfloor, underlay reduces wear and tear. It minimizes friction, prevents stretching, and absorbs impact from heavy furniture, extending the life of your carpet significantly.
How to Choose the Right Carpet Underlay
Selecting the perfect carpet underlay is essential for maximizing comfort, durability, and performance. Here’s an in-depth look at the factors to consider when making the best choice:
Consider the Room’s Purpose
Different rooms have different requirements. High-traffic areas like hallways and stairs need dense and durable underlays, such as crumb rubber, to withstand wear and tear. Bedrooms or living rooms, where comfort is a priority, benefit from softer materials like PU foam or felt. For moisture-prone areas like basements or kitchens, opt for water-resistant options such as cork or rubber.
Select the Appropriate Thickness
The thickness of the underlay plays a significant role in performance. Thicker underlays (10–12mm) offer more cushioning and are ideal for bedrooms and lounge areas, while thinner options (6–8mm) work better in high-traffic areas or under heavy furniture to reduce dents and stretching.
Match the Material to Your Needs
Each material has unique benefits. PU foam is lightweight and great for comfort and insulation, while crumb rubber provides superior durability for busy spaces. Felt offers excellent thermal insulation, making it perfect for older homes, and cork is eco-friendly, soundproof, and moisture-resistant, ideal for wet rooms or sustainable projects.
Check Compatibility with Underfloor Heating
If your home or office uses underfloor heating, ensure the underlay you choose allows efficient heat transfer. Options like felt or specialized PU foam underlays are designed to work seamlessly with heating systems, ensuring your space remains warm and energy-efficient.
Think About Noise Reduction
For spaces like apartments, offices, or multi-story buildings, soundproofing is critical. Dense materials such as crumb rubber or felt are excellent at minimizing noise, creating a quieter and more comfortable environment.
Accessories
Complement your décor with the perfect finishing touch and choose from one of our large range of aluminum door plates. We have a profile to suit any transition. Why not ask about our premium range, available in a variety of beautiful finishes, such as brushed and milled.
What our Clients Say
Daniel Mayo
I want to highly recommend Floorexpress. The service they provide is impeccable. A vast selection of flooring throughout their showroom. I was spoilt for choice. The sales staff were all very helpful and had excellent knowledge in flooring. Thank you for your amazing service. Will definitely be using you again!
Denys Terebenets
Staff are efficient, friendly and supportive. Managed to get a good quality carpet at a great price. Would definitely recommend to use them!
Earl A Sobers.
Ben Griffiths
Abu Bakar
Highly professional and very thorough and quick in there work. Kieran and Hamadi were punctual and carried out my
requirements to an amazing standard and cleared up after
themselves. Friendly staff and would recommend to all.
Jane Costin
I dealt with Lewis Murphy and found him extremely helpful in explaining all the details about some engineered oak flooring I was interested in. He seemed very knowledgeable and was very polite. It is great to get such excellent service – perhaps an advantage of dealing with a local company!
Tasleem O reilly
I had my whole flat carpeted by two beautiful brothers, Akeel and amir, in wythenshawe and I cannot speak highly enough of they mannerisms and the work they did. I was so impressed and will recommend to people I know thank you guys so so much
Xia Cui
Visit our Showroom Today!
The quickest, easiest and most cost effective way to get a quote is to visit us in store. Please refer to our How to Measure Guide and bring your rough sizes with you and we can quickly give you quotes on all of our amazing flooring offers! We’re a truly unique business that prides ourselves on face to face expert advice, unrivaled service, huge choice and incredible deals. So, just jump in the car, drive to our flooring mega-store and grab yourself a carpet or flooring bargain today!
- Free Measuring Service
- Free Tailored Quotes
- Expert Laminate Fitting
- Expert Vinyl Fitting
- Unrivalled Service
- Free Expert Advice
- Free Parking
- Clearance Roll Ends
- Huge Range of Choice
- Same Day Takeaways
- Quick Turn Around
- Expert Carpet Fitting
Protect Your Carpets With High Quality Carpet Underlay!
Ensure your carpets stand the test of time with our high-quality carpet underlay.
frequently asked questions
We provide a wide range of high-quality carpets to meet different needs. This includes foam underlay, which provides excellent comfort and insulation, and rubber underlays that are durable and ideal for high-traffic areas. Our range ensures you will find the perfect underlay to complement your carpet, whether for home or commercial use.
While it’s possible to install underlay yourself, we recommend professional help for the best results. A properly fitted underlay ensures your carpet looks great and lasts longer. Our expert team can handle the installation, ensuring everything is done perfectly and hassle-free.
Choosing the right underlay depends on several factors, such as the type of carpet, the room’s usage, and the level of comfort or insulation you need. For high-traffic areas like offices or hallways, a more durable, firm underlay is ideal. In bedrooms or living rooms, you might prefer a softer, cushioned option for added comfort. Our team can help you select the best underlay based on your specific needs.
The ideal thickness for carpet underlay depends on the type of carpet and the room’s function. Thicker underlays (around 11-12mm) offer extra cushioning and are perfect for living areas or bedrooms, while a medium thickness (around 8-9mm) works well in high-traffic spaces where durability is key. We can help you find the right balance of comfort and practicality.
High-quality carpet underlay can last 10 to 15 years, depending on the level of foot traffic and how well it’s maintained. Using a durable underlay can extend the life of your carpet, making it a smart long-term investment for your home or office.
You may need a new underlay if your carpet feels less cushioned or if there’s visible wear or damage, such as dent or uneven areas. If your carpet is being replaced, it’s always a good idea to check the condition of your underlay. A new underlay can enhance the feel and longevity of your new carpet. Our team can assess your current underlay and recommend whether it’s time for a replacement.
While not all carpets require underlay, it is highly recommended for most installations. Underlay improves comfort, insulation, and durability, especially for carpets in high-traffic areas or on hard subfloors.
PU foam underlay is lightweight, softer, and provides excellent cushioning and insulation, making it ideal for residential spaces. Crumb rubber is denser and more durable, making it suitable for high-traffic areas or commercial properties.
Without underlay, your carpet may wear out faster, feel less comfortable, and be less insulated against noise and temperature changes. It may also lead to uneven surfaces and increased stretching or wrinkling over time.
Yes, carpet underlay is easy to cut with a utility knife or scissors, making it suitable for irregularly shaped rooms or spaces.
Yes, carpet underlay can be installed over concrete floors. For this application, choose underlays with moisture-resistant properties, such as rubber or cork, to prevent mold or dampness.
