Underlays

There is an enormous choice of underlays to use with your carpet. Not only the difference in construction, but also a choice of either wool, hair, wool/rubber mix, rubber or foam to name but a few!

It is widely regarded that felt is the best choice. With respect to wear, not only of the carpet, but also of the underlay itself.

Choosing an underlay has much to do with the recommendations of the carpet supplier.
Some manufacturers will not recommend anything other than a good quality felt i.e. wool or hair waste.
While others are biased towards certain brands.

On the other hand, there are circumstances where you must use certain rubber underlays i.e. when using the double stick method of fitting. Here, manufacturers have developed a high quality material specially made to adhere to the floor, having the carpet adhered to this. This is an excellent installation method as you will not get any movement in the carpet, a major cause of premature wear!

With everything, there is the question of cost. At the cheaper end, choose from foam underlays, cheaper because of the materials used. Being synthetic, they are more available, and less costly to produce.
Mid range, the quality rubber underlays are a better option, but are more expensive than foam.
With the rubber underlay it doesn't tend to break up as easily, which leads us to felt.

Felt will not break up like a lot of foam or rubber underlays, but generally isn't as soft or 'bouncy' as some rubber.
With good Wiltons or Axminsters, manufacturers sometimes sew the joins, especially with body carpet. Felt, as opposed to rubber, will allow these seams to bed in more naturally, alleviating any unevenness.

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