Does high-quality underlay make a difference?

It can go unnoticed, but there's no question that the quality of your underlay will have a direct impact on your flooring, explains M&D Flooring's owner, Matt Silsby:

'When we quote a new project, we're open to re-using the existing underlay, but we'll only do that if we genuinely feel that it's fit for purpose,' says Matt. 'And if we recommend using new underlay, you can rest assured that it'll be because we have your best interests at heart. High-quality underlay will add extra comfort, increase the life of your flooring, provide enhanced heat and sound insulation, and improve hygiene levels by acting as a barrier between your subfloor and your flooring. Not only that, our preferred underlay from Spring Bond ticks several environmental boxes because every roll contains up to 180 PET plastic bottles, thus helping to prevent plastics ending up in landfill or the oceans.'

For carpets, underlay effectively acts as a cushion, protecting the pile from damage and making it feel softer and more luxurious underfoot. For wood flooring, LVT and laminate flooring, a superior underlay can give stability, reduce noise and offer moisture protection.

The benefits of high-quality carpet underlay include:

• Comfort: The cushioning effect provided by underlay delivers a soft and springy feel when you walk on your carpet.
• Lifespan: Since underlay absorbs the pressure exerted by foot traffic and furniture, protecting the carpet from excessive flattening and wear and tear, this can extend its life by as much as 50%.
• Aesthetics: Because it supports the pile of the carpet, underlay helps preserve its fresh look and stops it flattening out – this ensures your carpet looks better for longer.
• Insulation: Premium underlay can act as a thermal barrier, keeping more heat in and bringing down your energy bills.
• Acoustics: Your underlay will become an absorber of sound, helping to lower the noise made by footsteps and other activity within the room and also from other storeys.
• Hygiene: By creating a barrier between the carpet and the subfloor, underlay can prevent dirt and dust from becoming embedded and can thus make the carpet easier to clean.

The benefits of high-quality underlay for engineered wood, LVT and laminate floors include:

• Moisture: Specialist underlay can help protect dampness rising from the subfloor which will extend the life of your flooring.
• Noise: Foot traffic can create significant noise on hard flooring, and premium underlay can reduce this and also limit its effect on floors beneath you.
• Stability: The underlay will prevent issues such as creaking by improving the floor's stability.
• Comfort: A suitable underlay can provide cushioning, making the floor feel more comfortable beneath your feet.

To learn more and to request a quotation for your LVT, wood flooring or carpets in Cambridge, please call us on 01480 598800, send us an email or complete our enquiry form.