Underlays

Please note: We would advise you not to book your fitters in until you have received your underlay

Underlay is an integral element that shapes how your flooring looks, feels and wears.

As one of the UK’s leading suppliers, here at British Flooring we stock some of the best flooring underlay for wood, laminate and carpets,  from brands such as Royale, Duralay, Cloud 9 and Plushwalk – to name just a few.

So, why not take a look at the extensive collection below and find the right product for your floors? We provide samples from as little as £1.99 so you can compare different products and make an informed choice, and offer next day delivery for orders received before 2pm.

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Why choose underlay?

Though frequently overlooked and dismissed as an unnecessary expense, flooring underlay acts as an insulator that can help you to save money on your energy bills whilst providing underfoot comfort and cushioning.

On top of this, it can provide an extra layer against noise – ideal for upstairs rooms or if you live in a flat. And because it performs like a shock absorber, it impacts the longevity of your floors.

There are various types of underlay for use with different flooring and different rooms. For example, carpet underlay helps carpets to bounce back from heavy wear and foot traffic, whereas laminate underlay protects the joints in the wooden planks and reduces the risk of flexing.

How to choose underlay

Choosing the right flooring underlay will ensure you get your money’s worth and, ultimately, prolong the lifespan of your floors. But to make the correct choice, you need to consider:

  • The type of sub-floor (i.e. concrete or wood subfloor)
  • The room where it will be fitted
  • How much sound and heat insulation you want
  • Your budget

Keeping these factors in mind, our best advice is to browse the range in full. Click through to find out more detailed information about our underlays – including sizes, colours and prices – and make comparisons between them.

Then, once you’ve decided which is most suitable for your floors, add it to your online basket and proceed to checkout. It’s as easy as that.

And if you have any questions or queries, the team at British Flooring can assist.

Contact us

Whether you’d like an expert opinion on which flooring underlay is best for your home, or you can’t find the product you’re looking for, our experts would love to hear from you.

Either call 0203 325 9082 or email sales@british-flooring.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

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Which underlay is best for my floor?

Underlay isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal, so the answer to this question depends on a few different factors, including:

• The type of floor you’re placing on top

The type of underlay you need depends on the floor you’ll be placing on top of it.

Let’s say you’ve opted for a thinner carpet on your stairs or in your living room, for example. You might want to choose a slightly thicker underlay to provide a bit of extra cushioning. Thicker carpets are best paired with felt underlays, because they not only provide excellent comfort underfoot, but also prevent your carpet from flattening out as a result of heavy foot traffic.

Maybe you’re installing a wood or laminate floor? If this is the case, you’ll need an underlay specifically designed for these types of flooring to make sure that it’s the right thickness and has all the necessary qualities.

• The type of floor it will sit on

Maybe your floor is being laid on top of a concrete subfloor? Or perhaps in a room with underfloor heating?

Whichever type of subfloor you’re working with, keep it in mind when choosing your underlay.

This will help whittle your options down so you can choose one that provides sufficient insulation, soundproofing, and shock absorbency.

• Where you’re installing it

Each floor in your home serves a different purpose, and therefore has different needs when it comes to underlay.

Need help choosing the perfect underlay for your new floors? The specialists here at British Flooring are here to help. Get in touch with us today!

How much does carpet underlay cost?

Again, the answer to this question depends on a few different things.

The cost of carpet underlay is usually worked out per square metre and can cost anywhere between £2-£8.

Of course, some underlays will be more expensive than others – typically, the higher the quality and overall performance, the more expensive it will be.

Then, of course, you need to factor in the cost of delivery, installation, or extra tools if you’re planning on fitting it yourself.

For a personalised quote, give our experts a call – making sure to give us the correct measurements so that we’re able to provide you with an accurate price.

Do I have to have an underlay fitted?

Like most things, a good foundation will lead to better results in the long term.

Of course, it’s your decision, but we always highly recommend installing a high-quality underlay. We strongly believe it’s a step that shouldn’t be skipped or skimped on, especially if you want to make the most of your new flooring.

Not only does installing an underlay improve the look and feel of your new floors, but it also increases comfort, boosts the lifespan of your flooring, and increases energy efficiency in your home.

Why not take a look at our Plushwalk underlays?

We stock both the 10mm and 12mm variations – which provide an unmatched level of comfort and, thanks to their higher foam density, excellent sound proofing abilities.

To discover more benefits of installing a high-quality carpet underlay, check out our blog post ‘5 reasons to buy a good quality underlay’, or call 0203 325 9082 to chat with our experts directly.

How long does carpet underlay last?

Several factors affect how long underlay lasts. These include: • Thickness

Usually, thicker options are much better than thinner ones, as they tend to take much longer to flatten down from foot traffic. • Exposure to heat and moisture

High temperatures and humidity can significantly reduce the lifespan of underlay, which is why it’s so important to select the most suitable type of underlay for the room. • Materials

Underlay that’s made from synthetic materials will take longer to degrade than those made from natural materials.

Take our Plushwalk underlays for example.

They feature damp proof membranes which create a moisture lock between your carpet and sub floor, which increases the lifetime of your carpet dramatically.