Understanding Underlay: Benefits, Thickness Options, Types, and Key Insights

Branew Flooring
Oct 1
5 min read

When it comes to flooring, many homeowners and decorators often overlook the importance of underlay. This essential component can take your flooring from ordinary to extraordinary. By enhancing comfort, durability, and overall performance, the right underlay can transform your living space. In this post, we will explore what underlay is, its benefits, thickness options, and the different types available. Let’s dive in!

What is Underlay?

Underlay is a layer of material placed between the flooring and the subfloor. It serves multiple purposes, including providing cushioning, sound insulation, and moisture protection. Depending on your flooring choice—be it carpet, laminate, or LVT Click —underlay can dramatically change how your space feels and functions.

Benefits of Underlay

Enhanced Comfort

One of the primary benefits of underlay is the added comfort it provides. A well-chosen underlay can make walking on your floors feel softer and more cushioned. For instance, in living rooms where you may spend hours, a good underlay can reduce fatigue and make the space more inviting. A study by the National Floor Safety Institute found that homes with underlay report a 30% increase in comfort, significantly enhancing the living experience.

Sound Insulation

Underlay significantly improves sound insulation. It absorbs sound, reducing noise transmission between floors, which is essential in multi-story homes or apartments. According to recent research, underlay can decrease floor impact noise by up to 25%. This means fewer disturbances from footsteps, television, or conversations, creating a more peaceful environment.

Moisture Protection

Certain types of underlay offer moisture protection. This is particularly important in areas prone to dampness, such as basements or bathrooms. For example, moisture-resistant underlay can reduce mould and mildew growth by up to 50%, contributing to a healthier living space.

Improved Durability

Using underlay can extend the life of your flooring, acting as a sturdy barrier against daily wear and tear. This means less damage from foot traffic, which can prolong the life of your flooring by as much as 15%. An investment in quality underlay can save significant money on replacements and repairs.

Thermal Insulation

Underlay also offers thermal insulation, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. This can lead to energy savings. For instance, homes with proper thermal underlay may experience a reduction in heating bills by 10% to 15% during winter months.

Thickness Options

When selecting underlay, thickness is a crucial factor. The thickness of the underlay usually ranges from 2mm to 12mm.

Thin Underlay (2mm - 5mm)

Thin underlay is often used for laminate and LVT Click. It provides minimal cushioning but is effective for sound absorption and moisture protection. For instance, using a 3mm foam underlay could improve sound insulation without raising the floor height significantly.

Medium Underlay (6mm - 8mm)

Medium thickness underlay is versatile and suitable for many flooring types, including carpet and vinyl. It strikes a balance between comfort, sound insulation, and durability. A good choice for daily use areas, it can help cushion impacts while offering effective thermal properties.

Thick Underlay (9mm - 12mm)

A thicker underlay is ideal for carpeted areas, providing maximum comfort and sound insulation. It also helps level out minor imperfections in the subfloor, ensuring a smoother surface for your flooring. For example, using a 10mm PU underlay can significantly reduce noise from foot traffic and increase the plush feel of carpets.

Different Types of Underlay

Each type of underlay offers unique advantages, designed for specific flooring needs. Here are some of the most common options:

PU (polyurethane) Underlay

Currently, this is the most favoured underlay in the market, typically made from recycled foam scraps. It offers exceptional comfort and performance, with a wide range of thicknesses and densities available. Its lightweight nature makes handling and installation a breeze.

Sponge Rubber Underlay

Rubber underlay is known for its durability and excellent sound absorption. Frequently utilised in commercial settings, it is also beneficial for residential spaces with high foot traffic. It can reduce sound transmission by up to 30%, making it suitable for busy households.

Felt Underlay

Felt underlay is made from recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly choice. It offers good thermal insulation and is often used with carpets. This type of underlay can contribute to noise reduction by an average of 21%, making your home quieter.

Crumb Rubber Underlay

Crumb rubber underlay is solid and compact, making it ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic. It provides excellent protection, though it may sacrifice a bit of comfort. This underlay works exceptionally well over stair nosings.

Combination Underlay

Some underlays combine different materials to deliver a range of benefits. For example, a mix of foam and rubber can provide both cushioning and sound insulation. This versatility makes it a great all-rounder for various flooring types.

Underlayment for LVT Click

This creates a level surface that allows for immediate glue-down applications. In cases of time constraints, noise concerns, or problematic subfloors, utilising a robust dual underlay system will offer the most effective solution.

Underlay for Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating underlay is commonly available from most manufacturers, who provide specialised options. You can use a combination of underlay and carpet that has a total tog rating of 2.5, which typically means the underlay itself will have a tog rating around 1.0.

Laminate underlay

This presents a great opportunity to enhance sales alongside laminate flooring. It not only boosts the acoustic performance of the floor but also allows the boards to seamlessly float over any imperfections in the subfloor.

Pre-tackified underlay

A self-adhesive, single-stick option available in both needlefelt and PU. It's designed to be removable, making it ideal for heavy use while still prioritising comfort.

Key Insights for Choosing Underlay

Here are crucial factors to keep in mind when selecting underlay:

Flooring Type: Different flooring materials require specific types of underlay. Ensure you choose one that aligns with your flooring choice. If unsure, get professional advice.
Room Usage: Consider the intended use of the room. High-traffic areas may benefit from thicker, durable underlays, while spaces like bedrooms may focus more on comfort.
Moisture Levels: If your area is damp, choose moisture-resistant underlay to protect your flooring.
Budget: Underlay comes in various price ranges. Set a budget and look for options that deliver the best balance of quality and affordability.
Installation: Some underlays are simpler to install than others. If you're planning a DIY project, select an option that is easy to work with.

Wrapping Up

Underlay is a vital element of any flooring project that should not be overlooked. Its benefits—such as enhanced comfort, sound insulation, moisture protection, improved durability, and thermal insulation—make it a smart investment for any home. With a variety of thickness options and types available, you can select the perfect underlay that meets your needs and preferences. So, whether you are renovating your current home or updating your space, keep in mind how important underlay is for creating a comfortable and functional living environment.

If you require more advice on underlay, please reach out to Branew Flooring Limited, and one of their knowledgeable staff members will be able to assist you.