Carpet underlay - a whim or a necessity?

The main task of any well-equipped floor is to cope with heavy loads, while remaining a model of aesthetics, wear resistance and hygiene. But what does “competently equipped” mean? In the understanding of specialists, such can be called a floor construction, erected according to proven technology over the years, using measures that can prevent sudden damage to the coating. One of these "measures", of course, is the use of a substrate. What is interesting: for a laminate or a parquet board, this “auxiliary” tool is purchased by default, and when the question comes up, is there a need for a carpet underlay, many shrug their shoulders uncertainly or, worse, strongly declare that “no, not needed” , explaining this by the warmth and softness of the coating itself. Professionals fundamentally disagree with this opinion, they argue that laying the substrate is an integral stage in the formation of a high-quality floor from any material, including carpet. What is a carpet underlay and what are the main requirements for it - you will find answers to these and many other questions in this article.

Types of carpeting underlay

The construction market offers the buyer a huge assortment of carpeting substrates: among them there are both natural and artificial samples.

Consider some of the most popular and practical options.

Polyurethane Foam. They are suitable not only for “home conditions” - they are also successfully used in hotels, offices, medical and educational institutions. Able to qualitatively hide surface irregularities, increase sound insulation in the room. The base on which the polyurethane foam substrate will be laid must be absolutely dry; its maximum allowable difference is three millimeters.

Polyurethane foam under the carpet

Mounting technology. Apply glue with a notched trowel to the base (marking B-2). Lay sheets of previously “cut” substrate back to back.
It is necessary to monitor the tightness of the material to the floor, since the formation of air jams is unacceptable!

Polyurethane. Their base and top are made of polyethylene. Ideal for laying carpet with the stretching method (covering tension on hooks - grips). Paper-based polyurethane samples with felt tops are also in demand - they significantly improve the thermal insulation of the floor, hide its irregularities.

Polyurethane underlay for carpet (on a polyethylene basis)

Rubber crumb (half jute). They are hard. They are mainly used for laying carpet on a natural basis.

Rubber crumb underlay suitable for natural carpet

Benefits of using

Do you need weighty arguments in order to purchase a carpet backing? Please - their mass. So, the substrate is capable of:

double the service life of the coating. Carpet substrate provides maximum efficiency of the coating with minimal wear. In addition, this intermediate layer acts as a shock absorber, taking on the main load from human movements;
help achieve the effect of absolute comfort and softness of the surface. Even a thin carpet with its help seems thick, fleecy and luxurious;
to improve the heat-insulating, sound-insulating and hygroscopic properties of the carpet floor;
smooth out small roughnesses in the rough floor.

Especially relevant is the use of the substrate when laying the carpet directly on the concrete floor. If linoleum acts as a rough coating (smooth and not mutilated), you can do without it.

How to choose a substrate and not miscalculate?

Along with the awareness of the need to use a substrate, this question arises in the head. Really how? To paraphrase a well-known saying, let’s say “hope for a consultant, but don’t be a fan yourself.” The main requirements for the intermediate cushioning layer are good elasticity and moderate density. You can check these parameters in action by crushing the material. If he instantly loses its shape - it means that in your hands is clearly an inappropriate instance.

The optimal thickness of the substrate is 6-10 millimeters

The acquisition and high-quality laying of a substrate that meets the above requirements is the key to the successful and long-term operation of any carpet.

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Fedor
6 years ago

Good day to all. They bought a substrate for a 10 mm polyurethane carpet, bought about 250 m2 for the whole house. The base we had was concrete! I will say that a carpet with a substrate and without a substrate is heaven and earth! It is very pleasant to walk with the substrate, it is warmer and less noise, I recommend it to everyone.
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Yulia
6 years ago

I live on the first floor. As far as I can remember, the basement was always wet and cold, respectively, the floor in my apartment also pulled this cold. And while in the summer you can still walk barefoot, in winter it is very uncomfortable. Of course, in the rooms there are various coatings, but they are not enough. We will not pull the warm floor. And getting a little child to wear slippers all the time is difficult. There are a couple of questions regarding the background:
The apartment has an ancient parquet. Can I use a substrate without removing it? And what type is better to choose in this case?
And purely out of curiosity: how and due to what does the substrate extend the life of the carpet?
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Boris
6 years ago

The substrate really extends the life of the carpet for many years. When you step on the carpet, the pile is not crumpled, but rather “combed itself”. It is very pleasant to walk on the carpet on the substrate - it becomes softer, the load on the legs decreases and there are no sounds when walking. I believe that if you chose the carpet home - the substrate is simply necessary, in the office - no, because It is not compatible with wheelchairs.
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Rita
6 years ago

A carpet underlay is needed and very important if you want this flooring to last longer. My husband and I laid carpet in our bedroom and thought about the substrate in advance. Now we do not repent, it gives elasticity and special resistance to the coating, it is pleasant to walk on such a floor).
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Vova
7 years ago

Well, I don’t even know what to say, it’s been 5 years since the carpet was laid that made me unlined. And I say, thank God no problems have arisen so far!
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