Underlay is a vital part of any carpet or flooring installation - but it’s essential when laying carpet. In this post, we look at some of the most commonly asked carpet underlay questions and run through the process we use when installing carpet underlay.

Remove Doors

This is often the worst part of fitting new carpets and underlay! Removing doors which just get in the way when working. Removing the door ensures the most accessible fitting of carpet and underlay, meaning you do not have to work around doors. The result is the tidiest and smartest carpet fitting possible.

Clean the Floor

Do a thorough job of cleaning and clearing the subfloor on which you are lying underlay on. Ensure that the subfloor is free from dust and debris. Leaving dust and debris can damage your underlay and your carpet and leave noticeable lumps if they are large enough. If the room had carpet in before, scan the room for nails and staples that may have been left, which can damage the underlay and carpet.

Invest in the Extras

If you are laying your underlay on wooden floors - ensure that you buy a liner which sits between the wooden floor and the underlay. This will stop drafts, stains, and dust from spreading and damaging your carpet.

Laying the Underlay

Once you have prepared the floor for the underlay, lay the underlay on the carpet grippers in place. Ensure the underlay covers all floor areas and that the underlay is laid opposite directions to the floorboards. If the underlay you use has a layer designed to be applied directly onto the floor, remember to check and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Staple the Underlay

Once the underlay is down on the floor, it’s time to staple the edges down - although we say edges, it’s best practice to staple within the edges of the carpet grippers. If you are laying underlay on a concrete floor, it’s a good idea to use a spray adhesive.

Tape the Underlay

Tape along any joins in the underlay to ensure no prominent uneven areas will affect how the carpet looks. Trim any edges that need to be trimmed.

Underlay FAQS

Which direction to lay Underlay?

If you are laying your underlay on floorboards, it’s essential to lay them in the opposite direction to the floorboards. If you use foam underlay, ensure that the coloured film is laid directly onto the floor's surface. Once laid, ensure that you pull and tug the underlay into place, ensuring no lumps or bumps.

Why use Underlay?

There are many reasons to use carpet underlay. It reduces noise transferred throughout floors, feels great when you walk on it and protects the carpet and the subfloor - whilst keeping the carpet in the best possible condition for the longest time.

Can you lay a new underlay on the old underlay?

We always recommend removing any old underlay before laying a new underlay. Underlay is designed to be used by itself, so there’s no need to double underlay up. Old underlay, whilst always looking OK - can contain dirt and dust - so it’s a good idea to replace it whenever you replace the carpet.

Can you lay laminate flooring on top of Carpet Underlay?

Laminate Flooring should not be used with carpet underlay.

Do you lay Underlay over Grippers?

Grippers need to be used with carpet underlay and in place before the underlay is laid.