which kind of carpet underlay is best?

Question

i need to buy some carpet underlay and have seen one on ebay (brand new from carpet suppliers) which says grade a! is that good?
which kind is the best?

Answer 1

I always say; get the best you can afford. A quality underlay will make even the cheapest carpet look and feel great.
Why not email the seller and ask them which is there best underlay that way you can decide.

Answer 2

Best Underlay For Carpet

Answer 3

Best Carpet Underlay

Answer 4

There are two main types of underlay; "Waffle Sponge" (the old fashioned bubble looking stuff) and "Sponge" underlay (APT), both have similar technical; specifications and performance gradings. Sponge (APT) underlay measured in mm is becoming more popular. Waffle underlay is measured in lb's. The higher the mm or lb's the better quality the underlay. As a recommendation, your better not to go below 8 mm or 85 lb. Its false economy because the underfoot comfort is reduced, the heat insulation, the longevity and the sound reduction is greatly reduced all for a short term small saving.

Don't go by the A1 or 5 star ratings (made up), go by the technical specs (lb's or mm). also as a comparative tool check how much underlay there is in a bag. 15 Sq metres is the most common, but some retailers sell underlay rolls with 9 square metres to a bag.

also if going for sponge (APT) underlay, its best to go for no more than 9mm. Many stores sell 11mm but this is higher than the pins on the gripper rods, reducing the ability to gain a good stretch on fitting the carpet. 9 mm has all the best performance specifications, while making it perfect for stretch fits.

Answer 5

No. The carpet life will be shortened without underlay. It's the quality of the underlay that gives life and springyness to the carpet. Put medium quality underlay in bedrooms and less used rooms and good quality in living rooms, hall/landing/stairs and heavy used rooms. Old carpet is not a good underlay and your top carpet will try to walk because of the nap of the underneath carpet.

Answer 6

Waffle rubber underlay is the normal stuff provided by carpet retailers it comes in different grades defined by weight per square metre, 1965g/m2 up to 4535g/m2 the heavier the weight per square metre, the better quality/grade it will be, feeling thicker and giving more cushioning effect underfoot. Better quality underlays, that might be used in the best hotels for instance are usually felt based, crumb rubber, or a combination of the two, measured by thickness not by weight, can be up to 11mm thick. The better it is, the more it costs, as quality usually does, but the difference is very noticeable when you walk on the various types. Grade "A" doesn't tell you much, as far as I know underlay is graded as I've said. Sounds good though, I bet many buyers have assumed,... mmmm, grade "A", must be good then, :-)

Answer 7

The padding underneath is cheap. No real specifics on it unlessyou ant it thick which in most cases people do not because it causes the carpet to ridge. The 1/4 inch padding is fine.
The carpet is the master when you decide to put expensive carpet down you will notice the difference.

Answer 8

Buying cheap underlay is a false saving,go for the best you can afford.

Answer 9

The reason there are different types of padding is because some should not be used with certain types of carpet. We have a wool berber and your not supposed to use a re bond type pad with this carpet. You should go to a carpet industry assoc. web site and figure out what type should be used for your carpet.

Answer 10

I would get the best padding you can afford. Not sure I would get it on E-bay though. You will not be changing the carpet or pad for years so get the best. You will feel the difference. A good pad can make even cheap carpet feel better.