The main types of underlay are rebond foam, SBR latex, rubber and felt.
Like carpet, all types are available in various grades and qualities and your retailer will be able to suggest suitable underlays to support and benefit your carpet’s performance in your home environment and its requirements.
The following underlay manufacturers are members of the Carpet Institute:
AirStep: www.airstep.com.au
Dunlop Flooring: www.dunlopflooring.com.au
Dunlop Flooring Limited NZ: www.dunlopflooring.co.nz
An underlay should be firm but comfortable and if you stand on the underlay you should not be able to feel the floor with the heel of your shoe.
When replacing your carpet, don’t be tempted to use the existing underlay. It will have the same wear patterns that appeared in your old carpet and these will more than likely quickly resurface in a new carpet. Carpet manufacturer’s warranties also require their products be installed over new underlay.
