Low VOC underlays for a healthier home
Stand in your lounge and take a long, deep breath. Can you smell any fumes? Probably not – but that doesn’t mean they’re not there. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) first became a household concern back in 2014, when a specific type of laminate was linked to toxic levels of formaldehyde in the air. The incident made people aware that everyday items – particularly flooring – can emit toxic fumes, potentially having a negative impact on short- and long-term health. And as a result, the industr...
Plushwalk 12mm underlay – 2023 Flooring Innovation Winner
If you’re going spend money on carpet underlay, you may as well spend it on an award winner. Take to the podium, Plushwalk 12mm. 👏 Deemed as one of the best carpet underlays currently on the market, this premium product was recently named as a winner in the ‘Underlays and Accessories’ category of the 2023 National Flooring Innovation Awards. And it’s an accolade we believe is very well deserved. Since its launch in 2018, this prestigious award scheme has gained real respect in the flooring in...
Which are the best underlay manufacturers?
Underlay is big business. Numerous companies manufacture this essential flooring product across the UK and beyond. And here at Carpet Underlay Shop, we now stock over 20 of the most well-known underlay brands, including Cloud 9, Duralay, Tredaire, Carpenter, Envirolay, Grandismo, Heart n’ Soul and more. Why? Because we like to give our customers choice. But when asked the question ‘Which underlay brand is the best for me to buy?’, we very quickly (and easily!) narrow down the options to ...
Carpet underlay thickness – which do I need?
Shopping for new carpet underlay? Who knew there was so much choice? If the broad range of different underlay types wasn't confusing enough, there's also a wide selection of carpet underlay thicknesses to choose from. And we appreciate that it's enough to leave you scratching your head, wondering whether ‘thickness' really matters and which you should buy. We'd like to get one thing clear from the start – underlay thickness does matter. Getting it right can make a huge dif...
Which is the best carpet underlay for 2023?
Identifying the best carpet underlay for your project is really important. If you choose well, it has the power to significantly enhance the look and feel of your new carpet – improving underfoot comfort, boosting insulation and maximising its lifespan. So, before hastily purchasing the first product you see, it’s worth doing a little research. Hundreds of carpet underlays are available to choose from. And following a quick online search, you’ll find there are two clear front-runners for 2023...
Should I invest in artificial grass?
The grass is always greener… when it’s fake. Artificial turf has boomed in popularity over the last few years. Of course, lockdown made us truly appreciate outdoor spaces and spending time as a family in the garden. But with the unpredictable UK weather playing havoc on our lawns, more and more people have started to wonder ‘Is it time to invest in artificial grass instead?’ Here at Carpet Underlay Shop, we say yes! As a leading UK stockist of both artificial grass and artificial grass underl...
Tredaire Dreamwalk vs Wilsons Plushwalk vs Cloud 9 Cumulus – Carpet Underlay Review
Thinking about buying Dreamwalk? It’s worth taking a look at Plushwalk and Cumulus too. There’s no doubt, Tredaire Dreamwalk is very highly regarded in the flooring industry. First released in the 50s, this PU foam underlay has been continuously improved over the decades and is now deemed as one of the leading products on the market. The question is, is it the best? Competition in this category is fierce. There are now many similar PU foam products available to choose from, some of which cert...
5 tips to lay carpet on a budget
Feeling the pinch, but desperate to update your carpet? It may be a cheaper than other floor coverings – such as hardwood or natural stone – but it’s still a big expense for most homeowners. And the cost-of-living crisis has certainly started to bite. As fuel prices and household bills soar, it’s more important than ever to determine a budget and be extra savvy when completing any kind of home improvement or renovation project. To give you a helping hand, here we’ve rounded up a few easy ways...
Can I lay underlay myself?
This is another question we’re asked all the time, here at Carpet Underlay Shop. Can I fit new underlay myself? Or will I need a professional to do the job for me? And the answer is very simple. Yes, absolutely! Not only is it possible to lay your own underlay, for most projects we actually recommend it. Even if you’re a bit of a DIY amateur – and have no previous experience in this area – most underlays are now designed with easy installation in mind. Take, for example, Plushwalk 12mm – the ...
The density of carpet underlay – what is it?
When shopping online for new carpet underlay, density is a term you’re likely to come across – and, for most people, it’s a real source of confusion. Perhaps you’re wondering… What exactly does it mean? Is it something you need to consider when making your purchase? Should you buy a low-density product? Or are high-density underlays better? All very common questions, that we get asked all the time at Carpet Underlay Shop. But fear not. As a UK leading company for carpet underlay, we know the ...
5 popular types of carpet underlay
Not sure which carpet underlay to buy? If you’ve never shopped for underlay before, or just have zero knowledge on the subject, selecting a product can feel slightly overwhelming. Our online store alone has almost 40 options to choose from, all varying in terms of their composition, characteristics and cost. So how on earth do you narrow it down to just one? The first step is to pick a ‘type’ – which, we appreciate, may be easier said than done if you’re new to the world of underlay. But no n...
Levelling a floor – a beginner’s guide
It’s the statement found at the top of every flooring installation manual. “Start with a level floor.” Whether you own a period property or new build, plywood and concrete subfloors are very rarely flat – and if you wish to lay new flooring, that can be problematic! High and low spots make the installation process much trickier than it needs to be and can have a negative impact on the final results. So it’s crucial to do some preparation before you start. Even for a DIY novice, levelling a fl...
How long does LVT flooring last?
Home renovations can be time-consuming and expensive. They certainly require a lot of effort! And if you’re putting in the hard work, of course, you want the results to last. That’s why, LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) is becoming an increasingly popular option. Designed to mimic the look and feel of real wood, not only does it have an attractive modern appearance, it’s also incredibly tough and hard-wearing. Here we take a look at the average lifespan of LVT flooring and why it should be the no.1 c...
Underlay – the best way to insulate an open-plan space
Open-plan living has become increasingly popular over the last few years. In fact, it’s one of the main things that people now look for when buying a property – and it’s easy to understand why. There’s a lot to love about this modern interior layout. First and foremost, it facilitates family life. Separate rooms (typically, the kitchen and lounge) are brought together into one multi-functional space, making it much easier to live and spend quality time together. It also creates the ideal area...
How to fit stair carpet
Fitting carpet on stairs can be a tricky and time-consuming task. That’s why most people will pay a professional fitter to do the job for them. But there’s absolutely no reason why you can’t do it yourself. Even as a complete DIY novice – with the right tools and some basic knowledge – you can achieve fantastic results, and save a little money in the process. So why not have a go? Just follow our step-by-step guide and you’ll have it done in no time. What will I need to fit my stair carpet? ...
How to insulate a floor
Did you know, approximately 10% of heat loss from an average home is through the floor? The winter months are fast approaching – and if you’re looking for a simple and effective way to keep your property warm and reduce energy bills, insulating the floor could be the ideal solution. In fact, it could save your household up to £70 per year! Sometimes, the help of a professional insulator may be required, particularly in very old properties. But in most cases – whether the subfloor is made from...