How to soundproof a floor with acoustic underlay
Airborne and impact noise. It can be a real nuisance. Perhaps you're blighted with noisy neighbours? Noise complaints have seen a rise in the UK in recent years, with loud voices, shouting, children running around, TV noise, and music said to be the most common annoyances. Or maybe your household is the culprit? And you're concerned about what the family in the flat below can hear when you're all at home? Either way, the solution could be as simple as impact noise and airborne sou...
Which is the best flooring for dogs?
Get a puppy this Christmas? It’s a lovely idea, guaranteed to bring a little joy to the family home. But, as the saying goes – a dog is for life, not just for Christmas. And to accommodate your new furry friend, you may need to reconsider your flooring choices. From little ‘accidents’ in the lounge to muddy paws in the hallway, puppies can cause a lot of destruction in a short space of time. And as a proud new owner, it may be worth taking up those cream carpets and investing in something a...
How long does underlay last?
When it comes to installing a new floor, underlay causes a lot of confusion. How long is it supposed to last? Does it actually need replacing, or can you save yourself a bit of money and get away with using the same underlay twice? In theory, underlay is designed to last for up to 25 years or more. But it’s important to point out, this is the best-case scenario. In reality, many factors can affect its lifespan, such as the original quality and thickness of the product, the materials from whic...
6 mistakes to avoid when laying laminate flooring
Want to lay your own laminate flooring? Even for a beginner, it’s pretty straightforward – and taking the DIY approach can save you a lot of money, compared to hiring a professional fitter. So it’s definitely worth having a go! But before you begin, there are several common mistakes you should be aware of. Fortunately, these mistakes can be very easily avoided. You just need to prepare well, make sure you understand the fitting process and take your time. That way, the job will be done in no ...
Eco-friendly flooring
‘Be more green’. It’s set to be one of the most popular New Year’s Resolutions for 2022. From eating less meat to using more public transport, people are keen to apply an ‘environmentally friendly’ ethos to all aspects of their lives – and floor renovation projects are no exception. In recent years, we’ve noticed a shift in what people want from a new floor. Style, durability and cost are still important factors. But now, sustainability is also at the top of their priority list. Here at Carpe...
Does laminate flooring make the room cold?
Laminate flooring has a bad reputation for being cold. Despite all of its benefits – style, durability, easy maintenance etc. – many homeowners choose not to install it in their homes, due to concerns that it’ll make the room chilly. There’s no denying, laminate is a temperature-absorbent material, and it can sometimes feel a little cool underfoot. This is particularly true during the winter months, when cold air is more likely to seep through from the subfloor. But it certainly doesn’t have ...
Plushwalk 12 vs Cloud 9: Carpet Underlay Review
So, you’re about to update your home with some cosy new carpets, and now all that’s left to do is decide which carpet underlay you’re going to go for. What could be so hard right? Well, choosing carpet underlay can actually prove more difficult than some might think, with so many different options to choose from, and such an important choice too. Underlay is crucial in determining how well your new carpets are going to perform, so it’s important you pick wisely. But right now, we’re going to ...
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...
Artificial grass maintenance
One of the main advantages of artificial grass is that it’s low maintenance. You don’t have to worry about mowing or strimming, and there’s no need for regular watering, weeding, or seeding. But that doesn’t mean you can neglect it entirely. To ensure your fake turf stays in the best possible condition, for as long as possible, some upkeep will be required. Here are a few tips to set you on the right track. How to care for your artificial grass 1. Invest in artificial grass underlay Good ...
How thick should carpet underlay be?
The main purpose of carpet underlay is to enhance underfoot comfort and improve insulation. Therefore, as a general rule of thumb – the thicker it is, the better. Nevertheless, when it comes to choosing the ideal carpet underlay thickness for your needs, there are several factors you should take into consideration – such as where the underlay will be laid, whether you have underfloor heating, your personal comfort preferences, and budget. Here we take a closer look at the thicknesses availab...
Wool underlay – treading lightly on the planet
Want to update your home whilst doing your bit for the environment? Wool underlay is the ideal option. This particular type of underlayment is making a huge comeback, both in the commercial and domestic sector – and it’s easy to understand why. Despite being a high-performance product, it has very little impact on the planet. And its inherent properties can offer a wide range of benefits. Here we take a closer look at why it’s a great choice for your next project. An underlay with fantastic...
Can I reuse carpet grippers?
It’s a question we get asked quite a lot, here at Carpet Underlay Shop. If fitting new carpet and carpet underlay, is it OK to reuse the carpet grippers you already have? Or should you replace them? In our opinion, it’s a no-brainer. Nine times out of ten, carpet gripper rods should NOT be reused. Ideally, they should be replaced every time you change your flooring. The only exception to this rule is if they’re in a particularly good condition, or if it’s been less than 12 months since they w...