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...
How to lay artificial grass underlay
About to install artificial grass for the first time? To get the best results, artificial grass underlay – such as Soft Turf Artificial Grass Shock Pad – is a highly worthwhile investment. Soft Turf is described as the ‘secret to softer artificial grass’ and will significantly enhance the look and feel of your new turf. And the best bit? It’s incredibly quick and easy to install. Simply follow our handy step-by-step guide and the job will be done in no time. 5 steps to lay Soft Turf Artific...
Floor planning guide
Which is the best flooring for each room of the home? Want to buy new flooring for your home, but not sure where to start? With so many flooring options to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming. But ultimately, to decide on the right option for you, there are three main factors that you will need to consider: Which room will the flooring be laid in? What is that room used for? How much daily footfall does it experience? Here we offer our advice on the best flooring type for ...
Which underlay should I buy for carpet?
It’s the first question we get asked. When a customer gets in touch, perhaps feeling a little confused and overwhelmed by the sheer number of products available, there’s one thing they want to know: ‘Which is the best underlay to use for carpet?’ Fortunately, we’ve worked in this industry for many years now. Not only do we have unrivalled knowledge of the best carpet underlays available, we know our products like the back of our hand. Here we share some of our expertise to (hopefully!) make y...
Get your garden summer-ready with artificial grass
Summer is finally just a stone’s throw away. The sun is making an appearance, temperatures are rising, flowers are starting to bloom. And with the ongoing pandemic forcing us to stay at home as much as possible – there’s never been a better time to update and improve your garden. One increasingly popular option is to install artificial turf. Designed to look and feel as realistic as possible, artificial turf is an easy way to create a luscious, green garden – which you can enjoy, not just in ...
Which is the best shockpad underlay for artificial grass?
It’s just as important to install underlay with artificial grass, as it is with carpet. Adding that extra layer – between the fake turf and the subfloor – can provide a wide range of benefits and will significantly enhance its overall look and feel. The question is: which should you buy? Shockpad underlay is typically recommended. This works particularly well in conjunction with the turf and ticks all the right boxes for an outdoor project. Here we explore this type of underlay in detail and ...
4 tips to keep your laminate flooring looking like new
Durability. It’s one of the main benefits of laminate flooring. But keep in mind, just because laminate is designed to be as tough and long-lasting as possible, it doesn’t mean it’s indestructible. Like any other type of flooring, it needs to be cared for properly to maintain its appearance. And to keep yours looking as good as new, here we’ve rounded up a few tips. Laminate flooring care and maintenance 1. Invest in laminate underlay Effective maintenance starts during the installation pr...
How to measure a room
Flooring measurements. How difficult can they be? Simply measure the length and width of the room in metres and multiply them together. Easy as that, right? The trouble is, nine times out of ten, the rooms in your property won’t be a straightforward rectangle or square. They come in all different shapes and configurations. And, to ensure your underlay and chosen flooring fits perfectly, there are a few key things you’ll need to look out for. Here we cover the basics and offer a few tips on ho...
The latest and best underlay for wood and laminate
For a long time, Royale Supreme Gold Foil 6mm Underlay has been regarded as the best underlay for wood and laminate flooring. It was our top recommendation, here at Carpet Underlay Shop. But now, there’s a new kid on the block… The Royale Professional Sonic Gold 7mm Underlay. This has been engineered and manufactured by the same brand. But it boasts a number of superior properties and supersedes the 6mm version in practically every way. So much so, that it is used by high-end professionals a...