Choosing the Best Underlay for Stair Runner Installation
If there’s already carpet underlay for stairs below your stair flooring, you might be wondering: what is the purpose of underlay beneath a stair runner?
Just as installing a high-quality carpet underlay adds extra padding over the subfloor of the stairs, if you lay a runner on top, a high-quality runner underlay will ensure even support and comfort underfoot. Similarly, if you would install an anti-slip rug underlay to secure a regular rug, you should add underlay below a runner to reduce movement.
Here at Carpet Underlay Shop, not only can you order a carpet underlay for a stair runner, but also any carpet underlay accessories you might need to install it.
With same-day dispatch available if you order before 2pm during the week, and next-working-day dispatch if you buy after 2pm, your stair runner underlay could arrive in as little as 2 to 3 business days. We offer UK delivery across the mainland (with surcharges for the Scottish Highlands, Northern Ireland, and offshore islands).
Learn more about underlay for stair runners below and place your order online today!
Carpet Runner Underlay Materials
When it comes to stair runner underlay materials, the two most common types to choose from are polyurethane (PU) foam and crumb rubber. These are both environmentally friendly and suitable for use in high-footfall areas like stairs, but each has different benefits:
- PU foam runner underlay – Softer underfoot, better sound and heat insulation
- Crumb rubber runner underlay – High-density, hardwearing and longer-lasting
Foam provides the best padding for stair runners, offering greater comfort and noise reduction, but it can flatten and wear down faster than rubber. Meanwhile, crumb rubber is extremely tough and durable, but it offers less cushioning and thermal and acoustic insulation than foam.
This makes foam underlay a more luxurious choice for homes, while crumb rubber is typically the more reliable option for heavy-duty installations like business premises.
Stair Carpet Runner Underlay Recommendations
If you’re looking for stair runner pads with a bouncier feel underfoot, we would recommend the following PU foam options:
- Tredaire Titanium 8mm Underlay – 39dB sound reduction and 2.22 TOG rating
- Tredaire Brio 8mm Underlay – 32dB sound reduction and 2.18 TOG rating
On the other hand, if you would prefer a denser and stronger solution, we would recommend these crumb rubber products:
- Tredaire Treadmore 7.95mm Underlay – 32dB sound reduction and 1.03 TOG rating
- Duralay Durafit 650 6.5mm Underlay – 29dB sound reduction and 1.10 TOG rating
Our budget-friendly options include Super 8mm PU Foam Underlay for flexible cushioning, or Graphite 6mm PE Foam Underlay (polyethylene foam) for a firmer and more resistant finish.
Most are available in full rolls, half rolls, or mini rolls – use our handy flooring calculator to work out how much underlay you need to buy, then add the rolls to your basket! Should you need help with your order, you can talk to our team by calling 0203 887 0994 or emailing sales@carpet-underlay-shop.co.uk.
