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10 Best Underlayment For Carpets 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

MAIYADUO 150x200 cm Rug Anti Slip Non Slip Rug Mat Liner Carpet Gripper Underlay for Hard Floors Rug Gripper For Wooden Floors

The MAIYADUO Rug Anti Slip Non Slip Rug Mat Liner is a useful underlayment for carpets, especially designed for hard floors such as wood. One of its primary strengths is its high slip resistance due to its PVC material and open grid pattern, which increases friction and ensures that the rug stays in place to prevent falls. This makes it particularly suitable for households with children or elderly members. The mat is also durable and can be reused over a long period, maintaining its grip and structural integrity.

Its waterproof nature and hollow design add an extra layer of floor protection against water damage and provide thermal insulation, which can act as a fire prevention measure. Additionally, this underlay is easy to trim to fit different rug sizes and shapes, adding to its versatility. It is simple to clean, being non-toxic, odorless, and hand washable.

However, there are some drawbacks. The pad is quite thin, with a thickness of just 0.01 cm, which may not provide significant cushioning underfoot. It is not suitable for use on stairs or certain surfaces like carpet, vinyl, lacquered finishes, natural stone, and other porous materials. Furthermore, while it is easy to cut, users need to be cautious to ensure it lies flat and does not bunch up under the rug. With a fair customer rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars from over 3,000 reviews, it appears to be a well-received product, albeit with some limitations to consider based on individual needs.

#2

A2Z FLOORS Carpet Underlay 12mm Thick PU Rolls – Total Area Mat With Sound Insulation, Eco-Friendly Material – Easy Install & Customizable – UK Manufactured Quality Luxury Feel (5m² Total Area)

Rating
9.4
Thickness
Density
Material
Thickness
It's worth every penny for its quality and performance, especially the 12mm thickness.
Density
The material is thick and durable, making it nice to walk on once the carpet is laid.
Material
The material is thick and durable, making it nice to walk on once the carpet is laid.
Soundproofing
It reduces noise levels significantly, adding to the comfort of the living space.

The A2Z FLOORS Carpet Underlay offers a substantial 12mm thickness, ensuring excellent cushioning and support, which can significantly enhance the comfort of your carpets. This thickness is beneficial for reducing wear and tear, potentially extending the lifespan of the carpets. Constructed from high-quality polyurethane (PU) foam, the underlay promises durability and resilience, known for handling compression well over time. Additionally, it incorporates a damp-proof membrane which can be a valuable feature in maintaining carpet integrity and preventing moisture-related issues.

The material is also environmentally friendly, contributing to a sustainable choice for eco-conscious consumers, as it is produced using processes that minimize environmental impact. The underlay excels in sound and heat insulation, effectively reducing noise transmission between floors and retaining warmth, making living spaces more comfortable and cozy. Installation is user-friendly, as the underlay can be customized to fit any room size or shape, simplifying the process and saving time.

However, while the product offers many benefits, its standout features like thickness and sound insulation may be excessive for users who do not require such high levels of performance or are working within a smaller budget. Additionally, the product’s high customer rating (4.7 out of 5 stars) reflects general satisfaction, but it's worth noting that individual experiences can vary. This underlay is ideal for those looking for luxury and high performance in their carpet underlays, particularly in settings where noise reduction and insulation are pivotal.

Rating
9.4
Thickness
Density
Material
Thickness
It's worth every penny for its quality and performance, especially the 12mm thickness.
Density
The material is thick and durable, making it nice to walk on once the carpet is laid.
Material
The material is thick and durable, making it nice to walk on once the carpet is laid.
Soundproofing
It reduces noise levels significantly, adding to the comfort of the living space.
#3

Rugs & Stuff AKO Super Dual Fleece All-Surface Anti Slip Gripper Underlay - 160 x 225cm

The Rugs & Stuff AKO Super Dual Fleece All-Surface Anti Slip Gripper Underlay is a versatile option for those looking to enhance the performance of their rugs across various floor types, including carpets, vinyl, tiles, and stone. Made from polyester, it is designed to provide excellent grip and increased comfort with its extra cushioning. The material choice ensures durability and ease of maintenance, as it is machine washable at 40 degrees, which is a significant advantage for long-term usage.

Additionally, it is suitable for use with underfloor heating, making it a practical choice in modern homes with this feature. Its sound-absorbing properties contribute to a quieter environment, which is beneficial in high-traffic areas or multi-level homes. On the downside, the product does not feature a moisture barrier, which might be a concern in areas prone to spills or high humidity. The thickness, at 0.3 cm, may not offer the level of density some users might expect from a premium underlay, particularly in terms of additional softness.

The product dimensions of 160 x 225 cm provide adequate coverage for medium-sized rugs, and it can be easily cut to fit smaller sizes. The Rugs & Stuff AKO Super Dual Fleece Underlay is a solid choice for general use, especially for those needing a machine washable and sound-absorbing solution, though it may fall short in areas requiring a moisture barrier or extra thickness for softness.

Buying Guide for the Best Underlayment For Carpets

Choosing the right underlayment for carpets is crucial for ensuring comfort, durability, and the overall performance of your carpet. Underlayment, also known as carpet padding, serves as a cushion between the carpet and the floor, providing support and enhancing the feel of the carpet underfoot. It also plays a role in insulation, soundproofing, and prolonging the life of your carpet. When selecting an underlayment, consider factors such as the type of carpet, the room's purpose, and your personal preferences for comfort and durability.
ThicknessThickness refers to how thick the underlayment is, and it is important because it affects the comfort and insulation properties of the carpet. Thicker underlayments generally provide more cushioning and can help with soundproofing and insulation. Thickness can range from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch or more. For high-traffic areas, a thinner underlayment might be more durable, while thicker options are better for comfort in bedrooms or living rooms. Consider the room's use and your preference for comfort when choosing the thickness.
DensityDensity measures how compact the material of the underlayment is, and it is crucial for durability and support. Higher density underlayments provide better support and can withstand more foot traffic, making them ideal for busy areas like hallways and living rooms. Density is usually measured in pounds per cubic foot, with higher numbers indicating greater density. If you need a durable underlayment for a high-traffic area, opt for a higher density. For areas where comfort is more important than durability, a lower density might be sufficient.
MaterialThe material of the underlayment affects its performance, durability, and environmental impact. Common materials include foam, rubber, and felt. Foam is lightweight and provides good cushioning, rubber offers excellent durability and soundproofing, and felt is eco-friendly and provides a firm feel. Consider the specific needs of your room, such as soundproofing for a home office or durability for a hallway, when choosing the material. If environmental impact is a concern, look for recycled or natural materials.
Moisture BarrierA moisture barrier is a feature that prevents moisture from seeping through the underlayment and damaging the carpet or subfloor. This is important in areas prone to moisture, such as basements or bathrooms. Some underlayments come with built-in moisture barriers, while others require a separate layer. If you're installing carpet in a moisture-prone area, ensure your underlayment has a moisture barrier to protect your investment. In dry areas, this feature might be less critical.
SoundproofingSoundproofing refers to the ability of the underlayment to reduce noise transmission between floors. This is important in multi-story homes or apartments where noise can be a concern. Underlayments with good soundproofing properties can help create a quieter environment. Look for underlayments specifically designed for soundproofing if noise reduction is a priority. If soundproofing is not a concern, you might prioritize other features like comfort or durability.