Skip to content
16.01.2025

How to choose the best carpet underlay for your project

written by Charles Taylor

How to choose the best carpet underlay for your project

There are several factors to consider when choosing carpet underlay, such as the use of the room,  budget, room size, durability, longevity and comfort. Underlay determines how your carpet will look and feel, and each type of underlay offers a different experience for the end-user. 

For example, a high-traffic area will require a durable, hardwearing underlay, luxury developments require comfortable and soundproof underlay, while eco-friendly projects require a more sustainable product without compromising on performance.

Find out how our products may fit within your requirements below.

SpringBond® Underlay (PU foam replacement)

If you’re looking for an underlay designed for comfort and sustainability, SpringBond® may be the best carpet underlay for your project. Available in various thicknesses, our high performance PU foam underlay alternative contains no lumps and bumps due to its precision-engineered manufacturing process, enhancing comfort for the end-user. 

SpringBond® is a multiple award-winning underlay and also recently been awarded an EPD certification and can help housebuilders achieve Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Social Governance (ESG). Each roll of SpringBond® contains a minimum of 180 single-use plastic and is 100% chemical-free. 

Virtually VOC-free and resistant to mould and mildew, SpringBond® can address respiratory health issues or concerns over VOCs. Being flame retardant (FR), our full SpringBond® range also addresses safety concerns within developments, especially for heavy contract use. 

As a leading sustainable and flame retardant underlay, SpringBond® combines luxury and environmental responsibility.

SpringBond® underlay is available in the following thicknesses from 7mm – 11mm. 

7mm SpringBond® (Heavy contract use)

Established as a go-to product for commercial applications, Springbond 7mm FR is used extensively in the hospitality industry worldwide. Springbond 7mm FR meets the highest technical standards with its advanced flame retardant qualities, fulfilling the needs of specifiers.

Popular for high-traffic areas, such as hotel lobby areas and shop floor areas, our 7mm SpringBond® underlay offers critical comfort and long-term performance for the end-user. 

8mm SpringBond® Eco-Step (General Domestic / Sustainable Underlay)

Our 8mm Eco-Step is ideal for those needing to meet housing industry standards or flooring projects requiring an entry-level sustainable underlay PU foam alternative. 

Recently introduced to the market, SpringBond® Eco-Step has gained traction among national retailers and industry leaders, including a long-standing relationship with training provider FloorSkills and a recent endorsement from Bellway Homes.

Maria Seed, Group Sales & Marketing Director of Bellway Homes, commented: “Bellway is committed to a sustainable approach to homebuilding and has chosen SpringBond underlay as the next step in creating lower-carbon homes. 

“We are proud to have saved nearly two million bottles from entering the oceans and landfills using this eco-friendly underlay.”

9mm SpringBond® (Heavy Contract)

Our 9mm underlay range is designed to balance affordability with a high-quality, lump-free finish. Achieving a heavy contract specification, this flame retardant underlay will outperform most PU underlays by holding its shape and comfort much longer. 

As our most popular underlay, this product offers good all-around performance in keeping rooms warm due to its 2.3 tog rating. Our 9mm SpringBond® underlay also offers impressive impact sound-reducing qualities of up to 41dB, which helps to minimise noise impacts in other rooms. 

11mm SpringBond® (Luxury)

Our thicker SpringBond® underlay products are suitable for luxury developments. 

Used at luxury hotels such as the Atlantis Hotel in Dubai, this high-quality PU foam replacement underlay is ideal for creating a luxury feel while helping to align with any sustainability strategies, and offering high levels of building safety due to its flame retardant qualities. 

Our 11mm SpringBond® underlay also offers industry-leading impact sound-reducing qualities of up to 57 dB.

Heart n’ Soul® (Rubber crumb and felt underlay)

Heart n’ Soul® is our high-performance underlay made from 100% recycled materials. Manufactured with a dense finish, Heart n’ Soul®  offers a luxurious, cushioned feel underfoot while providing superior support and protection against premature carpet wear.

Ideal for luxury domestic and heavy contract use, Heart n’ Soul® is particularly suited to spaces requiring excellent soundproofing and thermal insulation, with a thermal rating of approximately 2.5 tog. 

Heart n’ Soul® is suitable for high-traffic areas and heavy-duty applications, such as:

  • Commercial office spaces
  • Retail environments
  • Hospitality venues

Whether you require a carpet underlay for a hotel reception or high-end office space, Heart n’ Soul® is designed to enhance comfort and preserve carpet integrity over time. As a reliable felt underlay, Heart n’ Soul® offers durability and environmental benefits.

Sterling Royale® (Needle-Felt Carpet Underlay)

Sterling Royale® underlay is a needle-felt carpet underlay designed for heavy-duty and commercial applications. Made from 80% pure wool, its firmer feel makes it an excellent choice for larger development projects, where cost-effectiveness and performance are critical.

This underlay is available in an 11.5mm thickness, offering enhanced comfort and suitability for high-traffic areas in commercial properties. Sterling Royale® underlay also provides excellent thermal insulation with a tog rating of 2.48.

Domestic applications include:

  • Bedrooms
  • Living rooms
  • Landings and stairs

Sterling Royale® is manufactured through an ultra-efficient process that produces minimal CO2 emissions. At the end of its lifecycle, it is fully recyclable, aligning with environmentally friendly practices. For developments prioritising durability and eco-conscious materials, Sterling Royale® delivers exceptional results.

Envirolay® (Recycled Felt Underlay)

Envirolay® is our entry-level, eco-friendly underlay made from 100% recycled materials such as carpet offcuts and jute coffee sacks. 

Its denser composition makes it particularly well-suited for heavy-duty applications, such as commercial spaces, high-traffic hallways, and staircases. Envirolay® is also ideal for areas where furniture is frequently moved, as its robust structure resists compression and wear.

Other end-user benefits of Envirolay® include:

  • Outstanding thermal insulation to support energy efficiency, 
  • Superior soundproofing capabilities suitable for homes and commercial settings,
  • Fire-resistant properties due to the chemical-free manufacturing process