The product known as carpet underlay in the U. K. Has several different names in other parts of the world. For instance, in the U. S. It is called carpet padding. No matter what you call the product, knowing how to choose the correct carpet underlay is often a difficult task. When looking for advice, some is not trustworthy. You may be told to buy the most expensive underlay you are able to find. Alternately, you may hear that carpet padding is unimportant, buy cheap and save your money.

Some people think that the only purpose of carpet underlay is to keep your carpet feeling soft under your feet. Underlay, however, has a much more important purpose. While it does make the carpet feel soft, the primary purpose of the pad is to keep them from wearing out before their time.

Underlay serves as a shock absorber to allow the carpet fibers to bounce back into their original shape instead of being ground in the sub- flooring beneath the carpet. Choosing the correct underlay keeps you from having to replace your carpet prematurely.

Some people want extra thick underlay under their carpets. This defeats the purpose of underlay. The carpet fibers must stretch beyond their limits when walked on and eventually break down. As they break down your carpet must be replaced sooner than it should have had to be done. Do not purchase carpet underlay that is over seven sixteenths of an inch in thickness to avoid this problem.

You will find several different types of carpet underlay that are available.

On the least expensive side are the rubber waffle pads. This underlay today is of good quality. The pad is much improved from years past and will not breakdown or fall apart like some or its predecessors did. The air space keeps the carpet soft underfoot. The underlay is available in several weights and thicknesses. In general, heavier is better.

Urethane underlay for carpets is made from old furniture cushions and padding. The foam in these products is bonded together to make the pad. It is one of the most popular of pads. Density determines the quality of the underlay. Look for a density between five and eight pounds for the best padding. If you will have a lot of traffic in your home, choose the larger density underlay.