Carpets in Kent | The Importance of Using an Underlay with a New Carpet

If you are planning new carpets in Kent, underlay is not an optional extra. It is a core part of a flooring installation and, at Steve’s Carpets, we supply and fit carpets across Kent. We know first-hand how the correct underlay improves comfort, durability and long-term value. Our company can supply underlays and a range of accessories.

Underlays sit between a subfloor and the carpet. Its role is simple but critical. Without it, even the best carpets wear out faster and feel flat underfoot. Many of our customers from Kent are aware of underlays but only a few know enough about them to choose a product.

This blog post should increase your own understanding of underlays.

What Does an Underlay Do?

Underlay acts as a support system for your carpet. It absorbs impact from foot traffic, and spreads weight evenly across the floor. This reduces strain on carpets, protects the fibres and slows premature wear, especially in a busier Kent home that has higher foot traffic.

In Kent, where old subfloors are common, underlays also help smooth out minor imperfections. This can lead to a better finish and fewer issues after an installation, which is important to the customer.


Practical Reasons to Use Underlay

Using the correct underlay offers clear and measurable benefits:

  • Extends the life of carpet by reducing fibre compression
  • Improves warmth, adds insulation and reduces heat loss
  • Cuts down noise transfer in flats and upstairs rooms
  • Makes carpets feel soft and comfortable underfoot
  • Enhances appearance by helping carpets keep their shapes

A high-quality underlay can double the lifespans of carpets. This is what makes it a cost-effective choice, not an unnecessary expense.

Underlays and Comfort

Think about how carpets feel if you walk on them. Do they feel firm and supportive, or thin and hard? The difference usually comes down to underlay. In a family home in Kent, comfort matters. The children play on floors and you frequently stand in bedrooms or living areas.

Underlay adds cushioning every day, not just on installation day.

Kent’s climate means moisture control is important so underlay helps to protect carpets from cold rising from a subfloor. Some underlays also include moisture-resistant features, which reduces the risk of dampness affecting your carpet’s backing and the subfloor beneath.

This is especially relevant in ground-floor rooms and in older Kent properties where insulation levels might be a little more limited.

Choosing Underlays for Carpets

Not all underlays are the same. The best option depends on the room, foot traffic and carpet type. For example, a thicker underlay works well in a bedroom, while a firmer option suits stairs and hallways. If you are fitting vinyl in one area and carpets in another, Steve’s Carpets ensures a smoother transition and the correct height levels.

Even the best underlays must be fitted correctly. Poor installation can lead to movement, wrinkles and early wear. Our experienced team of installers in Kent ensure that underlay is properly secured and matched to your chosen carpet so it offers more end-user benefits.

Are you investing into new carpets and expecting them to last?

If so, then underlay should never be overlooked.

If you are considering carpets in Kent, Steve’s Carpets can provide expert advice, quality underlays and professional installations. We help you to choose the right materials for a home, whether you are fitting carpets into a living room, a bedroom or a home extension.

For carpets and underlays, supplied and installed in Kent, call 01322 387 515 to arrange a prompt home visit.