We would always advise to fit all carpets with a new underlay.

A quality underlay will improve the life of your carpet up to 40% which will save you money avoiding the need to replace carpet earlier than expected.

Please find the advantages of a quality underlay

• A good underlay will improve underfoot comfort

• Improves appearance retention – reduce pile flattening.

• Absorbs the pressure of foot traffic and reduce wear.

• Improves thermal insulation of your home helping you with those expensive energy bills.

• Increases sound insulation

• Smooths out floor imperfections and will last the lifetime of your carpet

Types of Underlay

Sponge Rubber
Performs well for comfort and has durable spring retention..

PU (Polyeurethane) Foam
PU is one of the most popular underlays and is made from recyclable foam off cuts. PU provides excellent comfort and performance levels available in varying thickness options. It is a light weight product making it easier to handle.

Crumb rubber
Flat and dense rubber is great for heavy wear footfall offering maximum protection ut a little less comfort.

Combination Underlay
A rubber crumb base with a felt top layer offering a combination of protection, durability and comfort. It will also allow seams to bed into the top felt.

Felt
A traditional underlay is made from recycled fibres such as wool, jute and synthetic. It represents a firm underlay offering excellent thermal insulation. Very popular when fitting woven carpets.

All carpets need to be fitted correctly as the quality of the workmanship will be a big factor to ensure your carpets look good and retains it appearance for longer.

Fitting should be left to a fully qualified fitter as there really is no such thing as free fitting.The condition of the sub floor prior to fitting is your responsibility.

Agreement should also be discussed regarding the following points

• The removal or shortening where necessary of doors.

• Cleaning the room of furniture.

• Disconnection of electrical or electronic equipment

• Uplift and disposal of old carpets

• The number and position of seams

How to buy a carpet the smarter way – Choosing the right carpet

What to consider before you buy

• Carpets have numerous benefits including warmth, sound insulation properties, and a luxury soft feel. Here are a few of our top tips to follow when buying a carpet for your home.

• How long do you want the carpet to last for and how much wear is required. Ask us to show you carpets that reflects your lifestyle giving you maximum performance.

• It is always advisable to take away carpet samples from our member showrooms so you can be sure the colour you choose will match with your home decor. You will also need to think about the width and pattern of the carpet will fit your room without the need of oddly positioned seams.

• Never rely on your own measurements. Small Cost Carpets are professionals and will measure your carpet free of charge. This is because if anything goes wrong it is their responsibility to sort things out and not yours.

• You generally get what you pay for which is why it is best to buy at the top end of your budget. A heavier weight carpet combined with a high density pile will last longer than a lighter and looser pile.

• The carpet will only perform to its maximum if it is fitted professionally and with a new underlay. Just think how a car performs with worn tyres, a new underlay will extend the life of your carpet up to 40%.

• Let Small Cost Carpets help you select the right carpet – Remember heavier weight and higher pile density carpets last longer in heavy wear areas.