Which is the best carpet underlay for 2023?
Identifying the best carpet underlay for your project is really important.
If you choose well, it has the power to significantly enhance the look and feel of your new carpet – improving underfoot comfort, boosting insulation and maximising its lifespan. So, before hastily purchasing the first product you see, it’s worth doing a little research.
Hundreds of carpet underlays are available to choose from. And following a quick online search, you’ll find there are two clear front-runners for 2023:
Plushwalk 12mm Carpet Underlay and 11mm Cloud 9 Cumulus.
These are very similar products – made from PU foam, about the same thickness, well-renowned on the underlay market – and they’re both a great choice. But here at Carpet Underlay Shop, we believe Plushwalk 12mm pips Cloud 9 Cumulus to the post. In fact, it’s been our no.1 recommendation for both domestic and commercial projects for several years now.
Here we take a closer look at why.
Plushwalk 12mm – still the best underlay available
Plushwalk 12mm is a highly esteemed PU foam underlay.
Regarded as the ‘gold standard’, it has dominated the market over the last few years. And although it isn't the cheapest underlay on the market – currently priced at £6.99 per m2 – it offers a wide range of industry-leading properties, which exceed those of Cloud 9 underlay. These include:
Exceptional levels of comfort
Unlike other products in the ‘PU foam’ range (including Cloud 9), Plushwalk 12mm is made from luxury memory foam – similar to that used in beds. As a result, it has a unique ‘bounce-back’ effect and certainly lives up to its name. It’s soft underfoot, comfortable to walk on and feels incredibly ‘plush’.
Superior levels of performance
Plushwalk is regarded as an extremely high-performance carpet underlay.
It demonstrates outstanding acoustic properties, reducing impact and airborne noises by up to 49dB. It boasts an unrivalled 3.5 TOG rating, which significantly improves heat insulation. And thanks to its memory foam composition, it can successfully resist the weight of furniture and avoid indents.
It also benefits from an in-built damp proof membrane, which creates an effective barrier against dampness and moisture in the subfloor, and helps to extend the lifespan of your chosen carpet.
Durability
Due to its 12mm thickness, Plushwalk underlay is highly durable and acts as a fantastic shock absorber. It’s built to withstand everyday wear and tear – making it a great option for heavy-traffic areas (such as a hallway or reception area). And if used as recommended, it’s guaranteed to last for at least the lifetime of your carpet.
Easy installation
PU foam is very lightweight. As such, Plushwalk is easy to handle, and installation is quick and effortless – even for a DIY novice. Simply follow our step-by-step guide and it can be fitted in no time.
Versatility
Designed for general use, Plushwalk 12mm carpet underlay is suitable for multiple areas of the home – including the lounge, dining room, bedroom, hallway and more. This can be particularly convenient if you’re renovating an entire property. There’s no need to waste time, effort and money buying different types of carpet underlay or separate rolls for different rooms. Just invest in one to create a luxurious finish throughout.
How does Cloud 9 underlay compare?
Cloud 9 underlay is certainly well-known and well-respected in the flooring industry.
It offers many useful benefits, including underfoot comfort, excellent levels of sound reduction and thermal insulation. It's also an environmentally friendly choice. And compared to Plushwalk 12mm, it’s slightly cheaper, priced at just £4.99 per m2 – making it a great option for those on a budget.
Ultimately, the right carpet underlay for your project will depend on how much you’d like to spend, where you wish to install the underlay and the nature of your subfloor. But Plushwalk 12mm is without a doubt the more ‘luxurious’ option – and in our opinion, currently the best underlay available to buy.
Buy carpet underlay today
Further information on these leading products can be found in our previous blogs ‘5 reasons to invest in Plushwalk underlay’ and ‘Why should I buy Cloud 9 underlay?’ – so if you’re still unsure, it’s worth taking a look. Or, if you would like tailored advice on your specific project, you’re welcome to get in touch at any time.
Underlay is our specialist subject, here at Carpet Underlay Shop. And after a quick chat, we should be able to point you in the right direction – whether that be towards Plushwalk 12mm carpet underlay, 11mm Cloud 9 underlay or one of the many other products in our carpet underlay range.
Simply give us a call on 0203 887 0994 to speak to a member of the team. Or if you prefer, send an email to sales@carpet-underlay-shop.co.uk and we’ll respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.
- Alex Illidge
