Do all carpets require underlay?
Woven Carpets These do not have a cushioned backing and therefore underlay is essential. Secondary backed Carpets These are the most common carpets used in the domestic market. The backing is either a polypropylene mesh or hessian and therefore has no cushioning. Underlay is therefore essential. Felt backed carpets These carpets have a thin felt back and are often sold described as having in built underlay. However they offer little in the way of the benefits listed above and we would recommend therefore that they be placed in top of an underlay with a smooth surface. Foam Backed Carpets Underlays are not recommended for use with these types of carpets.
