Underlay Fitting in Ottery St Mary

Underlay is one of those things people skimp on or rush, then wonder why their expensive carpet feels rubbish or their laminate clicks and creaks. Good underlay makes flooring feel more solid, last longer, and stay quieter. Fitting it properly means laying it flat, taping joins so they don't shift, and using the right type for your floor.

### Why Underlay Matters

**Comfort** - Makes carpet feel softer and laminate feel less hollow underfoot. Cheap thin underlay feels like walking on concrete; good stuff makes budget flooring feel premium.

**Insulation** - Keeps heat in and reduces noise between floors. Thicker acoustic underlay is brilliant for upstairs bedrooms.

**Floor Longevity** - Protects the floor backing from the subfloor underneath, absorbs impact, and prevents premature wear. A good underlay can double the life of your carpet.

**Smooths Imperfections** - Covers minor bumps and dips in the subfloor so they don't show through your flooring.

### Types of Underlay

| Type | Best For | Characteristics | |------|----------|-----------------| | **Foam Carpet Underlay** | Budget carpet, spare rooms | Cheap, decent comfort, wears faster | | **Felt/Rubber Underlay** | Quality carpet, high traffic | Denser, longer-lasting, better soundproofing | | **Laminate Foam Underlay** | Laminate, engineered wood | Thin foam with moisture barrier, reduces hollow sound | | **Acoustic Underlay** | Upstairs rooms, flats | Thick, dense, excellent soundproofing |

### Done Right vs Done Wrong

| Done Right | Done Wrong | |------------|------------| | Underlay flat with no wrinkles or folds | Lumpy underlay, bumps show through floor | | Joins taped securely, no gaps or overlaps | Gaps between sheets, overlaps you can feel | | Correct side up (rubber down for foam) | Wrong side up, doesn't perform properly | | Trimmed neatly between gripper rods | Underlay too long, bunches up at edges |

### What You Get

| What's Included | |-----------------| | Assessment of floor type and underlay needed | | Underlay supply (if required) | | Laying flat across entire floor area | | Joins taped securely with underlay tape | | Trimming to fit neatly between grippers (carpet) | | Clean-up and disposal of packaging |

### Pricing Guide

| Time Required | Total Cost | |---------------|------------| | 1.5 hours | £85 | | 2 hours | £110 | | 2.5 hours | £135 | | 3 hours | £160 | | Larger rooms | Quote based on size |

Pricing depends on room size and complexity. Underlay is quick to fit once the floor's clear, but bigger rooms or multiple rooms take longer.

**Pro Tip:** Don't cheap out on underlay. A £5/m² underlay under £15/m² carpet makes the carpet feel like £25/m² carpet. Best value upgrade you can make.