High Density Carpet Underlay

Denser underlay products are different from standard underlay options because they are specially designed to withstand heavy traffic and impacts.

The main advantages of using high-density underlay include:

• Durability – Containing less air, it resists flattening from compression and retains its shape and structural integrity.
• Long lifespan – Its hardwearing nature means that this type of underlay can remain resilient for a decade or more.
• Insulation – The compact structure acts as a barrier to reduce the transmission of noise and heat between floors.
• Floor protection – From wood and laminate to special carpet piles, it can provide a stable base for most floor types.

The beneficial features don’t just depend on the density, but also on the type of material used. For example, high-density foam underlay offers better compression recovery and insulation, while high-density rubber underlay offers better longevity and stability.

Combining the supportive and protective qualities of rubber underlay with the noise reduction of acoustic underlay, high-density underlay is a great option for multi-floor or multi-home properties that require a durable, high-performance solution to preserve flooring.

Density is measured in kilograms of material per cubic metre (kg/m³), so the more material is packed into the product, the more robust it will be. This means that underlay with a density above 100–140kg/m³ is best used in busy commercial spaces.

High-density carpet underlay is suitable for use in most areas with a lot of foot traffic or heavy furnishings, and under floors that need extra support.

For example, dense underlay can handle the pressure of frequent footsteps in entryways or on stairs, and can add stability to engineered wood, laminate, and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring to prevent joints from moving out of position.

Our dense underlay products range from 143kg/m³ up to 512kg/m³, so you’re sure to find a high-density underlay that suits your flooring specifications.

If you need more advice, you can always contact us, and a member of the Simply Underlay team will answer your questions.

Thickness is just as important to consider as density, but they are not the same or interchangeable.

A thick carpet underlay is designed to feel more luxurious when you walk on it, due to the increased height of the material. However, even the thickest underlay may not be very dense, meaning it will likely wear out faster outside of low-traffic areas.

On the other hand, underlay density refers to the amount of material packed into each cubic metre of the product. As dense underlay is compressed and contains less air, it’s typically thinner – but high-density thick underlays are still available, too.

Another term that may confuse you is ‘high-TOG underlay’, which is a separate rating from thickness and density. Aside from the mass or height of the underlay, the Thermal Overall Grade rates its heat insulation (though thicker and denser underlays do tend to have higher TOG ratings).

If you still need help understanding underlay density and choosing the right carpet underlay for your needs, don’t hesitate to get in touch!