These specialist underlays have to be manufactured in a way that allows the glues to adhere to them, so the vast majority of products aren’t suitable. Be aware that a high price tag isn’t always a true indicator of quality. Some high-end underlays cost more because they serve a specific purpose – in the case of underfloor heating underlay, for example – while others are simply overpriced.

Tredaire Dreamwalk is a product that delivers an unbeatable level of thermal insulation thanks to its extremely high TOG rating of 3.13. What is your budget? How much you have available to spend will very much affect the type of carpets you should be looking at.

It has a nice bounce to it too, due to its exceptional density (356 kg/m³), which also means it will easily outlast your new carpet. Runner Up: Wilsons Plushwalk When choosing the best carpet for your home, and the different areas within in, there are several considerations to bear in mind: It’s also an above-average insulator thanks to its 2.89 TOG rating and will reduce impact sound by 43 decibels. The upshot? Warmer, cosier, quieter rooms. Now that’s luxury. The best high-traffic carpet underlays

Where is the carpet being laid? The first step is to consider where in your house the carpet is going to be laid and the purpose it’s going to serve. This is a good starting point in determining how durable it needs to be.Tredaire Colours Red sits at the top of the pile in this category. Made from sponge rubber, it reduces noise by a whopping 46dB. Juteis the softest of the natural floor coverings, giving a comfortable feel underfoot," says Alex Heslop.However, bear in mind that if you want something for a high traffic area, it is not as hardwearing as some other options. This is a genuinely innovative product that’s unlike anything else available and the difference is noticeable every time you step on it. It’s also guaranteed for the lifetime of the initial carpet installation, so makes a great investment, too. Runner Up: Tredaire Sensation For those looking for a premium-quality underlay where budget is less of a concern, there are a handful of products which can lay claim to being the most luxurious on the market.

A loop pile wool carpet can be problematic as its fabric is easily snagged by claws," says Gemma Holsgrove. "A more formal cut pile carpet design is a little difficult to clean when subjected to dirt and damp."

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The key metric you need to be concerned with here is TOG rating. TOG is a measure of thermal resistance – the higher the value, the less heat that can pass through the underlay. Therefore, with UFH underlay, you should be looking for a low TOG rating of between 0.75 and 1.00. The research demonstrated that a carpet/underlay with a combined thermal resistance of less than 2.5 togs allows underfloor systems to operate efficiently,” explains Lisa Conway from Brintons. Choosing carpet underlay This velvety floor covering is from Elements London’s luxurious Symphony collection . This premium velour product offers a supersoft feeling underfoot and is made from durable Antron nylon. (Image credit: Elements London) What is a carpet's tog rating? They are highly durable, making them a great option for those after something for high traffic areas of the home, such as entrance halls or stairs. Synthetic carpets

And if you’re laying underfloor heating (UFH), research carried out by The Carpet Foundation and the Underfloor Heating Manufacturers Association showed that most carpets can be used with UFH without hindering the performance of the system. There are numerous manmade options for your carpet too, all of which tend to be highly stain resistant. Wool blend carpets are, on the whole, a more affordable option than wool, yet they also come with a range of other benefits. When you buy a carpet it’ll come with a tog rating, just like a duvet. The tog rating is a measure of how much heat can pass through the material, effectively an indication of how insulating it is. Carpet togs range from around 0.7 to 3.0. The higher the tog rating, the more insulating it is. A higher carpet tog would therefore be ideal for a cold, draughty room.The best underlay for your home boils down to your specific needs and budget. Remember: there’s no such thing as the best underlay, just the best underlay for your project. Natural fibres such as sisal, coir, jute and seagrass offer an attractive and sustainable alternative. Plus, they contain fewer chemicals than manmade products, as well as offering many other practical benefits to homeowners. One of the key benefits of choosing carpet over wood or vinyl flooring is the added sense of warmth it brings to a space. And when combined with an insulating thermal underlay this effect is compounded, leading to reduced heat loss, warmer rooms and even lower heating bills.