A new carpet and underlay go hand in hand. Carpets inject swathes of personality into a room, but they wouldn’t stand the test of time without a durable underlay supporting them. This begets the question: how much is underlay?
In this specialist price guide, we provide the average cost, how much underlay you will need as well as unearthing some of the hidden price tags.
The benefits of carpet underlay
You may be wondering, if I’ve just splashed out on a new carpet why do I need to buy carpet underlay? Studies on our response to carpeting show that carpets alleviate stress, and the more cushioned they are, the more relaxed we feel.
All the more reason to invest in underlay! The material’s purpose is to enhance the lifespan of a carpet, allowing it to endure more wear, and providing a plush feeling underfoot all whilst trapping heat.
How much is carpet underlay on average?
Carpet underlay is competitively priced by square metre, so you can expect to pay between £3.50-£15 per square metre. More often than not, you’ll find it priced at the lower end of this range. Of course, this varies according to quality and material. Luxury carpet underlay is more handsomely priced but offers a more cushioned feel.
How much underlay do I need?
Now, it’s time to ask that all-important question: how much underlay do I need? Again, there is some variation as this will hinge on the space you are working with.
Ensure you’ve accurately estimated the room and have its area measurement at hand for a quote. You can get your hands on this measurement by simply multiplying the length and width of the room. You may also want to add an extra 10% to account for any errors. For stairs, a general rule of thumb is that 12 steps will require 3m by 0.90m of underlay.
Delivery fees
Carpet underlay is a bulky and heavy product, making delivery fees variable. Often carpet fitters will incorporate delivery into the installation, but if delivery isn’t included or you’re having it shipped for a DIY installation you will need to take this into account.
Delivery can be approximately £30 or more in certain areas of the country. Of course, this will vary significantly depending on where you are based in the country. Regardless, it’s always best to find a local carpet fitter near you to minimise this cost where possible.
Installation charges
As you might expect, hiring a professional to do the fitting will compound the overall cost of your carpet underlay, but this will ensure a high-quality job. On the whole, the price of fitting underlay will range from £1-£4 per square meter.
DIY installation
Although it’s a good idea to get a professional to install your carpet underlay, there’s nothing stopping you from fitting it yourself. Generally, carpet underlay is designed with the ease of installation at the forefront, meaning that a proficient DIYer could do a good job without assistance.
Hidden costs
If you opt for the DIY job, some additional costs will be involved. You will need to purchase carpet grippers or gripper rods to ensure that the carpet stays rigidly in place. Grippers are typically priced from £2 to £10 depending on the supplier. You may also need to purchase adhesive, which you can get your hands on from £5 as well as tape, similarly priced around the £7 mark.
How long does carpet underlay last?
We’ve covered how much is carpet underlay, but what about its lifespan? In general terms, a carpet underlay has a lifespan of up to 25 years, however, several circumstances may affect how long your underlay lasts and these will need to be factored into your considerations.
Footfall
Underlay used in rooms with high footfall or in heavy-use areas may not last as long as others. This can be combatted by selecting the optimum type and depth for the room’s particular use.
Exposure to heat and humidity
When exposed to moisture and higher temperatures the lifespan of underlay may decrease significantly.
Depth
The thickness of the underlay is also a key factor. Not unexpectedly, the thicker the layer of underlay, the more traffic and wear your carpet will be able to withstand. The standard depth is around 10mm-11mm, but this can vary more widely, depending on the use of the chosen room.
The long and short of it
When it comes to the cost of fitting carpet underlay, no size fits all. The overall budget will depend on the quality and quantity of the carpet being fitted, your property, location as well as access.
You can easily shave a little off the overall price tag by undertaking a DIY installation, but generally, carpet fitters will offer reasonable and competitive prices so make sure to shop around for a quote.
Want to know more?
If you’re eager to learn more about the costs involved with installing carpet underlay, don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll talk you through your options.
