Every great carpet deserves a great undercushion. The time and money you invest in choosing a quality undercushion will pay off in the long-term durability of your carpet. The right undercushion (or underlay) will protect your carpet from premature wear, and improve the comfort underfoot. It also helps soundproof the room and provides extra insulation against heat loss. The undercushion can help protect the carpet from damage due to defects in the sub-floor, as well as acting as a barrier against harmful moisture, dust and grit.

An undercushion should be firm but soft enough for comfort. If the undercushion is too soft, it can compromise the carpet's structure by letting the backing stretch.

There are several different types of undercushion:

Prime urethane is produced in sheet form to exacting standards and features excellent resilience and longevity.
Rebound carpet backing is made by compressing chips of by-products from polyurethane. It is the most popular type, and is both economical and comfortable underfoot.
Rubber rippled carpet underlay is made from natural sponge rubber, and offers strength and durability. Its cellular construction allows air to circulate, minimizing dampness and condensation.
Felt carpet underlay is made by needling various fibres, both synthetic and natural, into a relatively dense backing. It is often chosen for loop pile carpets.