To not have underlay for carpets in new build?

[MoiraNotRuby]

Has anyone ever skipped underlay and how much difference did it make? I am moving to a well-insulated small-roomed house and need to carpet the whole place. Had a quote for a carpet that can be laid without underlay and it would save a lot of money.

Context is that I am working 3 jobs and still having to borrow money for the floor so want to minimise what I spend. I know everyone says 'get the best underlay you can afford' but realistically am I going to regret the lack of underlay or is it truly worth getting into more debt?

It is all about the underlay, as we learned in our newbuild. Save on the carpet, splurge on the underlay. Also, you'll ruin a carpet and have to replace it sooner without underlay as there is no protection under when you're walking I it etc.

I get it's hard on a budget but equally you can't afford to waste money.

Underlay isn't just about heat insulation. It's important for sound insulation, impact protection as well as helping prolong life of your carpet and help absorb moisture. I wouldn't risk it personally and would wait until you can afford it

You can’t have carpet without underlay. That’s what makes it soft and gives it protection.

The only reason you would have got a quote not including underlay is so you could source it yourself for cheaper, or from your carpet fitter. It’s a necessity, not a bolt on.

Most new builds have terrible sound proofing so I would get the best underlay possible.

Carpet place I went to last yr said underlay is a waste and unnecessary as carpets are generally really good quality these days. Underlay shoukd not be that pricey. Its not necessary anyway. What does your supplier recommend? Congrats on new carpets :)

Yes you need underlay. It’s a false economy not to get it. You’ll just need to replace the carpet sooner

Also underlay is the cheapest bit! Spend less on the carpets

I've had carpet down sans underlay and it was fine. Maybe a bit more draughty and noisy but my house is 100+ years old. You probably won't notice that much difference, especially in a new build.

Don't skimp underlay. It makes a big difference to noise, warmth, foot comfort, and wear and tear on the carpet.

I had new carpets laid throughout my (older) house after building work.
In one room, the pre-existing underlay was relatively untouched and felt good and squishy. So I kept it, and had new underlay everywhere else. It seemed an obvious area to save some money.
That room is noticeable cooler, and the carpet is noticeably less comfy than the other rooms - if I think about it (which, to be honest, I don't very often), I regret skimping even that little bit.

Don’t skip on underlay , it’s false economy

@Suprima

You can’t have carpet without underlay. That’s what makes it soft and gives it protection.

The only reason you would have got a quote not including underlay is so you could source it yourself for cheaper, or from your carpet fitter. It’s a necessity, not a bolt on.

Thanks - the carpet company specifically said this is a carpet that can go straight onto the floorboard.

I'm hoping someone else has experience of this, I've always gone with the best underlay in previous houses but never tried a no underlay carpet.

I'd never have carpets laid without (good) underlay.

What sort of carpet is it, OP?

Is it a new sort specifically designed to not need underlay?

Good point about the sound.

I'm not splurging on anything so there is no other area to cut back on... everything in my new place I either already own or its coming from freegle etc.

Does the “non-underlay” carpet cost more per m2?

@Scarby9

I had new carpets laid throughout my (older) house after building work. In one room, the pre-existing underlay was relatively untouched and felt good and squishy. So I kept it, and had new underlay everywhere else. It seemed an obvious area to save some money. That room is noticeable cooler, and the carpet is noticeably less comfy than the other rooms - if I think about it (which, to be honest, I don't very often), I regret skimping even that little bit.

Thanks, that's really interesting and shows a genuine difference then. Hmm maybe I should underlay the lounge and not the bedrooms...

Never skip underlay. The difference is huge. My underlay was pretty cheap and when I moved after 10 years it was in such good condition that i took it with me and relaid almost my entire new house with it. Just needed new for a few steps on the stairs and the lounge.

Underlay will make the rooms warmer so you may end up paying more for heating without it. Given energy prices aren’t going to get cheaper anytime soon this is unlikely to be good

My ds bought a house which had recently been carpeted.
The stairs have underlay and the rooms don’t.
The difference under your feet is surprising.
The stairs are wearing well too.
The living room carpet looks dull and has no bounce left and yet it’s exactly the same carpet.

The carpet is the cheapest one in the shop

"100% polypropylene, with a felt backing, meaning it can be laid without an underlay and is therefore ideal for those on a budget."

Was once told you should spend as much on the underlay as the carpet. It's like buying a tailor made suit but not lining it - the suit will not hang properly - same for carpet - it needs an underlay to look good and it should lengthen the life of the carpet too.

we went for carpet with no underlay in our bedroom and its fine as bedroom isnt a heavy duty area (no kids) just went for high pile carpet but in the front room and stairs went for underlay as they are heavy duty areas and it does make a difference the carpets feel thicker and more luxurious

Underlay is more important than the carpet

We had stair carpet with a felted back that didn't need underlay.

It wasn't foam backed, definitely a thick white felt that was firm and springy. I don't remember it being cheaper than a budget carpet and underlay though.

It was for a narrow curved staircase and was less difficult for the fitters than getting two separate layers fully secure in the limited space.