need help with underlay - and where to buy carpet! so confused

[lisajm82]

Hi there, we are moving into a new house and have been looking at carpets.

We are wanting to carpet stairs, landing and the 3 bedrooms.

What is the best underlay we should use?

went to the obvious carpet right and they are selling us the royal underlay which is supposed to be the best??

has anyone experienced any problems with this underlay as when i had my carpet laid nearly 13 years ago i think remember hem using the Green rubber underlay and the carpet has lasted.

We are choosing the super top twist carpet.

any help is much appreciated

If you have pets, or plan on having pets in the future I wouldn't go for a looped carpet, as the loops can snag and it looks a mess.

Go for the best quality underlay you can afford as it makes the carpet last longer.

I'd personally go for a wool mix, with around 50 per cent wool, stain treated. Also go for the most dense you can afford ie the most tufts per square cm. fold the carpet and see how dense it is.

Ask how long it is guaranteed for.

Maybe look on the website and read any reviews?

STOP!!!!!

Try to avoid big companies such as Carpetright as they often don't offer best value.

Their carpet prices may look reasonable (always at least 20% off according to their reduction stickers) but they really over-charge for delivery and fitting. Ask to see samples of underlay otherwise you're buying "blind". Can you feel any real difference in the expensive one that they're trying to sell you compared to one a wee bit cheaper. Saving a £ per meter2 can soon add up when carpeting large areas.

Very few people see the underlay before they commit to buy it - definitely ask to see and feel some.

I'd definately recommend you check out smaller local companies who often offer more value for money when factoring in delivery & fitting fees.