Natural Floor Underlay

Synthetic Floor Underlay

This article looks at natural floor underlay as well as synthetic floor underlay from an eco perspective.

Natural underlay

Wool underlay

♦ Made with 100% natural sheep's wool.
♦ Absorbs odours, formaldehyde and VOC emissions.
♦ Reduces noise from impact into rooms below.
♦ Reduces sound transmission and echoes.
♦ Provides a good insulating layer.
♦ Suitable for use with hardwood floors, engineered timber floors and laminate.
♦ Suitable for use with underfloor heating systems.
♦ Wool fibres are biodegradable.
♦ Around 21db sound reduction depending on manufacturer and subfloor.
♦ Provides an excellent insulating & climate regulating layer.

Felt underlay

♦ Suitable for use with carpets made from wool.
♦ Suitable for residential and commercial use including heavy traffic areas e.g. hallways, stairs.
♦ Reduces noise from impact into rooms below.
♦ Reduces sound transmission and echoes.
♦ A medium weight underlay.

Wood fibre underlay

♦ Made from compressed wood fibres.
♦ Look for underlay with 100% FSC certified wood fibres.
♦ Reduces noise from impact into rooms below.
♦ Reduces sound transmission and echoes.
♦ Between 19db and 36db sound reduction depending on manufacturer and subfloor.
♦ Provides a good insulating layer.
♦ Excellent resistance to compression – up to 20tons/m2.
♦ Suitable for use with hardwood floors, engineered timber floors and laminate.
♦ Some types are suitable for use with underfloor heating.
♦ Wood fibre is biodegradable.

Synthetic underlay

Recycled content

♦ Made from recycled rubber from tires and some types of plastic bottles.
♦ Suitable for use with carpets made from natural materials.
♦ Underlay has to be fixed to carpet with adhesive (check with the manufacturer for any chemical content).
♦ Up to 29db sound reduction depending on manufacturer and subfloor.

Go back to the Eco Materials main page

Return from natural floor underlay to the homepage