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 and 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.