Hessian or felt back Carpet

sebastianj

Hello every one,
I am about to fit some carpets in my hall and stairs. Having a tight budget means I am looking for the cheapest option, can any one suggest what to look for and whether there are any pitfalls in having felt back carpets? It may save the cost of underlay.
seb

Foggster

Some would argue that you dont need underlay with foam backed but with hessian/woven and felt you will need underlay because there will be no cushion to the floor.

Although underlay appears expensive it will give a longer life to the carpet, feel great underfeet and will be a lot warmer in the colder months.

morg_2

On a very tight budget we just fitted felt backed carpet to hallway, stairs and landing.

Its great if you can afford underlay but that easily doubles the cost and that could be quite a significant expenditure. We were worried it wouldn't be that nice without underlay but the carpet bloke convinced us it would be ok.

Yes the carpet isn't as soft underfoot as it would be with underlay but its not bad, better than no carpet at all. It was fixed with spray adhesive and is fixed very firmly to the floor and looks really nice.

If you're on a budget like we were then go for it, I can't see any pitfalls other than if you can pay more you'll obviously get better.

Hope that helps your decision.

Morg

broonbear

some shops sell a very cheap u-lay for £35-£40 a bag, 16-18 sq yds to a bag which would easily do an average size stair. Putting an u-lay on the stair will keep the noise down as well.

jessilu1

morg wrote: »

On a very tight budget we just fitted felt backed carpet to hallway, stairs and landing.

Its great if you can afford underlay but that easily doubles the cost and that could be quite a significant expenditure. We were worried it wouldn't be that nice without underlay but the carpet bloke convinced us it would be ok.

Yes the carpet isn't as soft underfoot as it would be with underlay but its not bad, better than no carpet at all. It was fixed with spray adhesive and is fixed very firmly to the floor and looks really nice.

If you're on a budget like we were then go for it, I can't see any pitfalls other than if you can pay more you'll obviously get better.

Hope that helps your decision.

Morg

Soz, can I just ask, if the carpet is glued firmly to the floor how will you get it up when it's worn out?:)

morg_2

jessilu1 wrote: »

Soz, can I just ask, if the carpet is glued firmly to the floor how will you get it up when it's worn out?:)

NP, The carpet is really firm particularly on the stairs, the fitter said when it comes time to replace it lifts quite easily. I imagine the glue holds it well to the floor in respect of normal movement but will pull upward easily. Give it a few years and I'll let you know

In the past I've been conventional with my carpet and underlay choice using grippers etc, this time being absolutely broke that wasn't an affordable option as carpet fitters charge an arm and a leg for the gripper rod plus underlay on top. I was sceptical of gluing felt backed carpet but it seems to have worked really well.

Fingers crossed.

sebastianj

Many thanks every one, it has been very helpful, just one last question. Has any one heard of Polypropylene carpet? What about 100 %Polypropylene 8mm with 7mm foam underly, will that be good enough and keep us warm?
seb

jessilu1

morg wrote: »

NP, The carpet is really firm particularly on the stairs, the fitter said when it comes time to replace it lifts quite easily. I imagine the glue holds it well to the floor in respect of normal movement but will pull upward easily. Give it a few years and I'll let you know

In the past I've been conventional with my carpet and underlay choice using grippers etc, this time being absolutely broke that wasn't an affordable option as carpet fitters charge an arm and a leg for the gripper rod plus underlay on top. I was sceptical of gluing felt backed carpet but it seems to have worked really well.

Fingers crossed.

Thanks, and fingers crossed from me to you as well.:)

oddly enough I'm just about to get a new stair carpet fitted this week. Hessian backed as usual and with new underlay as well.
My old one isn't worn out tbf, I just got sick and tired of it after 10 years, it's dark blue and I've now changed it for an Oatmeal colour.
It would be interesting to see which one of ours last the longest!;):D