Hessian of Felt Backed Carpets (Adv & Disadv)

jonny2510

I realise that felt backed carpets can be used without underlay, though are there any other differences?

We we are planning on purchasing carpets with underlay, though our preferred carpet so far seems to be felt backed.

With the fact we're using underlay in mind, does it make any difference whether we buy felt or hessian backed?

Does hessian have any advanteages over felt?

Other than the fact felt can be used without underlay, does it have any advantages over hessan?

EDIT: For a bit more information, the carpets we're comparing are similar. The hessian backed is from a national chain, and works out a bit (around 10%) cheaper than the felt backed, which is from an independent carpet warehouse type place.

EDIT2: Carpet is 100% Polypropylene

GlynD

The hessian backed carpet will normally be of a higher quality. The comfort comes from having a good underlay, you should always buy the best. It also prevents the carpet wearing out too soon. Foam backed carpets are really only for bedroom but I personally have never seen or used a carpet with a felt backing so I can't comment on that.

jonny2510

Thanks for that. As for the underlay - I'd most likely be going for the Cloud 9 Cumulus

LandyAndy

GlynD wrote: »

The hessian backed carpet will normally be of a higher quality. The comfort comes from having a good underlay, you should always buy the best. It also prevents the carpet wearing out too soon. Foam backed carpets are really only for bedroom but I personally have never seen or used a carpet with a felt backing so I can't comment on that.

I've had foam backed carpets in bedrooms. They are fine. I've always put a layer of newspaper under them so that they dont stick to the floor which makes them a nightmare to remove. That was years ago and the quality/durability of the foam backing may have improved now.

jonny2510

Thanks for the replies, though it's more the felt backed carpets that I was hoping for more information/opinions on.

Everythign I read seems to imply it can be used with or without underlay, whereas hessian needs to be used with underlay.

I can't find anything else comparing the two????

spannerzone

I used to work for a mate who owns a carpet shop and as mentioned, usually the felt back carpets are on lower cost ones although we did sell some 100% wool berbers that had felt or hessian as option. I actually carpetted my house out in this felt backed 100% wool berber but used Cloud 9 underlay 9mm which is an excellent underlay.

It fitted fine and the fitters have no issue using felt back on underlay, without underlay is ok but much less springy and not so nice to walk on.....

If I was carpeting again I'd certainly consider felt backed BUT most are the lower priced ranges so bare in mind you get what you pay for..... if you've got uneven floors, or wide gapped floorboards then laying felt or foam carpets down without underlay will probably mean the gaps show through after a while. Underlay helps flatten out floors and gaps a little bit, improves sound proofing and draughts, makes them last longer and is nicer to walk on.

I'd avoid foam based carpets as they're just the cheapest around and I'm a snob

Underlay - the Cloud 9 is quite well renowned as being much lighter weight that many rubber based underlays which might be a consideration on some properties.

oh and finally I'd suggest avoiding Carpet rite or such like.... they have cheaper prices but really shaft you on gripper rods, fitting, moving furniture, underlay etc... so well worth getting quotes from smaller independents that might initially appear dearer on carpet prices but cheaper when fitting is factored in.

jonny2510

spannerzone wrote: »

Underlay - the Cloud 9 is quite well renowned as being much lighter weight that many rubber based underlays which might be a consideration on some properties.

Many thanks for that response, it was very helpful

Excuse me if I'm being dense, but what difference would it being lighter make? Do you mean this as being an advantage, or a disadvantage?

spannerzone

I don't think it's a problem but do remember reading somewhere that it might be a consideration on houses (old) that have less than substantial floor joists and the added weight of rubber type underlays may be worth taking into account...... I don't think it's a real problem but certainly a lot easier to unload from the truck and take upstairs.

jonny2510

spannerzone wrote: »

I don't think it's a real problem but certainly a lot easier to unload from the truck and take upstairs.

I've spoken to a man in a carpet shop who's said this too!

crabman1

Before you buy any carpet beware, of the VOC’s that are present in the making of them, i purchased a good quality carpet it had a Actionbac binding in the Hessian, the carpet was laid in the front room we have a multiburner fire 5kw, after a few weeks the heat started to react with the polymers in the carpet and i started to suffer serious ill health symptoms, check out carpets and VOC’s on the net before you buy, a study wascarried out by a A senior scientist, at a Greenpeace Research Laboratories in Exater in 1994the reading should concern people,

I had never had been subject to any allergies or reactions priorto this type of carpet being fitted, the company i purchased it from took it back no questions asked when i told them of my problem with it, they obviouslydid not want a fuss being made