New carpet new underlay too?

duncan32

Hi,

We are getting a new carpet for a downstairs room, but I am considering whether to also get the new underlay that the carpet shop has quoted for. They told me to look at the underlay to see if it needed replacing, but tbh I haven't a clue if it does or not (though obviously they are going to say that it does if I just let them decide when fitting!). We are happy with the existing carpet in every respect other than it's colour (green!), so I don't really see the problem in putting a new carpet on the existing underlay. I'd appreciate anyone's opinions on this ...... getting the underlay as well basically doubles the price :eek:

Thanks in advance.

Duncan

macman

If it's worn, crushed, crumbllng, etc, then replace it. It should be obvious.
A good quality underlay is as important as the carpet on top-not worth skimping on.
It takes just a few minutes to put your own underlay down...

tartanterra

You don't need to get expensive underlay from your carpet supplier. There are plenty of underlay suppliers on the internet and you can get decent stuff for around £2 a sq. metre.
It is also very easy to fit yourself.

macman

Carpet fitters make much of their profit on the underlay, grippers and door bars. You can buy it all yourself much more cheaply.

duncan32

Thanks for the advice all.
I have had a look at it, and it looks ok to me, doesn't seem to be crumbling, it's all there, not coming apart. I don't know how long it has been there, or whether it is compressed to how it was when originally put down, but decided to take the risk and order just the carpet and fitting (I know I could probably get it fitted for cheaper than the £48.00 they add, but I would probably mess it up somehow!). So, they are fitting it on Tuesday morning for us. Fingers crossed I don't live to regret saving money on the underlay, but I can't for the life of me imagine what could go so wrong just by not having new underlay!

Duncan

Leif

Underlay does rot. I removed all carpets, and the underlay was crumbling, hence it has a finite lifetime of 20 to 40 years (that is how old my carpets were). Work out how long your carpets will last, then ask yourself if the underlay will last that long.