I need to buy some underlay for my lounge, hall, stairs and landing. I
want to get good quality underlay and have seen in on B&Q's web site two
possiblilties


http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/produc...PRODID=714 35

and


http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/produc...PRODID=714 39

Does anyone have any recommendations on which is best/most hardwaring,
or any other supplier/product?


--
Posted via Mailgate.ORG Server - http://www.Mailgate.ORG

"Lawrence Zarb" wrote in message
news:86840b3cdc0805787acaf1d7570f269f.52329@mygate .mailgate.org...
| I need to buy some underlay for my lounge, hall, stairs and landing. I
| want to get good quality underlay and have seen in on B&Q's web site two
| possiblilties
|
|
|
http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/produc...PRODID=714 35
|
| and
|
|
|
http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/produc...PRODID=714 39
|
| Does anyone have any recommendations on which is best/most hardwaring,
| or any other supplier/product?
|
|
| --
| Posted via Mailgate.ORG Server - http://www.Mailgate.ORG

I've not seen the B&Q underlay, but bear in mind that a cheap poor carpet
needs a good underlay and a good carpet deserves a good underlay.

There are two main types of underlay available now, standard gripper fixed
and double stuck.

The gripper fixed can be felt or a mixture of felt and rubber, these are not
fixed to the floor in anyway, the carpet is effectively stretched between
grippers which are pinned to the floor. Think of a drum skin. This is why
you should have the carpet restretched about 6 months after fitting and then
at intervals depending of the amount of use the carpet gets. Felt also mats
down in heavy traffic areas such as doorways, which leads to a hard feeling
after a short time.

Double stuck underlay has a release adhesive below the underlay and a
permanent adhesive above it to which the carpet is bedded into. The
advantage is that the carpet doesn't stretch and "should" not move. Double
stuck underlay is usually rubber or rubber crumb, although there are now
some synthetic versions. Don't go for a floppy one as this may breakdown in
use.

Basically you pays yer money and take yer choice!

Cheers
Steve

Lawrence Zarb wrote:
I need to buy some underlay for my lounge, hall, stairs and
landing. I want to get good quality underlay and have seen
in on B&Q's web site two possiblilties

[ 5* rubber and blue "contract" (CATID=59836 PRODID=71435),
(CATID=59836 PRODID=71439) ]

Does anyone have any recommendations on which is best/most
hardwaring, or any other supplier/product?

I've just finished a job using the blue contract stuff. It has
a silver foil damp-proof membrane on one side, and a plastic
non-silver foil on the upward facing side. It is easy to cut
and lay. Buy some spray glue to fix around the edge at various
points, and tape all seams. Carpet lays easily on this stuff.
It is guaranteed ARAIR, and is cheaper by a long way than the
rubber stuff, which I find smells and will crumble eventually.
The "contract" stuff is much lighter. That said, it is more
common to see the rubber stuff.

If you want a recommendation, buy 42oz or better "shoddy" or
wool underlay, both of which are available on the 'net. It is
not quite so fitter-friendly, but will outlast rubber or foam,
is very comfy, and doesn't stink. Much better than foam or
rubber ribbed or crumb underlay.


J.B.