Carpet Backing

[ndg]

There have been a few useful carpet threads on here, but I'm interested to hear opinions on the merits of felt vs secondary backed carpets. Are there any pro's and con's to them or is it just whichever the manufacturer fancies?

Also whilst it's been discussed and commented on by individuals with one or the other do any pro's have advice on PU vs waffle underlay?

We popped in to carpet right for a giggle on tuesday and the prices for underlay, gripper and thresholds are just rude! Tradepriced here we come.....

If it's of bearing we're looking at carpeting whole 3 bed victorian terrace, ~90m2
of carpet including the stairs, we have cats but no kids and we're in the midlands.

Thanks for any advice,

N.

[pmanson]

I can recommend cloud9 underlay. We've had it fitted in our lounge/stairs/landing and more recently our 2nd bedroom and we're very impressed with it.

Try and find a local shop that is recommended. They will be much cheaper than Carpet Right etc. Carpet Right make up their money on the extras such as gripper rods etc, so although the carpet price may be cheaper in the long run it will work out more expensive.

[jeff m]

I ordered some carpet to be installed and asked for a certain underlay.
The next day I got a call saying that the underlay I asked for was not the best for my carpet. It would in fact void the warranty.

I can't remember the exact details, but it does seem it is horses for courses with some carpet.

[OldSkoolRS]

Believe it or not there is a huge thread all about Cloud 9 underlay over on the AVForum and most of it is very positive, so I know what I'll look for next time I'm buying. I second the point about a local carpet shop too as it's the total cost that matters not the £ per square metre of the carpet. The last three carpets we bought came from a place within a mile away and was still less than the carpetright and similar prices once all the extras were added in (plus we got the number of a fitter to do some relaying when we had to lift a carpet for some pipework).

[ndg]

Thanks guys,

been to see an independant this evening, and he's quoted about 25% less than carpet right, including a 9mm cloud 9 underlay. The carpet itself seems nicer too, a pure wool or wool mix rather than 100% man made. Any ideas on wether wool is a good idea or not?

Thanks

Nathan

[OldSkoolRS]

I was once recommended to use an 80% wool 20% man made mix as it is harder wearing than 100% wool. I don't know how it worked out long term as the living room we put a 100% wool carpet in and then moved within 2 years when it still looked perfect. The stairs were done in the recommended 80/20 mix and looked like new also.