Fitting Underlay

It's essential that a good underlay is used under all but foam-backed carpets. It reduces wear, adds to the warmth of the carpet, and helps dampen noise. Where there are small gaps between floorboards, put down a layer of building paper (a tough, water-resistant paper sold at builders' merchants) and place the underlay over the top. Never use old newspapers instead. Tufted carpets may have their own underlay backing, so check before buying.

• Try to use a complete piece of underlay for the whole floor.
• If you have to join sections, butt the edges closely together and fix with a strip of carpet tape (as described here ).
• Make sure there are no bubbles or creases in the material, as this will show through the carpet.
• Trim the underlay with a craft knife to fit to the edge of the skirting or the inner edge of the gripper strips.

Buy the best quality underlay available - the foam on cheaper varieties can harden and crumble.