Best Carpet Underlayments of 2026
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Carpet underlayments are essential additions to any carpet installation process. They provide a cushioning layer between the carpet and the subfloor, which helps to absorb impact and reduce noise levels. Underlayments also help to extend the lifespan of the carpet by preventing it from wearing out too quickly. Some underlayments even have moisture barrier properties that help to prevent mold and mildew growth in damp areas. These products come in various materials such as foam, rubber, and felt, and can be customized to fit the specific needs of each installation.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Carpet Underlayments
ROBERTS 50-588 Rug Gripper Tape
The ROBERTS Rug Gripper Tape is designed to keep your rugs and mats securely in place, preventing slips and trips in your home. It can hold rugs up to 12 feet by 12 feet, so you can trust it to handle large area rugs as well. The tape features a strong mesh backing with an added sticky layer that grips firmly to both your rug and floor, ensuring stability. Plus, it’s removable and repositionable, making it easy for you to change your room’s look without hassle or damage. This means you save money by not needing extra rug pads and enjoy a safer, more comfortable space.
ROBERTS 70-115 Moisture Barricade Underlayment Film
Introducing the ROBERTS Moisture Barricade Film, the perfect solution for protecting your laminate floors against moisture. This 6 mil. thick polyethylene film is designed to provide long-lasting durability, ensuring your floors stay in great condition for years to come. The roll conveniently unfolds to cover a 10 foot by 12 foot area, making installation a breeze. When used with standard foam underlayments, this film acts as a barrier, preventing moisture from seeping through and damaging your floors. Say goodbye to worries about water damage and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with using the ROBERTS Moisture Barricade Film.
Paclord 36" x 166' Brown Rosin Paper Roll
The Paclord Heavy-Duty Rosin Paper is a strong and thick 7 mil masking paper that helps protect your floors and surfaces during painting and construction work. Made in the USA, this 36-inch wide roll stretches 166 feet long, offering plenty of coverage for your project. Its durable design resists tears and prevents slipping, so you can work confidently even with heavy foot traffic or moisture around. Plus, it acts as a light moisture barrier, keeping materials like wood and concrete from sticking. The paper rolls out smoothly, making it easy for you to cover large areas quickly and remove without leaving any residue or damage behind.
QuietWalk Laminate Flooring Underlayment
The QuietWalk Laminate Flooring Underlayment is designed to offer superior sound reduction, compression resistance, and moisture protection. Its dense recycled fiber structure supports the click-together mechanism, making it compression-resistant and sound-absorbent. The attached vapor barrier protects the overlying floors from harmful moisture, while the recycled fibers allow it to 'breathe' and manage vapors. It is easy to install and can be used with laminate, floating engineered, and luxury vinyl plank floors. It is also approved for in-floor radiant heat systems and is certified to have clean and safe indoor air quality.
YYXLIFE Carpet Tape
YYXLIFE Double Sided Tape is a heavy-duty adhesive tape that is perfect for securing rugs, carpets, and runners. With its strong adhesion to both smooth and rough surfaces, this tape provides a reliable grip to prevent slipping. The tape is easy to use and leaves no residue when removed, thanks to its bonded paper backing. In addition to its durability, this carpet tape also ensures the safety of your family by preventing sudden slips. It is compatible with various surfaces such as tiles, vinyl, concrete, wood, and cement, making it versatile for any home use. Trust in the extreme power of YYXLIFE Double Sided Tape to keep your rugs in place.
Paclord 36" x 166' Red Rosin Paper Roll
The Paclord Red Rosin Paper is a heavy-duty, 7 mil thick roll designed to protect surfaces during painting and construction. Made in the USA, it offers strong resistance to tearing, making it reliable even under heavy foot traffic and exposure to moisture. This paper also prevents materials like wood, metal, and concrete from sticking, helping keep your workspace clean and safe. It’s easy to roll out and cut to size, allowing you to cover floors, countertops, or other surfaces quickly without leaving any residue or damage. Whether you’re remodeling or working on a job site, this durable paper is a helpful tool for protecting your surfaces.
KAIWO Heavy Duty Carpet Tape Double Sided (4 inx30yd)
KAIWO Carpet Tape is an easy-to-use solution for keeping your rugs in place. The gauze fiber tape with high-viscosity adhesive on both sides ensures a strong grip on various surfaces. It is easy to install and remove without leaving any residue, making it ideal for hardwood floors, outdoor rugs, and stair treads. This rug gripper enhances safety at home by preventing slips, especially for kids and the elderly. Plus, if you're not satisfied, the company offers replacements or refunds upon request.
XFasten Double Sided Carpet Tape 2"x10yds
The XFasten Carpet Tape helps keep your rugs and carpets securely in place, preventing any slipping or curling that could cause accidents. Its strong silicone adhesive ensures your carpets stay put for years, giving you peace of mind, especially if you have kids or pets running around. Despite its strong hold, this tape removes cleanly without leaving any sticky residue behind, making it safe for hardwood, laminate, tile, and carpeted floors. Plus, it’s easy to use—just peel off the liner and stick it down. This tape resists curling, so installation is quick and hassle-free, helping you enjoy a safer and tidier home environment.
QuietWalk LV 360 Sq Ft Flooring Underlayment
The QuietWalk Flooring Underlayment offers 360 square feet of coverage, making it ideal for covering entire rooms or several smaller areas with ease. It works well with various flooring types like luxury vinyl, laminate, and engineered wood, so you can confidently use it under many floor styles. Made in the USA, it ensures quality and supports eco-friendly manufacturing. This underlayment also helps reduce noise by absorbing impact sounds, so your home stays quieter and more comfortable. With these features, you get a reliable, versatile, and environmentally conscious solution for your flooring needs.
Be$t Laminate 3in1 Underlayment
The Be$t Laminate Underlayment is a versatile flooring solution that covers 500 square feet with five rolls of 100 square feet each. Its 2mm thickness, combined with a self-sealing tape strip and vapor barrier overlap, ensures a seamless installation that protects your floors from moisture. This underlayment is ideal for both wood and cement subfloors, providing stability and comfort underfoot. Plus, it comes packaged in eco-friendly bags, reflecting your commitment to sustainability while reducing environmental impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What do you use for underlayment carpet?
Experts recommend using foam underlayment for carpet, preferably in the 6 to 8 pound range. The density of the foam determines its durability and comfort. A denser foam will hold up better and provide better cushioning. Additionally, the thickness of the carpet pad is also important to ensure adequate cushioning.
2. What are the different types of carpet underlay?
There are several types of carpet underlay available, including rebond foam, SBR latex, rubber, and felt. Each type offers different characteristics and benefits, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
3. Is expensive carpet underlay worth it?
Investing in a quality carpet underlay can significantly increase the lifespan of your flooring, by as much as 30-50%. Additionally, a good underlay can help reduce energy bills by trapping heat under the floor and insulating the room, keeping it warm. While it may be more expensive upfront, the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment.
During our carpet underlayment research, we found 24 carpet underlayment products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 264,473 customer reviews through our big data system to write the carpet underlayments list. We found that most customers choose carpet underlayments with an average price of $45.90.
The carpet underlayments are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of carpet underlayments, including ROBERTS, Paclord, Quiet Walk, YYXLIFE, KAIWO. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Howard Chester is an architect from New York who holds a master's degree in architectural design, his passions for interior design and home improvement contribute to his extensive knowledge of all things furniture and home goods. Howard Chester Specializes in various architectural and interior design projects. He often publishes articles related to decoration on key websites and interior design magazines.
Carpet Underlayments Comparison Table
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| Brand | ROBERTS | ROBERTS | Paclord | Quiet Walk | YYXLIFE | Paclord | KAIWO | XFasten | Quiet Walk | Be$t Laminate |
| Material | Nylon | - | Paper | Fiber, Recycled Synthetic Fiber | Adhesive, Glass Fiber | Paper | Cotton | Fabric Tape with Fiberglass Backing, Fiberglass Mesh Backing, Silicone | Fiber, Recycled Synthetic Fiber | - |
| Color | Blue | - | Brown | Blue | White | Brown Rosin | White | White | Black | - |
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