As the saying goes, ‘out of sight, out of mind’, well this is the case for majority of people. Underlay is the most underestimated feature when purchasing new carpet. The importance of carpet underlay is vital! The time and money you spend on choosing a good quality underlay won’t be wasted.A good quality underlay not only makes your new carpet soft when walked on, but it also extends the life of your carpet. Quality underlay provides superior warmth, comfort and acoustic properties. It can also reduce your energy costs. Underlay also helps protect your carpet backing from damage such as moisture, dust and grit from your subfloor.To maximise the benefits and warranty of your new carpet, we recommended new underlay every time you purchase carpet. There is no doubt that purchasing new carpet is an investment in your home and future. As with all investments, it’s important to consider all elements.At Cross Carpets we choose Airstep Underlay. Airstep is a proudly Australian made product, 90% of their products are manufactured on-site at Dandenong in Melbourne, Victoria. So what is underlay? Underlay is the layer of cushioning that is laid directly underneath your carpet and above your subfloor. Carpet underlay can be made from a variety of materials such as foam, rubber or felt. Top 5 benefits of quality carpet underlay: Underfoot softness & comfort is improvedIncreases the longevity of the carpetCrushing forces on the pile are absorbedImproves the acoustics of the room and therefore the entire homeOverall thermal insulation properties are improved Why we choose Airstep Underlay For over 40 years, Airstep has supplied the highest quality foam and rubber underlays to local and international clients. From private residences to large-scale commercial projects, Airstep produces the most technologically advanced underlays in Australia. And best of all 90% of their products are manufactured on-site at Dandenong in Melbourne, Australia. Plus they are all 100% recyclable. Airstep underlay’s we recommend SteptasticStep MaxStep PrestigeReal ValueStep Emerald We’re doing our part for the environment At Cross Carpets, we aim to provide the best sustainable flooring options for all Australian homes. We are committed to making thoughtful choices when it comes to environmentally friendly products. That’s why is important for us to align ourselves with likeminded companies.In recent years, Airstep have implemented a recycling program “Recycle with Airstep” which was specifically designed for carpet retailers and contractors. This initiative sees old underlays and off-cuts being sent back to Airstep manufacturing site in Melbourne where they are then sorted, sanitised and cleaned. These are then produced into new foam underlays. Thus, reducing landfill and the impact on the environment. How is Underlay Made? From the entry-level of Steplight to the premium Steptastic, all Airstep foam underlays are made from recycled polyurethane foam. All Airstep underlay is produced by combining all the individual pieces of foam together with a binding agent into a cylindrical log. This log is then peeled and laminated into a continuous sheet where all edges are then square trimmed and ready for installation. Next step with Airstep project The “Next step with Airstep” project was born from a simple conversation in our showroom between Cross Carpets and Airstep.The concept:  For every lineal metre of Airstep underlay sold, Cross Carpets donates $1 to the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation.  Since then we have successfully been donating to the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation for over 10 years. The Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation funds key medical research that aims to find a cure for paralysis caused by spinal injuries. The discovery of a cure is something that Perry Cross firmly believes will happen. It’s just a matter of when.  References:  https://www.airstep.com.au/who-is-airstep/ https://www.airstep.com.au/environment/ https://www.airstep.com.au/product-category/residential/foam/ https://australianfloorstyle.com.au/products/airstep/ https://www.pcsrf.org.au/