07 Aug What’s The Difference Between Budget And Premium Underlay?
We often get asked what the difference is between our more economical underlays and our premium options. While sometimes there are specific levels within a range (like with Cushion Pad and Premier Pad) often the differences are more general in nature. In this blog we’ll be exploring these differences, to help you decide which option is best suited to your home or business.
What Is Budget Underlay?
When we reference budget underlays, we’re talking about options that will get the job done, but don’t often offer above and beyond benefits. All Airstep Underlay products are high quality and allow you to meet most compliance standards for homes and businesses, but not all would be recommended for installation in situations where you need a high end finish.
Examples of budget underlays within our range include Steplight (residential carpet), Drilay (residential hard flooring), and Dura-Bond (commercial).
What Is A Premium Underlay?
Premium underlays are designed to provide additional benefits on top of the standard function you would expect from an underlay product. For example, they may feature a breathable moisture barrier like our Pet Defence underlay, provide higher levels of noise reduction and thermal benefits like AquaDefend, or enhance underfoot comfort in high level business settings like StepBond 7.
What Are Some Of The Key Differences Between Budget And Premium Underlay?
While the specific differences will vary from product to product, you can generally expect the below key factors to differ when looking at premium vs budget underlays:
Performance Levels
As noted above, all Airstep underlays perform their intended function to a high level, however, a premium underlay will always outperform a budget underlay designed for the same purpose. This can mean benefits such as enhanced acoustic properties, better underfoot feeling, improved longevity and more.
Added Features
Generally speaking, premium underlays also tend to be better at being multifunctional and offer additional features. This can include things like offering an antimicrobial layer to help create a healthier home, being suitable for both carpet tiles and hard flooring or adding a luxurious feeling to a commercial space.
Suitability For Installation In Certain Spaces
Premium underlays also tend to be suitable for installation in more spaces. A premium domestic underlay, for example, will be just as at home in the master suite as it is in the lounge room, while a budget underlay may not provide the level of comfort that you want within a primary bedroom. By the same token, higher grade commercial underlays will be suitable for installation in spaces with heavier requirements, or businesses that need to maximise comfort and that upscale feeling.
Overall Comfort
Speaking of maximising comfort, because they tend to be more plush underfoot and offer better acoustic and thermal benefits, premium underlays will almost always provide better overall comfort than their budget counterparts.
So Which Option Is Best For Your Space?
The answer to this question will depend on a case by case basis, and your Account Manager or local flooring specialist will be able to provide personalised advice. As a general rule, however, our budget underlays are best for situations in which you want to prioritise getting the job done right in an economical fashion. Premium underlays on the other hand should be installed when your focus is comfort and top quality, or in situations where you require a specific benefit. If you have any further questions about the difference between budget and premium underlays, get in touch with our friendly customer service team and they’ll be able to point you in the right direction.