Cloud 9 is one of the UK’s most recognisable and popular carpet underlay brands. It is widely valued for providing an affordable foundation that enhances carpet comfort, longevity, and performance. The brand is manufactured by Ball & Young and is available through various UK flooring retailers. For consumers considering a new carpet installation, understanding the features, specifications, and availability of Cloud 9 underlay is essential. This guide details the product’s key attributes, typical applications, and how it can be sourced, based exclusively on the information provided in the source materials.
Understanding Cloud 9 Underlay
Cloud 9 underlay is constructed from high-quality polyurethane (PU) foam. This material choice is highlighted across the source materials as a primary reason for the product’s benefits. The foam is described as lightweight, which aids in ease of handling and installation. It is also compatible with most carpet types, making it a versatile choice for various domestic settings. The core function of the underlay is to act as a critical foundation for carpets, improving the overall feel and performance of the flooring system.
A key benefit repeatedly mentioned is the enhancement of comfort. The PU foam construction provides a cushioned layer that makes carpets feel significantly softer underfoot. This is a noted improvement that customers reportedly notice instantly upon installation. The underlay contributes to a more luxurious feel, transforming the walking experience across a room.
Beyond immediate comfort, Cloud 9 underlay offers practical benefits for insulation and durability. The material increases thermal resistance, helping to retain warmth within a room, which can contribute to energy efficiency. It also provides sound insulation, reducing impact noise from footsteps, which is particularly beneficial in multi-storey homes or flats. Furthermore, the underlay is designed to extend the lifespan of a carpet. By absorbing the impact of foot traffic, it reduces the wear and tear on the carpet fibres, helping the carpet maintain its appearance for longer. The source materials confirm that Cloud 9 underlay is hard-wearing and great value for money, aligning its durability with its affordable price point.
Product Range and Specifications
While the source materials do not provide an exhaustive list of every product in the Cloud 9 range, they do offer specific details on two notable variants: the Cloud 9 Cirrus and the Cloud 9 Charleston. These examples illustrate the typical specifications and considerations for the brand.
Cloud 9 Cirrus 9mm Thick Carpet Underlay This product is specifically recommended for use on stairs. The source material advises that a maximum underlay thickness of 9mm is ideal for stairs, and the Cloud 9 Cirrus at 9mm fits this requirement. Using an underlay on stairs is possible with Cloud 9, but thickness must be carefully considered for safety and performance. The Cirrus variant is presented as a great quality option for this specific application.
Cloud 9 Charleston 9mm Underlay This is described as a premium carpet underlay designed to enhance comfort, durability, and insulation in residential spaces. It is particularly suited for medium-wear domestic areas. The Charleston 9mm underlay is noted for its luxurious feel underfoot and superior sound reduction properties. Its technical specifications are detailed as follows: * Nominal Thickness: 9mm * Thermal Resistance (Tog Rating): 2.5 Tog * Impact Sound Reduction: 39 dB * Core Material: Cloud 9 APT High-Density Foam * Top Surface: Stitch bonded white crepe paper * Bottom Surface: Spun-bonded non-woven fabric * Roll Dimensions: 11.0m (length) x 1.37m (width) * Product Density: 156 kg/m³ * Roll Weight: 21.1kg
The Charleston underlay also carries eco-friendly certifications. It is compliant with BREEAM, LEED, and Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold standards, indicating low emissions and better indoor air quality. This makes it a consideration for environmentally conscious consumers.
Another variant mentioned in the source data is the "Estates - Underlay Collection - Carpet Cushion - Cloud 9 With Spill Blocker." This product appears to be part of a specific collection and includes a moisture-resistant coating. Its specifications include: * Thickness: 7/16" * Weight: 9 Lbs * Bag Colour: Black * Roll Size: 25 SY * Scrim: Spillblocker White * Features: Ozone Friendly (no CFC's), CRI Green Label Plus, 100% recycled material, SPILLBlocker TM Moisture Resistant Coating, blended with Visco-Elastic Memory Foam.
This variant highlights additional features like spill resistance and recycled materials, showing the breadth of the Cloud 9 product line.
Availability and Sourcing in the UK
Cloud 9 underlay is available through multiple UK-based retailers and flooring suppliers. The source materials list several online platforms where the product can be purchased: * Online Carpets * Luxefloorsco * Moreforyourfloor * Word of Mouth Floors
Consumers can browse these websites to view the full range of Cloud 9 products, compare specifications, and make purchases. The process for ordering is straightforward. For example, on the Online Carpets website, customers can add the Cloud 9 underlay directly to their basket alongside their chosen carpet and have it delivered to their door. This indicates that the underlay is readily available for direct purchase through standard e-commerce channels.
Regarding the availability of free samples or trial programmes for Cloud 9 underlay, the provided source materials contain no explicit information. The sources focus entirely on product features, specifications, and direct purchase options. There is no mention of a mail-in sample programme, a free trial offer, or a promotional freebie specifically for Cloud 9 underlay. Therefore, based solely on the available data, it cannot be confirmed that free samples are offered by the brand or its retailers. Consumers interested in experiencing the product before a full purchase may need to inquire directly with the listed retailers or visit physical showrooms, if available, to see and feel the underlay. The information does not support the existence of a no-cost sample distribution scheme for this product.
Installation and Usage Guidance
The source materials provide some basic guidance on the use and installation of Cloud 9 underlay. It is described as easy to install, which is a significant advantage for DIY enthusiasts or professional fitters alike. The lightweight nature of the PU foam material facilitates handling during the fitting process.
A specific application guideline is provided for stairs. As mentioned, Cloud 9 underlay can be used on stairs, but a maximum thickness of 9mm is recommended. The Cloud 9 Cirrus 9mm variant is suggested as a suitable product for this purpose. This detail is important for ensuring a safe and secure fit on stair treads, where a thicker underlay could pose a tripping hazard or interfere with the fitting of stair rods or carpets.
The underlay is compatible with most carpet types, making it a flexible choice for various flooring projects, whether installing new carpets or upgrading existing floors. Its benefits are applicable in any room, contributing to overall comfort, warmth, and noise reduction throughout the home.
Conclusion
Cloud 9 carpet underlay is a well-established and popular brand in the UK, known for delivering quality comfort, insulation, and durability at an affordable price. Made from high-quality PU foam, it enhances the feel of carpets underfoot, reduces noise, improves thermal efficiency, and helps extend the life of the carpet. The product range includes various thicknesses and specifications, such as the 9mm Cirrus for stairs and the premium Charleston 9mm for general domestic use, with some variants offering additional features like spill resistance and eco-friendly certifications.
The underlay is widely available for purchase through several UK online flooring retailers, with a straightforward ordering process. However, based exclusively on the provided source materials, there is no indication of a free sample or trial programme for Cloud 9 underlay. Consumers seeking to evaluate the product should refer to the official retailer websites for detailed product information and purchasing options. For any potential offers or promotions, direct inquiry with the retailers is recommended, as such information is not present in the current source data.