Substrate & Underlay
- Substrate and underlay are the two main components of a flooring system. A substrate is what you walk on, while underlay is what protects your concrete subfloor from moisture, dirt, and other debris. High-quality options for both can make a world of difference to the flooring of your home or business and ArchiPro features only the best floor underlay and substrate products in Australia.ArchiPro features only the best substrate and underlay products from leading suppliers in Australia. It's easy to get carried away when you're planning a new space, but it's also important to choose the right materials for your project so that you can be sure that it will last. The right floor underlay and substrate are therefore an important part of your home building or renovation project. These products are also an important part of a wider range of flooring solutions that you will find on ArchiPro.
Types of substrate and underlay
There are a few different types of flooring substrates and underlays available in Australia and understanding these will help you make the most suitable decision for your next project.
Naturally-occurring floor substrate
Natural floor substrate options are made of natural materials like peat, organic fertilisers, and soil that are hospitable for living organisms.
Synthetic substrate
A classic example of this is plastic. It is manufactured to simulate natural materials and is usually more commonly found.
PU underlay
This is made from polyurethane foam but has been treated with pigment to give it more colour. This is useful when looking for something specific. This is a great material to use underneath vinyl flooring.
Crumb underlay
This is treated with crumbs so that it feels like sandpaper when you walk across it. This gives it an abrasive feel.
The advantages of high-quality substrate and underlay
High-quality substrate flooring and floor underlayment are great investments for any home in Australia. Because they play such a crucial role in protecting a home from water damage and more, it’s important to prioritise quality. High-quality substrate flooring and floor underlayment is robust and reliable and won't break down over time. When purchasing from reputable suppliers, you’ll also get exceptional service both during the buying process and beyond with respect to ongoing support and maintenance. They also have great connections with other flooring suppliers like wood flooring, which you may wish to use in other parts of your project.
How to choose a substrate and underlay that's right for you
If you're looking to install a new substrate and underlay in Australia, you'll need to consider a few things. First, decide how much space you have and how much traffic your new flooring is likely to get i.e. whether or not it's going to be in a high-traffic area. Then, think about how long you'll want the floor underlayment to last. Knowing the answers to these questions is important as you’ll need to share these with your chosen supplier in order to help them recommend the most suitable option for your home or business. As the range of options is quite diverse and specific, the more information you can share, the better the recommendation will be.
There are other option for your flooring upgrade, consider the cosy elegance of carpet flooring, the sleek resilience of laminate, the classic beauty of wood flooring, the adaptable vinyl option, and the fundamental comfort and insulation offered by substrates and underlays.

