Warm Floors 101: How Carpet & Underlay Keep Your Home Cosy This Winter

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Cold floors are one of the most overlooked causes of heat loss and discomfort in New Zealand homes, especially during winter. While we often focus on heating solutions like heat pumps or extra layers, your flooring plays a much bigger role than many realise.

If you’ve ever dreaded that icy walk to the bathroom in the middle of the night, you’re not alone. Without the right carpet and underlay, even the cosiest homes can feel cold underfoot.

Let’s explore how choosing the right carpet and underlay can transform your home into a warmer, quieter, and more comfortable space all season long.

Why Flooring Matters More Than You Think

When we think of insulation, we usually think of walls, windows and ceilings. But floors account for up to 10-20% of heat loss in the average New Zealand home. That’s a lot of warmth slipping away every day, especially in homes with timber subfloors or carpet that’s so thin it may as well be hardwood.

Older villas, classic Kiwi homes from the 60’s, and even some newer builds can suffer from cold, draughty flooring, especially if the carpet is outdated, worn thin, or laid without proper underlay. And hard surfaces like timber or tile? They may look great, but they’re often the biggest culprits for sucking the warmth out of the room.

Even with heating on full blast, these surfaces absorb and conduct heat away from your body, creating that cold, creeping discomfort underfoot. But carpet, paired with the right underlay, can dramatically reduce that heat loss...

Together, carpet and underlay act as a thermal barrier, holding warmth in, softening every step, and lowering the demand on your heater (and your power bill).

The Warmest Carpets for New Zealand Winters

Let’s talk fibre. Because not all carpets are created equal when it comes to warmth.

Wool Carpet

Naturally insulating and breathable
Excellent moisture regulation (ideal for damp winters)
Soft, quiet, and luxurious underfoot

Wool is a top performer in both heat retention and keeping the sound of footsteps to a minimum. It can help regulate indoor humidity, too, making it a great choice for coastal or homes with high levels of condensation. Think of it as nature’s answer to cold feet.

(Here’s some wool carpet that’s worth a look).

SmartStrand (like Rhino Comfort)

Ultra-dense, plush synthetic with anti-stain protection
Warm underfoot thanks to clever carpet science
Ideal for family zones like lounges and bedroom

Rhino Comfort Collection's Luxura® fibre offers up to twice the tuft density of standard carpet, which doesn’t just feel good – it holds warmth better too. It’s a modern option for homes that need comfort, durability, and style.

Nylon Carpet

Durable and budget-friendly
Keeps its colour (ideal for sunny Kiwi homes)
Less insulating on its own, but performs well when combined with good underlay

Nylon gets the job done, but it’s typically cooler than wool or SmartStrand. If warmth is your top priority, consider pairing with a premium underlay to avoid that chilly-floor feeling.

Wool vs Nylon? Wool insulates better, is quieter, and feels cosier. Nylon (on the other foot) is tough and affordable, but cooler unless supported by a high-quality underlay. SmartStrand gives you a plush, warm feel with modern durability – an excellent middle ground.

Here’s some excellent SmartStrand options worth a look.

Pro Tip:
Wool carpet is a natural insulator, but it needs gentle care. Use a vacuum with low suction, spot clean with a pH-neutral wool-safe cleaner, and avoid soaking the fibres for maximum effect.
Explore our full Carpet Care Guide →

Underlay: The Cosy Upgrade You Can’t See (But Definitely Feel)

Carpet gets all the credit, but it’s the underlay that plays a key role over winter. Underlay is the layer between your carpet and the subfloor – and it makes a huge difference in how warm, quiet, and soft your home feels.

A good underlay offers:

Thermal insulation (helps retain heat and prevent the cold from rising)
Impact absorption and softness (better for joints and comfort)
Noise reduction between floors (especially useful in multi-story homes)
Extended carpet lifespan (protects against wear from below)

Low-quality or aged underlay often compresses over time, losing its insulating power. That’s why a flooring upgrade isn’t complete without an underlay refresh.

Rhino Platinum Underlay

One of our top choices is Rhino Platinum Underlay.

It features:

Double-laminated cushioning system
High-density comfort foams
Excellent heat retention
Smart antibacterial tech to keep your home healthier
Acoustic absorption for keeping unnecessary noises to a minimum

It pairs perfectly with plush carpets like Rhino Comfort Collection, creating a flooring system that’s warm, quiet, and built to last.

Double the Rhino, Double the Warmth

If you're looking for ultimate comfort this winter, pair Rhino Comfort Carpet with Rhino Platinum Underlay. It's the cosy, quiet, ultra-soft duo that transforms cold floors into your favourite place to be.

Quick Wins vs Long-Term Warmth

Rugs? Helpful. Fluffy socks? Absolutely. But those are short-term fixes.

If your floors feel cold all winter, it’s time to increase the warmth from the inside out, not just layer over the top. Quality carpet and underlay create an insulating system that works 24/7 without increasing your power bill.

Common Flooring Mistakes to Avoid

Here’s what we see far too often:

Skipping underlay to save costs in the short term
Using thin, low-density carpet in cold rooms
Relying solely on rugs or heaters to compensate
Not insulating floors in bedrooms or lounges (the rooms we spend the most time in!)

Pro Tip: Even older carpet can feel warmer and softer with the right underlay beneath it. If a full carpet replacement isn't in your budget, consider upgrading your underlay first.