What is a tog rating?

Think of the rating as a score the product is given based on how well it holds heat. Tog ratings are used in duvets, insulated clothing, sleeping bags and in this instance carpets.

The rating also tells you how insulating the carpet is, with the higher number indicating more insulation. It is not as complicated as you might think.

What is a tog rating in Carpet, and why does it matter?

If you are looking to buy a carpet, there is a good chance you have googled things you never thought you would care about. From figuring out the difference between Wool and Polypropylene or even what colour to get, it is all a part of the journey.

A term to add to your home improvement vocab is rating. It sounds like something to do with duvets, but it has everything to do with how cosy your home feels. Let us break it down into the what, why and our current recommendations.

How does it apply to carpet?

Carpets all have their own individual tog rating. When selecting underlay and carpet, this plays a crucial role in determining their thermal insulation properties.

Carpet: A carpet’s rating indicates how well it traps heat, providing warmth to the room. A typical carpet usually has a rating between 1.0 and 2.5, depending on the material and thickness.

Underlay: The underlay, placed beneath the carpet, contributes significantly to the overall thermal performance. A high-quality underlay (usually with a rating between 1.0 and 2.0) can help enhance the insulation, preventing heat from escaping through the floor.

When considering both, it’s important to balance the ratings of the carpet and underlay. Too high a rating, especially in combination, may lead to excess heat retention, which could be uncomfortable in warmer climates or when using underfloor heating as it can stop the heat from traveling into the room, making your heating less efficient.

Therefore, the combined tog rating of both carpet and underlay should be considered to ensure optimal comfort, energy efficiency, and moisture control in the room.

Why do ratings matter in your home?

Choosing the right rating is a small part of choosing the perfect carpet for your home, but it has a big impact on comfort and energy efficiency.

Higher tog carpets can be perfect for your cooler rooms to keep them warmer saving money on heating bills, whilst lower rated carpets ensure you get the most out of your underfloor heating.

Other than being a practical element of your room, the tog level of your flooring can change the feel of a room, making it more inviting. Carpets play a huge part in the mood and feeling of your home turning your house into a relaxing haven.

Once you understand tog ratings, you can jump in with your newfound knowledge next time anyone asks about carpets.

Tog Tips

Higher ratings aren’t always better—especially if you have underfloor heating.

Rating isn’t just thickness; it also depends on the carpet material and density.

Pair your carpet with the right underlay to get the most comfort and insulation.

Recommended tog levels for different rooms

Choosing which tog rating is best for your room is easier once you know how they all work for each room.

Here is a perfect tog rating guide for your home

For more personalised advice, contact your local retailer or contact us at 01274 655 694.Our newest addition Seduction from our Love Story brand has an impressive tog rating of 2.57 and with a pile height of 15.7 mm it creates a plush surface which mimics velvet perfect for a bedroom space.

Knightsbridge Berbers’ rating of 1.8 is perfect for a living space, it has a substantial pile height of 10.5 mm, which is super soft, and by using two unique yarns, we’ve created a carpet that has a one-of-a-kind tri- coloured berber style.

Country collection with a tog rating of 1.03 is perfect for stairs, hallways and landings its design brings texture to life and creates a statement to any living space.

Captivation with a 1.1 tog rating is perfect for floor with underfloor heating with 8.25 pile height it provides a luxurious texture which is incredibly soft to the touch.

Common questions about tog ratings

What does TOG stand for?

Simply means the thermal insulation rating /score. The term TOG stands for the Thermal Overall Grade.

Does a higher tog make spillages harder to clean?

A carpet with a higher tog is usually thicker and has heavier backing, which may absorb spillages.  However, many of Abingdon’s carpets are bleach-cleanable and covered by a Stainfree for Life Guarantee.

Will a higher tog help with noise reduction?

Yes, Thicker and more insulating carpets also absorb more sound, The additional thickness helps to reduce the noise of footsteps and general sound transmission between rooms, which is perfect if you have a busy household or have roommates who play loud music.

Now that ratings aren’t just technical jargon you see when searching for your perfect home, you can get back to shopping and find a carpet that feels as good as it looks. You might find exactly what you’re looking for, so browse our full range of carpets today and find the perfect tog rating for your home.