Laminate Flooring Underlay
An underlayment is a requirement in any installation of laminate flooring and serves certain functions. Underlayment adds a level of comfort to laminate floor, provides a soundproofing quality, helps to protect the laminate material from moisture, and helps to even out minor imperfections of the subfloor to ensure that your laminate flooring is installed on a perfectly level surface.
Choosing which underlayment to use with your laminate flooring is very important, and so we provide you with a guide to the various types of underlayment available and their suitable applications:
Standard foam laminate flooring underlayment
This is the most common type of laminate flooring underlayment available. It is a thin, foam padding measuring 1/8 inch thick, and is available in different roll sizes. Since it is made without a built-in moisture barrier, this type of underlayment for laminate flooring is made for use in areas where not a great deal of moisture is expected. However, it can be used in conjunction with a plastic sheet if moisture is expected in any capacity. Foam underlayment provides a minimal level of sound reduction and therefore should only be considered as entry-level for use with laminate flooring.
Combination laminate flooring underlayment
Combination underlayment is essentially the same as a standard foam underlayment for laminate flooring, but comes with a moisture barrier attached. This feature prevents moisture from seeping onto your laminate from underneath, so it can be installed in areas where higher levels of moisture are expected, such as basements. Its thickness is the same as a standard foam underlayment and sold in various-size rolls.
Acoustical laminate flooring underlayment
This type of laminate flooring underlayment is used to reduce the hollow sound that is often created when walking on a laminate floor. It is available in a variety of materials like cork and felt, and comes with a moisture barrier most of the time. Acoustical underlayment without a moisture barrier attached should be installed together with a moisture barrier placed directly over the subfloor.
Vinyl-backed underlay
Vinyl backed underlay is a practical option when it comes to choosing underlay for laminate flooring because of its easy-to-install tile form. It lays flat during installation and provides noise-proofing qualities. The seams must be sealed, though, if moisture-proofing is a priority.
For any project, it is best to ask the opinion of experts who can help you make the best choice for your home or office. Consult your contractor or retailer for the best laminate flooring underlay to use in your installation.
Related posts:
- 10 Quick Features of Laminate Wood Flooring
- How to Install Laminate Flooring
- Laminate Flooring Types
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I am putting a high quality underlay under my engineered floor.One side is vinal.Should this side go down on the concrete floor?
Do you know the manufacturer of the Underlay you have? If so, you may want to contact them directly to see how they recommend the install as this varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
I have been told that the padding “reduces” sound – to clarify, it only reduces the sound coming from the bottom of the floor (as one walks on it), not the topical sound.
Also, it does NOT increase the “comfort” of walking on lamitate.
Hi Val
If the underlayment is being sold as a 3 in 1 then there is a “sound proofing” aspect to it. The sound proofing that happens is not just for the floors below you. Often people think that if they are on concrete then they can buy cheap. That isn’t the case actually it’s the other way completely. The better underlayments also act to give the floor more depth in sound.
Sounds dumb?
No it isn’t, the last thing you want is your laminate floor to sound hollow in fact that is one of the biggest issues folks have with laminate. Buy better underlay (SoundChoice…wink wink) and you won’t have those issues. It will dampen the hollow sound and make your floor sound more like real hardwood.
Dave
If you have an uneven floor what can you do? Of course, it is right by the door entrance and would be high traffic area. It is 1/8″ deep.
Thanks.
Diana
Hi Diana,
Levelling the subfloor before installation prevents unnecessary stress and damage to your new flooring. In preparing a sub floor, the maximum variance you should allow is no more than 1/4″ over 8′ variance. You can do this with a standard straight edge or laser level. To level certain areas of subfloor, you can also apply thin set mortar. Hope that helps and let me know if you need further clarification or if you have any other questions or concerns.
Rodney
Hi,
If I purchase a laminate flooring with attached pad (http://www.builddirect.com/Laminate-Flooring/-Macore/ProductDisplay_6951_p1_10074341.aspx) and I live in the desert where there is little moisture, will I need a moisture barrier too or can I forgo it.
Thanks,
Rita
Hi Rita,
This depends on your subfloor. If you are going to put laminate flooring over a plywood subfloor, then purchasing a moisture barrier is not necessary. However, if going over concrete floor, you will still need to protect the laminate flooring from any potential moisture issues that could cause damage to the flooring later on, and as such purchasing a moisture barrier is required (as the Macore only has an underpad attached but it doesn’t include a moisture barrier).
Rodney
If the laminate you are purchasing already has a pad installed on each board is underlayment still required?
Hi Brandon,
You are inquiring more about the moisture barrier than the underpad. This depends on your subfloor. If you are putting laminate down with an attached underpad to a plywood subfloor, then a moisture barrier is not necessary. However, if you are putting your laminate down with an attached underpad to a concrete subfloor (or a subfloor area prone to moisture), then you will need a moisture barrier to protect your laminate flooring from cupping/buckling down the road.
When buying laminate with underpad attached and you are going over concrete, a perfect moisture barrier to use would be our MoistureBlock (http://www.builddirect.com/Flooring-Accessories/-MoistureBlock-Self-Sealing-Underlayment/ProductDisplay_10119_p1_10076337.aspx) which we sell for $0.09 per square foot. It doesn’t get any lower than that and shipping for this product is free.
Cheers,
Rodney
2 questions about laminate flooring.
1) If I have 12mm thick laminate with attached underlayment, should I still have the 2nd rollout underlayment? It’s going down on plywood on a 2nd level so no moisture concern. I’ve had some people recommend it for extra sound reduction but I’ve also been recommended against it due to increased friction. What should I do?
2) I don’t have a belt sander but I do have an orbital sander. Will that still do the job to remove the high spots at the joints in the plywood subfloor?
Thanks!
Tony
Hi Tony,
With lamintate floors that already have an attached underlayment professionally I would not recomened using any additional underlayment. Reason being is that most people will find that it becomes to soft and spongy under the feet. In regards to the sander I don’t see the an issue with using a obital sander.
Can 15# roofing felt be used on concrete as underlayment?