Do You Really Need Underlayment for Laminate Flooring?

For instance, you are one of the homeowners who have already considered laminate floors. Then, without a doubt, one of the questions in your head is whether or not to install underlayment. To many, underlayment seems optional.

However, make sure that you don't miss the comfort and lifetime it can give to your flooring for many years. We will give you more information about underlayment. And the reasons why you should install it if you have laminate flooring.

What Is Underlayment?

Installed between your laminate flooring and the subfloor, underlayment is essentially a thin layer of material. In addition to provide cushioning, this has other protective advantages that make it both visually beautiful and useful.

Underlayment can be in differing materials: it can be foam, rubber, or even cork. The type of underlayments used serves to achieve particular purposes such as comfort or moisture blockage.

Types of Underlayment

There are so many kinds of underlayments, and among them, some can be listed such as:

• Standard foam underlayment: This is the cheapest and most accessible.
• Cork underlayment: It is also widely applied because of its practical soundproofing function
• Moisture barrier underlayment: This is perfect when you plan to lay the laminate flooring in a moisture-rich room, normally located in the basement.

The right choice for underlayment could be very determinant. It will help you significantly improve your laminate flooring.

What Type of Underlayment Do You Need?

The type of underlayment you will need varies depending on the installation location and the condition of your subfloor. Here is a guide to help you choose the proper underlayment for laminate floors:

1. Sound Reduction

If it intends to be installed in a place with heavy traffic or multi-level structures, then noise reduction becomes the goal. This time, a thicker underlayment made of foam or cork shall be used as it has the tendency of helping in the absorption of noises passing through the floor.

2. Moisture Resistance

If you plan on laying laminate flooring in kitchens, bathrooms, or basements, the underlayment will be necessary to ensure moisture resistance. Underlayment that comes with a built-in moisture barrier is needed for rooms that sometimes become wet. It prevents the moisture from seeping into the space below your laminate floor.

3. Comfort and Insulation

Installing laminate flooring for the living room or bedroom? You would want it comfortable to stand upon. Get an underlayment with some thermal insulation and padding. Cork underlayments are an additional good option because they seem natural and can retain some warmth.

What is the Best Underlayment for Laminate Flooring?

The best underlayment depends on your needs. Here is a list of the most common underlayments available.

1. Foam Underlayment

This is the most common to be applied to most applications since foam is relatively cheap and easy to install. Foam underlay is applicable to most types of installations because it provides superior cushioning and sound absorption. Foam underlayment, however, can only be used in dry areas since it does not provide any form of moisture protection.

2. Cork Underlayment

Cork would be a fantastic product for doing effective sound insulation and for comfort. Foam underlayment is costlier, yet it does an awful lot better in both insulation and noise reduction. It is a natural source, just like foam underlayment.

3. Combination Underlayment

For homeowners who need moisture protection, soundproofing, and cushioning, all at the same time, there is combination underlayment. It has a moisture barrier, although some come with attached foam or even cork layers that can be used ideally for situations where dampness may be expected.

How to Install Underlayment?

The installation of underlayment is not really too complicated, but it can quite contribute to the performance of your laminate flooring. Here's what to do in basic terms:

1. Prepare the Subfloor

Nothing, including moisture, dirt, or debris, can settle on the clean, dry, and even subfloor. Sweep away dirt or debris and fix cracks or uneven areas.

2. Roll Out the Underlayment

Roll out the underlayment across the surface. Cut to fit the space covering the floor in its entirety, leaving no gaps. For waterproof laminate flooring, ensure that the moisture barrier is facing up.

3. Seal the seams

Upon purchasing the underlayment, which are available as individual pieces, you must make sure that you tape the seams together by using specific underlayment tape so that they do not move.

4. Install Laminate Flooring

You can, therefore now place the laminate flooring on top of the underlayment once you are sure you are not contravening the manufacture's recommendation on how to do the whole process.

Benefits of Underlayment for Laminate Flooring

There are various reasons why you should lay an underlayment below your laminate flooring. Some of the reasons have been;

1. Comfort

Underlayment is another layer of cushion between the subfloor and laminate. This makes the floor softer and easier to walk upon.

2. Soundproofing

Noise-underlay will help neutralize the noise in rooms upstairs. This, therefore, contributes to a quieter home, especially within multi-level homes.

3. Moisture Protection

An underlayment moisture barrier would be useful for areas like a basement where water naturally tends to collect. It helps prevent water from damaging your laminate floors, guarantees that water doesn't come up through the underlayment subfloor, and keeps the laminate from warping or swelling.

4. Durability

Your laminate flooring may last longer with the underlayment installed. Over time, the underlayment's cushioning lessens wear and tear without lowering the quality of the flooring.

5. Thermal Insulation

However, some underlays, such as cork, are excellent at holding thermal integrity, so the space will be warmed up and kept well energy-efficient.

Conclusion

It is generally treated like a "one and done" product. However, it plays an extremely critical role in the performance and durability of your laminate floors. For instance, one may want increased comfort, noise reduction, or protection against moisture. 

In such cases, underlayment would play a significantly prominent role. If you still need to decide on the kind of underlayment for laminate flooring suitable for your house. Think about problems like moisture, sound reduction, and foot traffic.

Prepare to lay your laminate flooring. Explore our waterproof laminate flooring and underlayment for laminate flooring choices with BuildMyPlace. Want expert advice and custom recommendations? Get video call service today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why do you use underlayment for laminate flooring?
A. Underlayment gives that cushioning effect, apart from soundproofing, and moisture protection, making it even more durable and comfy for the laminate floor.

Q. Can I lay the laminate flooring right on top of the subfloor without the underlayment?
A. Do not. Underlayment provides enhanced insulation effects. The effects of noise are also reduced. Moisture damage would be avoided.

Q. What is the best underlayment for waterproof laminate flooring?
A. For waterproof laminate flooring, use an underlayment that comes with a moisture barrier of its own to protect it from water damage.

Q. Does underlayment reduce the sound?
A. It also cuts down dramatically the noise volume it permits, making underlayment ideal for multi-story houses or high-traffic rooms.

Q. How thick should laminate floor underlays be?
A. Most underlays are between 2 to 3mm in thickness. The balance between cushioning and soundproofing is delivered.