Are you ready to install laminate flooring but unsure about choosing the right underlay? Selecting the best underlay for laminate flooring can make all the difference in comfort, durability, and noise reduction.
Underlay not only provides a cushioned feel underfoot but also offers insulation against cold floors and helps absorb sound, making your space quieter. A quality underlay can also extend the life of your laminate flooring by offering better support and protection against moisture.
With so many options available, it's important to consider factors like thickness, material, and the specific needs of your room to ensure you make the best choice. In this laminate flooring underlay guide, we'll discuss the different types of underlays and their benefits to help you make an informed decision.
Why Underlay Matters for Laminate Flooring
The Role of Underlay
Underlay is more than just a layer between your subfloor and laminate flooring. It supports the laminate, providing a stable base that helps with thermal insulation and noise reduction. By absorbing sound, underlay creates a quieter living space, which is especially important in multi-story homes or apartments. What's more, underlay can make your floors feel more comfortable underfoot by offering a slight cushioning effect.
Enhancing Flooring Performance
One of the key benefits of laminate flooring underlay is that it helps level out minor imperfections in the subfloor, providing a smoother surface for the laminate to rest on. This can prevent potential damage to the flooring over time. Proper underlay can also act as a moisture barrier, protecting your laminate from dampness and prolonging its lifespan.
Types of Underlay and Their Benefits
There are several underlay options for laminate flooring, each with its own set of benefits. Let's take a closer look at the most common types:
Foam Underlay
Foam underlay is among the most common types of underlay for laminate floors. It is affordable and easy to install, making it a popular DIY choice. Foam underlay provides basic sound and thermal insulation, making your floors more comfortable and quieter. While it may not offer the highest level of performance compared to other types, it is a good all-around option for most homes.
Cork Underlay
Cork underlay is an eco-friendly option offering superior noise reduction; perfect for laminate flooring sound insulation. Made from natural cork, it is a sustainable choice that contributes to a quieter and warmer environment. It's particularly effective in reducing sound transmission, making it ideal for rooms where noise control is a priority. Cork's natural properties also provides some thermal insulation, helping to keep your floors warm.
Rubber Underlay
Rubber underlay is known for its exceptional sound insulation and durability. It is a great choice for high-traffic areas where noise reduction is essential. Rubber underlay can withstand heavy use without losing its effectiveness, making it a long-lasting option. Its dense composition also provides excellent thermal insulation, ensuring your floors stay warm and comfortable.
Gold Foil Underlay
Gold foil underlay is made to insulate laminate floors with a reflective gold layer that keeps heat in your home. It improves heat retention and protects against moisture, making it great for places like bathrooms and kitchens. One downside is it might not offer as much cushioning as other underlays.
Fibreboard Underlay
Fibreboard underlay is a popular choice for evening out slightly uneven subfloors. It offers robust benefits like effective soundproofing and insulation, making it ideal for high-traffic areas such as living rooms and bedrooms. However, fibreboard may not be suitable for locations with high moisture levels, as it can be susceptible to water damage over time.
Combination Underlay
Combination underlay offers a balanced mix of sound reduction, thermal insulation, and cushioning. These underlays are made from a blend of materials, such as foam and rubber, to provide the benefits of each. They are versatile and can be used in various rooms and conditions, making them an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a comprehensive solution.
Berry Alloc Excellence Go Laminate Flooring Underlay - 20m2
This foil underlay has an integrated damp-proof membrane, superb impact sound reduction of up to 19db, and can also be installed over underfloor heating systems.
Royale 5mm Sonic Gold Laminate Flooring Underlay
This PE Foam underlay features a built-in gold foil damp-proof membrane (DPM) for added protection against moisture.
Royale 3mm Acoustic Silver Laminate Flooring Underlay
Acoustic Silver features a durable PE foam core reinforced by a silver foil damp-proof membrane (DPM) for added protection against moisture and offers a noise reduction of 19 dB.
Royale 1.8mm Thermo ProX Underfloor Heating Underlay
Specifically designed for use with underfloor heating, this underlay features a dense foam core with heat transfer air pockets, which increase the efficiency of the heating system.
Royale 5mm Fibreboard Laminate Flooring Underlay
This underlay features a high-compression wood fibre core that provides reliable impact resistance, a flat surface finish, and a robust structure to increase the longevity of your flooring.
Quick-Step Combifloor Unisound Underlay
Quickstep Unisound Underlay is specially made for use with Quick-step products. It is perfect for reducing sound in rooms below and features a built-in DPM moisture barrier.
Choosing the Right Underlay for Your Needs
When considering how to choose underlay for laminate, there are several factors to keep in mind.
Consider Your Subfloor Condition
Choosing the right underlay starts with checking your subfloor. For a concrete subfloor, you may need an underlay with a built-in moisture barrier to protect against dampness. For a wooden subfloor, a standard foam or cork underlay should suffice. Always assess the subfloor condition before making your choice to ensure the best performance of your laminate flooring.
Room-Specific Recommendations
Different rooms have different requirements when it comes to underlay. For living rooms and bedrooms, comfort and noise reduction are often top priorities. In these cases, cork or rubber underlay might be the best option. For areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms or basements, choose an underlay with a moisture barrier to protect your laminate flooring.
Comfort and Noise Reduction
Choosing the right underlay for your home also means considering comfort underfoot and noise reduction. Foam and cork underlays provide a comfortable surface to walk on, while rubber underlays excel at noise insulation. When choosing the right underlay, take into account your personal preferences and the specific needs of each room.
Underfloor Heating Compatibility
If you have underfloor heating, it's important to choose an underlay that is compatible with this type of system. Some underlays are specifically designed for use with underfloor heating and provide better heat retention and distribution. Generally, thin foam or rubber underlays are recommended, especially those with features like perforations, to aid heat distribution. Before choosing an underlay, make sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations for your laminate flooring.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Installation Basics
Underlay for laminate flooring installation starts with careful preparation. Start by making sure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Roll out the underlay and cut it to size, covering the entire area. Overlap any seams and secure them with tape to prevent movement. Finally, lay the laminate flooring on top, following the manufacturer’s instructions for a smooth, even surface.
Maintenance Considerations
Taking care of your underlay and laminate flooring keeps them looking good and lasting longer. Check for wear or damage and fix problems quickly. Keep them clean by sweeping or vacuuming often, and don't use too much water when mopping. A little care goes a long way!
FAQs About Laminate Flooring Underlay
What underlay is best for laminate?
The ideal underlay for laminate flooring depends on the subfloor type. For concrete, a moisture barrier underlay is recommended, while wooden subfloors require a breathable option. Foam and cork are popular for their soundproofing and cushioning benefits.
What thickness of underlay is best for laminate flooring?
Laminate underlay should be between 2mm and 5mm thick to provide sufficient cushioning without affecting the flooring's locking system.
Does it matter which way you lay laminate underlay?
Yes, if the underlay has a foil side, it should face down towards the subfloor, acting as a moisture barrier, especially on concrete.
Do you overlap laminate underlay?
Yes, edges should be slightly overlapped and taped down to ensure complete coverage and prevent gaps.
Does laminate underlay go foil side up or down?
The foil side of the underlay should generally face down to act as a moisture barrier, especially on concrete subfloor.
Why does my laminate floor feel spongy?
A spongy feel can indicate an underlay is too thick, improper installation, or an uneven subfloor. Read our blog post for more advice.
Does laminate underlay need to be glued?
No, laminate underlay is typically laid loose, with edges taped to allow for natural expansion and contraction.
How do you stick laminate underlay down?
Laminate underlay is secured by taping the edges rather than using glue, allowing natural movement.
Do you tape the edges of underlay?
Yes, taping the edges ensures stability and creates a continuous barrier against moisture and sound.
Which direction to lay underlay for laminate?
Lay underlay in the same direction as the laminate planks, ensuring it covers the entire area without gaps, following the manufacturer's guidelines.
What tools do I need for a DIY laminate flooring underlay install?
Essential tools for installing underlay for laminate flooring include a utility knife, measuring tape, duct tape or double-sided tape, and a straight edge or T-square. A hammer and tapping block may also be needed.
Summary
Picking the right underlay for your laminate flooring is key to making it last longer, feel more comfortable underfoot, and reduce noise. Knowing the different types and their benefits can help you choose the best one for your needs.
Ready to get started? Explore our selection of underlay options and give your laminate flooring the support it needs for a beautiful, durable finish. Remember to follow proper installation guidelines and choose high-quality materials for the best results. With the right underlay, you can enjoy your laminate floors for years to come. Happy decorating!
