What Is Underlayment?
Underlayment is a thin layer of padding that sits between your subfloor and the laminate planks. It’s usually made from foam, felt, or rubber and is essential for any proper laminate floor installation. Some laminate floors come with pre-attached underlayment, but in many cases, a separate layer is recommended or even required.
Why Underlayment Matters
1. Moisture Protection
Moisture is the enemy of laminate. Even small amounts of humidity can cause warping or bubbling. Underlayment acts as a barrier, protecting your floor from rising moisture in the subfloor—especially important in basements and ground-level rooms.
2. Sound Reduction
Without underlayment, installing laminate flooring can result in a hollow or clicking sound with every step. A good underlayment reduces sound transmission between floors, making your home quieter and more comfortable.
3. Comfort and Insulation
Underlayment adds a cushion underfoot, making your laminate floor feel softer and warmer. This extra padding also provides thermal insulation, helping to regulate the temperature in your space.
4. Subfloor Smoothing
Most homes don’t have perfectly level subfloors. Underlayment helps compensate for small imperfections, ensuring that the flooring surface is even and stable.
How to Choose the Right Underlayment
When researching how to install laminate flooring, pay attention to the type of subfloor you have and whether you need moisture protection. Concrete subfloors require vapor barriers, while wood subfloors may allow more flexibility.
There are different types of underlayment for different needs:
- Standard foam: Best for wood subfloors
- Combination foam with moisture barrier: Ideal for concrete subfloors
- Cork or rubber: Great for sound insulation and comfort
Don’t Skip This Step
While it may be tempting to cut corners, skipping underlayment can lead to costly problems in the future. From comfort and durability to moisture control, underlayment is essential for a successful laminate flooring installation.
Floor Smarter, Not Harder
At Dilley’s Wood Flooring and Supplies in Southbury, CT, we help homeowners and contractors find the right products for every step of laminate floor installation. We proudly serve Litchfield County, Hartford County, Fairfield County, Middlesex County, and New Haven County. Visit our showrooms or contact us to get expert advice on how to install laminate flooring that lasts.
