5 Reasons Why You Should Put Underlayment Under Your Laminate Floor

Many people love the look of new laminate flooring for it’s variety of textures and designs. However, what is underneath the flooring is often overlooked. Underlayment gives laminate flooring it’s performance. Laminate flooring without underlayment is like having a Lamborghini with a Toyota Prius engine. We’re going to go over 5 reasons you should put underlayment under your laminate floor.

What is Laminate Flooring Underlayment?

Underlayment for laminate flooring can come in different materials like foam, cork, felt, and rubber. Foam is usually a cheaper option, while rubber and felt are often a more premium option. Underlayment often comes in rolls and is installed by unrolling it out onto the subfloor and then the floor covering is placed on top.

What sizes do laminate flooring underlayment’s come in?

Laminate underlayment usually will come in rolls that are 100 Sq. Ft. to 600 Sq. Ft. in size. They are usually about 3 to 6 feet wide and between 30 and 100 feet long. When choosing an underlayment size, make sure to choose what makes sense with your installation size. For larger areas look for 6 foot wide rolls as you will have to tape less rows of underlayment together. For smaller spaces, look for 3 foot wide rolls as they will be easier to work with and install.

Is Laminate Flooring Underlayment Important?

Yes, laminate flooring underlayment is very important. Underlayment and subfloors are the basis of a successful flooring project. A properly prepared subfloor and a quality underlayment will extend the life of flooring in residential and commercial projects.

1. Moisture Protection for Laminate Floors

Some underlayment’s have a built-in moisture barrier which will protect your new laminate floors from moisture. For below-grade installations on a concrete subfloor, a vapor barrier is a necessity. Concrete subfloors are porous, which means the concrete subfloor will emit moisture over time. If unprotected, moisture can build up underneath your laminate flooring and cause warping of the planks. An underlayment like QuietWalk not only has a moisture barrier, but also has dri-wick technology to help prevent moisture from building underneath the moisture barrier.

2. Acoustical Performance for Laminate Floors

Nobody enjoys hearing each and every step in their home. A good underlayment can lessen impact noise from shifting furniture, dropped objects, and footfalls. A TV in the room above you is one source of airborne noise that can be reduced using underlayment. Overall, it contributes to a quieter, more tranquil home. Consider reading this article to learn more about underlayment sound ratings.

3. Protection from Subfloor Imperfections

Creaky floors get old very fast. When you have a bump or dip in your subfloor, the uneven surface can cause laminate planks click-lock-systems to become uneven. This will cause creaking or “popping” every time you walk over the floor. A laminate floor underlayment can help fill in subfloor imperfections and leave your flooring a smooth surface to lay on.

4. Increased Insulation for Laminate Floors

Felt underlayment’s do an exceptional job at insulating your flooring from the subfloor. This will keep your flooring warmer during the colder months of the year and result in you being more comfortable in your own home.

5. Increased Laminate Floor Comfort

A nice dense underlayment underlayment, will provide a level of support underneath your flooring. Instead of the impact from footsteps hitting your flooring and then being redirected back into your body by a hard subfloor, the impact will hit your flooring and the excess energy will be absorbed by the underlayment underneath. The reduced shock on your joints can pay off greatly in the long run. Especially if you’re on your feet a lot, or elderly and looking for more comfort.

Is There a Quality Difference in Laminate Floor Underlayment?

Yes, performance is usually directly related to price on underlayments. Cheap foam products will not perform as well as something like a dense felt underlayment. Dense felt is more durable, will insulate your flooring better, and often comes with attached vapor barriers. Our QuietWalk underlayment is specifically designed to provide the perfect amount of support for your laminate floors.