Underlayments are an essential component of any flooring installation, offering a wide range of benefits such as noise reduction, moisture protection, comfort, and durability. By choosing the right underlayment for your project, you can improve the overall performance of your flooring and ensure a longer lifespan.
Whether you're installing carpet, hardwood, laminate, or tile, there’s an underlayment option that suits your needs. With the right underlayment, you can create a floor that’s not only beautiful but also comfortable, durable, and functional for years to come.
An underlayment is a layer of material placed between the subfloor and the surface flooring. It serves as a foundation to support the floor above, providing additional benefits such as cushioning, soundproofing, insulation, moisture protection, and even increasing the lifespan of the flooring.
Underlayments are an essential part of a flooring installation. They serve several key functions:
Now, let’s dive into the different types of underlayments available and the materials they are made from.
There is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to underlayments. The type of underlayment you choose will depend on the flooring material you are using, your specific needs, and the conditions of the room. Below, we’ll explore the most common types of underlayments.
Best for: Laminate flooring, engineered wood, and hardwood.
Foam underlayments are some of the most commonly used underlayment materials for laminate and engineered wood floors. They are lightweight, easy to install, and offer sound reduction and some moisture protection.
Best for: Laminate, engineered wood, hardwood, and some types of tile.
Cork is a natural material that’s both environmentally friendly and effective at soundproofing. It’s an excellent choice for homeowners looking for sustainable underlayment that also provides superior comfort and sound insulation.
Best for: Laminate, engineered wood, hardwood, and commercial spaces.
Rubber underlayment is another high-performance option, especially for areas requiring excellent sound insulation. It's durable and effective at protecting floors from moisture and damage.
Best for: Carpet and hardwood floors.
Felt underlayment is made from recycled fibers and is typically used with carpet flooring, although it can also be used with hardwood floors. Felt provides a strong and supportive foundation for carpet, adding extra cushion and insulation.
Best for: Hardwood, laminate, and tile floors.
Plywood underlayment is used primarily with hardwood or laminate flooring and is laid directly on top of the subfloor. Plywood provides a firm and stable foundation for a variety of flooring types.
Best for: Laminate and engineered wood floors.
This type of underlayment consists of a layer of foam with an additional moisture-resistant film layer. The film provides an added layer of protection against moisture, making it ideal for installations in areas with slight moisture exposure.
Choosing the right underlayment for your project depends on several factors, including the type of flooring you’re installing, your budget, and the conditions of the space. Here’s how you can make the best decision:
Different types of flooring have different requirements. For example, hardwood floors benefit from plywood underlayment, while laminate floors do well with foam or cork underlayment. Tile floors, on the other hand, require a more stable and moisture-resistant underlayment, such as plywood or cement board.
If your flooring is being installed in a space with high humidity, like a bathroom, basement, or kitchen, it’s essential to choose an underlayment with moisture resistance. Rubber, cork, and foam with film are good options for these conditions.
If you're installing flooring in an apartment or multi-story building, soundproofing might be a priority. In this case, cork and rubber underlayments provide excellent sound insulation, making them ideal for reducing noise between floors.
If comfort is a priority, choose underlayment that provides extra cushioning. Foam, cork, and rubber are great options for creating a softer, more comfortable walking surface.
The cost of underlayment can vary greatly depending on the material and its features. Foam underlayment is often the most affordable, while rubber and cork tend to be more expensive. Make sure to balance your needs with your budget to find the best value for your flooring project.
Installing underlayment is relatively straightforward, but the process can vary slightly depending on the type of flooring and underlayment. Here’s a general guide to help you install underlayment:
Ensure that your subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Any dirt, debris, or moisture can affect the performance of the underlayment.
Measure the area where the underlayment will be installed. Cut the underlayment to fit the space, leaving a small gap (around 1/8 inch) along the edges to allow for expansion.
Start by laying the first sheet of underlayment in one corner of the room. If using adhesive, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the adhesive before laying the underlayment. Lay the remaining pieces of underlayment, making sure the seams are tightly butted together.
Depending on the type of underlayment, you may need to secure it with nails, staples, or adhesive. Some underlayments come with a self-adhesive backing, which makes installation much easier.
Once the underlayment is in place and secure, proceed with installing your chosen flooring on top.