Underlayments

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.

What Are Underlayments?

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.

Why Do You Need an Underlayment?

Underlayments are an essential part of a flooring installation. They serve several key functions:

  1. Cushioning and Comfort: Underlayments provide a cushion for your feet, making the floor more comfortable to walk on.
  2. Sound Insulation: They help reduce noise levels, particularly in multi-story buildings where soundproofing is a priority.
  3. Moisture Protection: Certain types of underlayments can act as a moisture barrier, protecting the flooring from water damage.
  4. Thermal Insulation: Underlayments can also improve the thermal properties of your floor, keeping it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
  5. Surface Smoothing: If your subfloor isn’t perfectly smooth, an underlayment can help create a more even surface for your floor to rest upon.
  6. Increased Durability: Underlayments can extend the lifespan of your flooring by protecting it from the wear and tear of the subfloor.

Now, let’s dive into the different types of underlayments available and the materials they are made from.


Types of Underlayments

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.

1. Foam Underlayment

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.

Benefits of Foam Underlayment:

  • Noise Reduction: Foam helps reduce footstep sounds and noise from below.
  • Easy to Install: Most foam underlayments come with adhesive strips that make installation quick and easy.
  • Affordability: Foam underlayments are typically one of the most cost-effective options available.
  • Comfort: Foam provides some cushioning, making walking on the floor more comfortable.

Drawbacks:

  • Limited Moisture Protection: Foam doesn’t offer as much protection against moisture as other materials, which could be a problem in areas like basements.
  • Less Durability: Foam is less durable than other types of underlayment and may compress over time, reducing its effectiveness.

2. Cork Underlayment

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.

Benefits of Cork Underlayment:

  • Eco-Friendly: Cork is a renewable resource, making it an environmentally conscious choice.
  • Excellent Soundproofing: Cork provides superior sound insulation, reducing noise from footsteps, pets, and furniture movement.
  • Moisture Resistance: Cork naturally resists moisture, which makes it a good option for areas with high humidity.
  • Thermal Insulation: Cork helps keep floors warmer in the winter, adding comfort to cold floors.

Drawbacks:

  • Higher Price: Cork tends to be more expensive than foam or rubber underlayments.
  • Not as Effective for High Traffic Areas: Cork can compress over time, which may cause it to lose its cushioning ability in high-traffic areas.

3. Rubber Underlayment

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.

Benefits of Rubber Underlayment:

  • Superior Noise Reduction: Rubber provides excellent soundproofing and helps reduce noise transmission between floors.
  • Durable and Long-Lasting: Rubber underlayments are highly durable and can withstand heavy traffic and wear.
  • Moisture Protection: Rubber is highly resistant to moisture, making it a good choice for areas like basements or bathrooms.
  • Comfort: Rubber offers cushioning, which provides added comfort when walking on floors.

Drawbacks:

  • Expensive: Rubber underlayment tends to be one of the more expensive options.
  • Heavy: Rubber underlayments are heavier than other materials, making them harder to install.

4. Felt Underlayment

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.

Benefits of Felt Underlayment:

  • Comfortable: Felt provides excellent cushioning for carpet and hardwood floors.
  • Affordable: Felt is one of the more budget-friendly underlayment options.
  • Moisture Barrier: Felt underlayment often has a moisture-resistant layer, protecting flooring from damage due to moisture.
  • Eco-Friendly: Felt is made from recycled materials, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

Drawbacks:

  • Not for High Humidity Areas: Felt may not be the best option for areas with high moisture, such as basements, as it may trap water.

5. Plywood Underlayment

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.

Benefits of Plywood Underlayment:

  • Sturdy Foundation: Plywood provides a strong base for flooring, especially tile or hardwood.
  • Durable: Plywood is sturdy and won’t compress or wear down over time.
  • Smooth Surface: It helps create a smooth surface for the installation of flooring, which is especially important for tiles.

Drawbacks:

  • Installation Time: Installing plywood underlayment can be more time-consuming than other options.
  • Potential for Moisture Issues: If not sealed properly, plywood can absorb moisture and lead to warping or mold growth.

6. Foam with Film Underlayment

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.

Benefits of Foam with Film Underlayment:

  • Moisture Protection: The film layer offers added moisture resistance, preventing water from damaging the floor.
  • Affordability: It combines the benefits of foam with additional moisture protection, all at a relatively affordable price.
  • Noise Reduction: Foam helps reduce noise and provides comfort underfoot.

Drawbacks:

  • Less Durability: While the film provides moisture protection, the foam layer itself may wear down faster than other types of underlayments.

How to Choose the Best Underlayment for Your Flooring

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:

1. Type of Flooring

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.

2. Moisture Conditions

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.

3. Noise Reduction Needs

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.

4. Comfort and Insulation

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.

5. Budget

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.


How to Install Underlayment

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:

1. Prepare the Subfloor

Ensure that your subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Any dirt, debris, or moisture can affect the performance of the underlayment.

2. Measure and Cut 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.

3. Lay the Underlayment

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.

4. Secure the Underlayment

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.

5. Install the Flooring

Once the underlayment is in place and secure, proceed with installing your chosen flooring on top.