Foam vs. Cork: Which Is Right for Your Home?
The selection and proper installment ofunderlaymentforlaminate flooringis important for several reasons.
The underlayment can affect how the floor feels and how it wears over time.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Using the wrong underlayment or improper installation can also void the flooring manufacturer’s warranty.
Read on to learn about the best underlayment for laminate flooring that can meet your needs.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
What Is Laminate Flooring Underlayment?
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
It acts as a base for the laminate planks or tiles you’re installing.
Laminate flooring underlayment will support, enhance, and protect the flooring material in several ways.
Concrete is a porous material that can allow water to seep up into it and through to your flooring.
This can cause adhesives to loosen, flooring planks to warp, and mold and mildew to develop.
Noise Reduction
Some types of underlayment can act as a barrier to thetransmission of noise.
Laminates can be noisy floors, and a good underlayment will help deaden the sound transmission.
Insulation
The R-value refers to the heat conductivity of a given material.
A high R-value underlayment will make thefloor feel warmerunderfoot in the winter.
Cost
Higher-quality laminate flooring underlayment will typically extend the lifespan of your flooring versus budget underlayment.
Low-cost underlayment materials may not be as durable or perform as well as more expensive products.
The maximum thickness of underlayment for laminate flooring may run 5 to 6mm.
But underlayment that is too thick or soft is not always better.
Very thick underlayment will lead to an unstable flooring installation.
The instability can result in damage to the locking system, and planks that buckle and separate.
Also, avoid using two layers of underlayment.
Manufacturers have designed underlayment systems to work as a single layer under laminate flooring.
With these materials, you do not need to purchase and install a separate foam padding underlayment.
In most cases, these flooring materials are installed directly over the plywood or OSB subfloor.
Some types are also suitable for wet locations without an additional vapor barrier seal.
Choose an underlayment with a thickness of between 3 and 5 or 6mm for laminate flooring.
Do not go over 6mm or the laminate may not be able to be properly installed.
Different brands have different R-values because they may be made with varying materials and thicknesses.
An underlayment with a high R-value will insulate better.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Laminate Flooring?HomeAdvisor.
Underlayment Buyer’s Guide for Laminate Flooring.North American Laminate Flooring Association.
