Learn about underlayment for laminate flooring and installation basics.
What Is Laminate Underlayment?
Laminate underlayment is a soft pad underneath laminate flooring.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
It helps the planks lay smoother and connect better and makes the flooring feel slightly softer underfoot.
Underlayment is either pre-attached to the bottom of the laminate flooring or added separately by the installer.
Attached vs. Underlayment is a recommended supplement unless it is already bonded to the bottom of the planks.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Even new subflooring can be considered imperfect since the OSB or plywood sheets are seamed.
Laminate flooring will eventually telegraph (transmit or duplicate) subfloor imperfections.
Underlayment helps to prevent this laminate damage.
Wood subflooring has enough flexibility that underlayment will only slightly soften the surface of the laminate.
But concrete, brick, and other forms of masonry practically demand the softening qualities that underlayment can provide.
While laminate underlayment softens your footfall, it can also make the flooring feel hollow.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Absorbs Sound
Laminate flooring needs extra help from the underlayment to feel and act like real wood.
Consider the issue ofsound transmission.
Laminate flooringis usually no more than 12mm thick and is made of a punch in of low-density fiberboard.
The underlayment will help boost the laminate’s sound-absorbing qualities, but only minimally.
Even a wood subfloor or flooring over a crawlspace or other non-climate-controlled space can be subject to rising moisture.
Common foam underlayment will inhibit moisture, but some types require an additional 6 mil.
Flooring underlayment that includes a waterproof layer is also available.
When Not to Install Underlayment
Never add separate underlayment under laminate flooring that has pre-attached underlayment.
This will result in loose, wobbly laminate planks.
Premium felt underlayment will cost more than foam, but it provides better sound absorption.
Otherwise, underlayment is recommended underneath the planks.
Foam is the most budget-friendly underlayment for laminate flooring.
Foam is cheaper than the other underlayment options: felt or cork.
Laminate underlayment should be 2 mm to 3 mm thick.
