Laminate flooring underlayment is a thin layer of material that goes under your laminate planks or tiles. It may seem like an optional extra, but it’s actually essential for a successful laminate flooring installation. In this post, we’ll explain what laminate flooring underlayment is, why you need it, and how to choose the best one for your project.
What is Laminate Flooring Underlayment and What Does It Do?
Laminate flooring underlayment is a sheet of foam, felt, cork, or other material that you roll out over your subfloor before installing your laminate flooring. It has several benefits for your floor and your comfort:
-It smooths out any minor imperfections in the subfloor, creating a level surface for the laminate flooring to lay on.
-It cushions the laminate flooring, making it softer and quieter to walk on. It also reduces the sound transmission between floors.
-It protects the laminate flooring form moisture damage. It acts as a vapor barrier that prevents water from rising up from the subfloor and causing swelling, warping, mold, or discoloration in the laminate flooring.
-It improves the thermal insulation of the floor, keeping it warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Without laminate flooring underlayment, you may end up with uneven, noisy, damaged, or uncomfortable floors.
How to Choose the Right Laminate Flooring Underlayment for your Project?
There are different types of laminate flooring underlayment available on the market, and they vary in thickness, density, materials, and features. The best one for your project depends on several factors:
-Your subfloor type: if you have a concrete subfloor or a high-moisture area like a bathroom or basement, you need a moisture barrier underlayment that has a plastic film attached to it. This will prevent water from reaching your laminate flooring. If you have a plywood or OSB subfloor that is dry and level, you can use a form or felt underlayment that does not have a moisture barrier. This will allow your subfloor to breath and prevent mold growth.
– Your budget: Laminate flooring underlayments vary in price depending on their quality and features. Foam underlayments are usually the cheapest option, but they may not provide enough cushioning or noise reduction. Felt underlayments are more expensive but offer more comfort and sound absorption. Cork underlayments are the most expensive but also the most eco-friendly and durable. They offer excellent cushioning, noise reduction, moisture resistance, and thermal insulation.
– Your personal preferences: You may also want to consider your personal preferences when choosing an underlayment. For example, if you are sensitive to noise or have downstairs neighbors, you may want to choose an underlayment that has a high sound rating. If you are concerned about the environment or allergies, you may want to choose an underlayment that is made of natural materials and has antimicrobial properties.
When choosing an underlayment for your laminate flooring project, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions. Some laminate flooring products may already have an underlayment pre-attached to them, so you don’t need to install a separate one. However, if you are installing over a concrete subfloor or a high-moisture area, you may still need to add a moisture barrier underlayment for extra protection.
How to Install Laminate Flooring Underlayment?
Installing laminate flooring underlayment is not difficult, but it does require some preparation and attention to detail. Here are some general steps to follow:
– Prepare the subfloor: Make sure the subfloor is clean, dry, level, and free of any nails or debris. If necessary, fill any cracks or holes with patching compound and sand any high spots.
– Roll out the underlayment: Starting from one wall, unroll the underlayment across the room in the same direction as the laminate flooring planks or tiles. Cut off any excess material with a utility knife. Leave a 1/4-inch gap around the perimeter of the room for expansion.
– Join the seams: If you are using foam or felt underlayment without a moisture barrier, you can join the seams with duct tape or adhesive strips. If you are using a moisture barrier underlayment with a plastic film attached to it, you need to overlap the edges of the film by at least 8 inches and seal them with tape. Make sure the seams are flat and smooth without any gaps or wrinkles.
– Install the laminate flooring: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the laminate flooring over the underlayment. Make sure to leave a 1/4-inch gap around the perimeter of the room for expansion. Cover the gap with baseboards or quarter-round molding.
Laminate flooring underlayment is an important component of a successful laminate flooring installation. It provides a smooth, cushioned, and moisture-resistant base for your laminate planks or tiles. It also reduces noise transmission and improves thermal insulation. By choosing the right type of underlayment for your subfloor and installing it properly, you can enjoy a beautiful, durable, and comfortable laminate floor for years to come.
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