The Best Underlays for Laminate, LVT, and Wood Flooring

Whether you're replacing your existing floor or installing new flooring, selecting the right underlay is crucial for ensuring the longevity, comfort, and performance of your floors. Whether you're installing laminate, LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile), or wood flooring, the right underlay makes all the difference. In this post, we’ll explore the best underlays for each type of flooring, helping you make an informed decision for your home.

What is Underlay and what does it do?

Underlay is a material layer between the subfloor and the flooring itself. It serves several important purposes:

Comfort: Underlay provides additional cushioning, making your floor more comfortable to walk on.

Sound Insulation: Underlay reduces noise transmission, making it ideal for children's bedrooms, utility rooms, halls, and corridors.

Moisture Protection: Underlay acts as a barrier against moisture, essential in rooms prone to excess water such as bathrooms and basements.

Thermal Insulation: Underlay helps retain heat and insulate your home, reducing heating costs. This is particularly beneficial in bedrooms and living rooms.

Choosing foam underlay

• Ideal for: solid wood, engineered wood, laminate, and LVT. 

Foam underlay is affordable and compatible with many types of flooring. It provides underfoot cushioning and effectively absorbs sound. Foam underlay also excels at insulating and retaining heat, making it a great choice for both residential and commercial properties. Additionally, foam underlay is compatible with underfloor heating systems.

Choosing rubber underlay 

• Ideal for: solid wood, engineered wood, laminate, and LVT. 

Rubber underlay is extremely durable and designed for resilience and longevity. Our ECO Gold Rubber Underlay protects against stress in wood and laminate flooring, offers excellent impact sound insulation, and guards against dampness. This makes it a robust and reliable option for any flooring installation.

Installation Tips

Proper installation is key to maximising the benefits of your underlay and ensuring the longevity of your flooring. Here are some general and specific tips for installing underlay for different types of flooring:

General Tips

• Before installing any underlay, make sure the subfloor is clean and level. This creates a stable base for your flooring and prevents future issues. 
• When laying the underlay, properly overlap and seal the seams to ensure a continuous barrier.
• If the underlay requires adhesive or tape, use the right type to secure it in place effectively

Specific Tips for Each Flooring Type

• Laminate Flooring: To accommodate natural expansion and contraction, leave a small gap around the room's edges. This prevents buckling and ensures the flooring remains smooth and level over time.
• LVT Flooring: Since LVT flooring is thin, it’s essential to have an impeccably smooth subfloor. Any imperfections in the subfloor will show through the LVT, affecting appearance and durability.
• Wood Flooring: Before installation, acclimate the underlay and flooring materials to the room’s humidity and temperature. This helps prevent warping and gaps as the wood adjusts to its environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How thick should the underlay be for laminate flooring? Typically, 2-3 mm thick underlay is suitable for laminate flooring, providing a good balance of comfort and support.
2. Can I use the same underlay for all types of flooring? It's best to use underlay specifically designed for each type of flooring to ensure optimal performance.
3. How does underlay affect floor heating systems? Some underlays are compatible with underfloor heating, providing better heat conduction. Always check compatibility before installation.

Choose Flooring Underlays from Source Wood Floors

Choosing the right underlay for your flooring type is essential for ensuring comfort, durability, and performance. By considering the specific requirements of laminate, LVT, and wood flooring, you can select the best underlay for your needs. Whether you prioritise sound insulation, moisture protection, or thermal insulation, there is an underlay that will meet your requirements.

Ready to enhance your flooring with the perfect underlay? Contact us here or 01379 642 843 call today for further consultation and explore our wide range of underlay options.