The Best Underlayment Options for Laminate Flooring

When it comes to selecting the best underlayment for your laminate flooring, there are several options available.

Cork

and foam are two of the most popular choices, each offering their own unique benefits. Cork is thicker and provides excellent sound absorption, while foam is a cost-effective material that acts as a moisture barrier. Fiberboard is also an excellent choice for a laminate floor base, as it helps to smooth out uneven floors, reduce noise, and act as a thermal insulator.

Foam base comes in rolls and is a great basic choice for your new floors. It is affordable and ideal for placing it on all types of subfloors. However, when using foam as an underlayment, it is important to ensure that the subfloor is completely level, as any unevenness can cause excessive pressure on the joints of the laminate floor. Carpet padding or other soft and thick subfloors should not be used, as this will only serve to flex the floor and loosen the joints. Suitable subfloors for laminate floors are very thin layers of foam that slightly cushion the floor but do not allow noticeable movement underfoot.

These products are applied to the subfloor by spreading them and sealing the seams with adhesive strips, which are sometimes pre-attached to the subfloor. If you have a cold subfloor on the ground floor that is prone to moisture, you may want to consider using a base layer with a vapor barrier to prevent damage to your laminate flooring.

The Quickstep Base Layer

The Quickstep base layer is one of the best options for use with wooden or laminate floors. It helps to smooth out uneven floors, reduce noise, and act as an excellent thermal insulator. A number of different materials can be used to make the laminate base, ranging from basic foam and sponge rubber to high-density foam and fiberboard.

The construction of the base layer and any additional properties that help soundproof it, protect it from moisture, or be compatible with underfloor heating can make all the difference in terms of performance.

Choosing the Right Underlayment

When selecting an underlayment for your laminate or wood floors, it is important to consider where you will be installing it and what you want to achieve. An effective base will provide thermal insulation, increase floor comfort, reduce noise from footsteps, soften irregularities in the subfloor or existing floor, and protect against moisture. At Carpet Underlay Shop, we have several coverings that are specifically designed for use with wooden or laminate floors. Most are suitable for both domestic and commercial use. However, the best option for you will depend on where you want to install the laminate base and what you want to achieve (e.g., improved underfoot comfort, added thermal protection).

Getting the Best Performance from Your Laminate Flooring

If you want to get the best performance and long-lasting quality from your laminate flooring, you should install it with a base coat.

Different manufacturers offer many different features that can improve the feel and performance of your laminate flooring. This type of base also has an integrated anti-humidity membrane (DPM), which protects the floor from moisture-related damage. You should also ensure that the subfloor (and the subfloor below it) is level and smooth to get a uniform finish on the laminate floor. With a concrete subfloor, you'll need a subfloor that acts as a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from penetrating through the laminate installation.