Underlay

Choosing the Right underlay to match your flooring

It is important to understand the benefits that installing the correct undelay will have on your vinyl plank flooring. Unlike laminate flooring, most vinyl floors are designed to lay directly on top of the subfloor. The type of vinyl plank flooring and type of subfloor you have will determine if you are able to use a vinyl flooring underlay for your space.  

Before installing any underlay product, it’s extremely important to make sure that your subfloor is in good condition, smooth, clean and free from any damage or dust.

If you are installing your vinyl plank flooring over a concrete subfloor, you may want to use an underlay for three reasons. First, it will give you some added cushion to help make the floor softer to walk on. Second, you may want an extra vapor barrier above the subfloor to reduce any risk of moisture. Lastly, vinyl plank underlay can improve your home’s thermal properties to help keep the flooring warmer in cold months.

For vinyl plank flooring installations over wood subfloors, you will not need to worry about a moisture barrier, but you may want an underlay for added cushion or sound reduction. It may also be a requirement in certain apartment complexes to have a sound barrier with your flooring.

When you’re installing vinyl plank floors over an existing subfloor, such as tile or linoleum, you can use an underlay for added cushion and sound reduction. Moisture will not be an issue for you in this case.

Our team can help you understand which product suits your project, so call us any time.