BDU Laminate Flooring College™

Defense From Below:
Choosing underlayment for laminate flooring

What you will learn: the major varieties of underlayment and their characteristics

Just as there are many types of flooring available for your consideration, so are there a variety of options for underlayment. Here is a rough guide to a few varieties that you might consider.

The contribution underlayment makes to such projects can be looked upon as being rather subtle, but the addition of an underlayment layer will certainly make all the difference once your flooring project is completed. Here are some of the major types of underlayment you can expect to find most commonly associated with laminate flooring and other types of wood flooring. Each has general as well as specified benefits which will add a beneficial element to any flooring project. Consider these:

Standard foam underlayment – for use in areas where not a great deal of moisture is expected as this type of underlayment is without a built-in moisture barrier. It can be used in conjunction with a plastic sheet if moisture is expected in any significant capacity. Otherwise, this is a great choice for an above grade installation.
Combination underlayment – meant for use in a below grade installation, such as a basement. This type of underlayment comes with a moisture barrier attached, to account for the higher levels of moisture expected in a below grade installation
Sound dampening or "acoustical" underlayment - designed specifically with acoustic control in mind, and often with built in moisture barrier as well. This type of underlayment can be described as "closed cell" underlayment.
Vinyl-backed underlayment - vinyl-backed underlay is often sold in tile form, and is designed to be an easily laid alternative to the more standard underlay which is sold by the roll. Some of the features that make it an attractive option is that it is designed to lay flat during an installation, which adds a level of ease, as well as noise-proofing qualities. Because it comes in tile form, the seams must be sealed if waterproofing is a priority.

Another issue to note when choosing an underlayment is that underlayment for carpeting is designed differently to underlayment meant to support a laminate floor or engineered hardwood floor. Ask your local retailer or flooring contractor for the best advice for your particular installation.

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