Most DIY floors look fine until the finish goes down. We talk to DIYers all the time who are about to apply finish. I spoke with our Flooring Specialist, Dane Rindler, about what he recommends. Customers regularly call in and work directly with him to get their setup...
Flooring Underlayment
Get better performance from your floors with the right underlayment. Whether you’re installing hardwood, vinyl, laminate, or tile, this layer adds comfort, reduces sound, and protects your flooring from moisture and subfloor imperfections.
Shop premium options including acoustical boards, cork rolls, foam, moisture barriers, and tile underlay. Each product is selected for durability, easy installation, and long-term results—perfect for contractors who need reliable materials and homeowners upgrading their space.
Find the underlayment that fits your project and create a quieter, more stable, longer-lasting floor.
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How to Choose the Right Underlayment for Your Floor
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring depends on underlayment to support the floor, reduce sound, and smooth minor subfloor imperfections. Choose foam for everyday installs, or step up to a rigid board when you need added stability.
Recommended Laminate Flooring Underlayment:
- QuietBoard Acoustic Underlayment
Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVP/LVT)
Vinyl plank flooring doesn’t always require underlayment, but performance drops without it. If your planks don’t include an attached pad, add a thin foam layer to reduce noise and improve comfort underfoot.
Recommended Vinyl Underlayment:
- SoundCheck Acoustical Underlayment
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood underlayment depends on the installation method. Solid hardwood typically doesn’t use cushioned underlayment, while floating or engineered floors may use dense materials like cork for sound control. Over concrete, a moisture barrier is essential.
Recommended Hardwood Underlayment:
- Warm & Quiet Cork Underlayment
Tile Flooring
Tile demands a rigid base. Use the wrong underlayment and the floor can crack under pressure. Skip foam and cork and install a solid tile underlayment that keeps the surface stable.
Recommended Tile Underlayment:
- Blue Shield Tile Underlayment
Frequently Asked Questions about Flooring Underlayment
We know you may have questions about flooring underlayment. That’s why we have gathered and answered a few of the most common questions we hear about our flooring underlayment products.
What is Flooring Underlayment?
Flooring underlayment is a layer installed between the subfloor and the finished flooring. It helps reduce noise, improve comfort, and create a smoother, more stable surface. Some underlayments also provide moisture protection when installed over concrete or basement floors.
Do All Floors Need Underlayment?
No. Many floating floors use underlayment, but some products include attached padding and some floors use other materials instead. Always check the flooring manufacturer’s installation guidelines before adding another layer.
When Do You Need a Moisture Barrier?
Use a moisture barrier when you install flooring over concrete, basement floors, or any surface where moisture can move up from below. It helps protect the floor from damage over time.
Can You Use Underlayment if Flooring Already Has Padding?
Usually no. Floors with attached padding already include the layer they need, and adding more can make the floor feel unstable and may void the warranty.
What Happens if You Skip Underlayment?
When the floor calls for underlayment, skipping it can make the floor louder, less comfortable, and more likely to show minor subfloor imperfections. It can also affect long-term performance and warranty coverage.
Does Underlayment Help with Uneven floors?
Underlayment can help smooth small imperfections, but it won’t fix major dips, humps, or slopes. For larger issues, level and prepare the subfloor before installation.
Does Underlayment Reduce Noise?
Yes. Underlayment absorbs impact and helps limit sound transfer, which makes it especially useful under laminate, vinyl plank, and other floating floors.
Do You Need Underlayment for Laminate Flooring?
Yes, most laminate flooring uses underlayment. It helps reduce noise, adds comfort, and smooths minor subfloor imperfections. If the product includes an attached pad, you usually don’t need more.
Do You Need Underlayment for Vinyl Plank Flooring?
It depends on the product. Many vinyl plank floors include an attached pad, but if they don’t, a thin underlayment can improve sound and comfort. Over concrete, you may also need moisture protection.
Do You Need Underlayment for Hardwood Flooring?
Not always. Many hardwood floors don’t use traditional cushioned underlayment, but some floating or engineered products use dense underlayment like cork to help control sound. Check the product guidelines before installation.
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