Laminate flooring is now the best thing since sliced bread. In the past, you had two options when it came to installing new flooring: either you could spend a lot of money on a new hardwood floor or go with a cheaper laminate.
Laminate floors today are stunning and look as good as real hardwood floors. The underlayment is a key component of installing laminate flooring over hardwood floors. Let’s take a look at the top choices on the market today and discuss all the details you need to choose the right underlayment for your vinyl plank flooring.
These five underlayments are the best for luxury vinyl plank flooring. This list will help you choose the right underlayment for your project based on your needs.
MP Global QuietWalk
MP Global Products’ QuietWalk is one of the most luxurious options, and it ticks all the boxes when it comes to features.
This underlayment can be used with engineered floating, luxury vinyl plank and laminate floors. The 3-in-1 design provides sound reduction, cushioning, and moisture barrier.
This luxurious vinyl plank underlayment can also be used with radiant heating systems. It allows heat to flow evenly throughout the floor and offers protection against moisture and thermal shock.
It is made from recycled materials and has a high compression resistance, so it will still offer the same cushioned feeling for many years.
QuietWalk’s recycled materials also absorb sound well, making it ideal for second-level apartments and condos. It is treated with an antimicrobial to make it resistant to mold and mildew.
QuietWalk is free of VOCs and has no off-gassing period. It also doesn’t retain chemical smells after installation, which can be a problem with other underlayments.
Although this luxury vinyl plank underlayment may be a little more expensive than others, it is an excellent choice for any project that requires the most advanced features.
What could be better?
- Vinyl plank flooring less 5mm in thickness is not compatible
FLOORLOT 3mm Foam Underlayment
FLOORLOT’s 3mm luxury vinyl plank underlayment is an affordable option that still offers many benefits.
The underlayment is antimicrobial and has a moisture/vapor barrier. Its thickness of 3mm makes it thick enough to provide adequate cushioning. It can also be used to reduce sound and light.
The overlap and moisture barrier are both.04mm PE moisture barriers film. This provides a watertight seal that is ideal for installing over concrete subfloors.
The underlayment for luxury vinyl floor plank flooring is significantly cheaper than other options, making it an excellent choice for those who want to add an underlayment to their vinyl flooring project without incurring significant additional costs.
This underlayment is not recommended for luxury vinyl flooring. It provides sound reduction and light cushioning.
What could be better?
- It only provides a slight sound reduction
Roberts First Step Sublayment
Roberts First Step is the product you should consider if you are looking for high-quality features at a reasonable price.
The thick 3-in-1 luxury vinyl plank floor underlayment features a thick layer foam flooring material sandwiched between layers moisture barrier film. This creates a space of constant circulating air under the floor that inhibits mold and mildew growth. The product also includes Gold Guard antimicrobial protection, which further increases mold and mildew resistance.
First Step provides excellent sound reduction, cushioning and protection from moisture. First Step can also fix minor subfloor imperfections making it an ideal choice for subfloor installation.
This luxury vinyl plank flooring underlayment is a winner in virtually all aspects. However, it’s still very affordable so it might be worth considering if you want to lower the cost of your project without sacrificing quality.
What could be better?
- Styrofoam beads can cause a little chaos
Feather Step 3-in-1
Feather Steps 3-in-1 Underlayment for Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring is an affordable option that will still do a solid job.
This 2-mm thick foam underlay is suitable for all types of luxury vinyl plank flooring. It can also be used with engineered hardwood floating floors and any other type of vinyl or laminate flooring. It is recommended to be installed on any subfloor.
Feather Step has a moisture barrier layer and a rubberized foam layer that protects against moisture. It also provides light cushioning. Although they claim to be superior in sound absorption, their sound absorption properties are poor at 2mm thick.
It does not provide a strong moisture barrier. However, it can be used to protect your subfloor from mold and mildew.
This may be an option if you are able to sacrifice mold and mildew resistance. It is also much less expensive than the higher-end options on the market.
What could be better?
- No resistance to mold or mildew
Roberts 70-193 Super Felt Underlayment
Roberts Super Felt, a popular vinyl plank flooring underlayment, is available. It is made from felt so it gives vinyl plank flooring a luxurious feel.
The 4mm thick felt subfloor layer is ideal for installing over concrete. The moisture barrier prevents moisture from reaching the floor above by keeping it out of the subfloor.
Felt underlayments can also be used on second floors, apartments, or condos. They are extremely sound-absorbing. Vinyl flooring with felt will have a richer sound than vinyl.
It is thicker than other options and provides excellent cushioning, making it a pleasant floor to walk on.
It is made from felt and therefore not mold or mildew-resistant. Therefore, you should avoid placing it in areas where mold or mildew might be a problem. You could also spray the vinyl plank underneath with an antimicrobial agent before installing.
What could be better?
- Antimicrobial is not the right word
Be Informed Before You Buy
There are some things to keep in mind before you choose the right underlayment to use for your vinyl flooring project.
How To Choose The Right Underlayment For Your Subfloor
You will find the right underlayment for your subfloor. The first step in selecting the right underlayment is to determine the type of subfloor.
Concrete
Concrete subfloors can be notoriously difficult to install, so an underlayment is essential when installing concrete. You will need to choose an underlayment that offers both cushioning and moisture protection if you are installing concrete floors. Concrete subfloors can be made with cork, 2 in 1, 3 and 1 or 3 in 1.
Plywood and OSB
Installing on plywood or OSB will not pose a problem as moisture is not a concern. You can also skip the plywood underlayment/moisture barrier if you prefer. These installations may be best suited for foam or cork, with no need to use an underlayment.
Existing Flooring
Foam or cork underlayment are good options if you’re installing vinyl flooring on top of an existing floor such as vinyl, tile, laminate or hardwood. If you don’t want to use the underlayment, like plywood or OSB flooring you can opt for it entirely.
Different Types Of Underlayment
There are many different types of underlayment. Depending on your floor type, subfloor and environment, one will be the best.
Foam
Foam underlayments are a industry standard. Foam underlays are ideal for use on plywood or OSB subfloors, where moisture is not an issue. They are also the most affordable option.
2-in-1
Two layers of 2 in 1 Underlayment are available. One acts as a moisture barrier, while the other provides protection and light cushioning for your vinyl flooring.
3-in-1
The 3 in 1 underlayment has the same characteristics as 2 in 1. However, it includes an additional layer with sound dampening properties. This underlayment is perfect for floors on the second floor of a house.
Vapor Block Film
Vaporblock film is not an underlayment, but a barrier against moisture and vapors. This film is commonly used with vinyl flooring of high quality that comes pre-attached to each plank.
Cork
Cork underlayments can be hypoallergenic and protect against mold and mildew. It is ideal for rooms on the second floor because it provides cushioning and sound-dampening properties.
Felt
Felt underlayments provide excellent sound reduction and a well-padded feel. Felt underlays are not resistant to mildew and mold, so they should only be used in areas where mildew is not a concern.
Additional Considerations
It is much easier to choose the right underlayment once you have identified the subfloor. There are still some things you need to keep in mind before you make a decision.
It’s all about the location
You will need to have different underlays depending on the location where you are installing vinyl flooring.
An underlayment that has a moisture barrier can be crucial if you are installing vinyl flooring in a basement or other space where moisture could be an issue.
In the meantime, noise can be a problem if you are installing vinyl flooring in an apartment or condo.
Thickness
An indicator of the benefits to be expected is how thick an underlayment will be. Thicker underlayments provide better sound absorption and cushioning than those with a thinner thickness. Thicker underlayments can make a pleasant, wood-like sound as you walk on the ground. Conversely, thinner ones tend to sound hollower.
Protect against mold and mildew
Many homeowners are concerned about mold and mildew, especially when installing concrete flooring or basements. If you plan to install vinyl flooring in humid environments, some subfloors can be antimicrobial.
Thermal Properties
Certain underlayments can be thermally insulated and are essential for radiant heat vinyl flooring or installation above concrete subfloors.
These underlayments have an R-rating which is a measure of how heat conducts. The lower the rating, the more heat (or cold), is transmitted through vinyl flooring.
You will want an underlayment that has a low R value for radiant heating floors. It will conduct more heat than one with a higher R-value. If you are installing over concrete floors and don’t want to wake up to a cold floor every morning, an underneathlayment with a high R value will be able to resist the cold.
Budget
Although underlayments can be much cheaper than a luxury vinyl floor, they can still increase the cost of your vinyl flooring installation. You can spend as much as -60 on high-end underlayments, but you can also find cheaper options for as low at -20 per sq. foot.
You may want to choose an underlayment that costs less than vinyl flooring if you are trying to keep your project on budget. The underlayment can have a significant impact on how your floor feels and reacts so don’t skimp.
FAQ
Q. Do I need an underlayment?
Although an underlayment may not be necessary for some applications, it is important to install one for subfloors. Underlayments should be used when concrete subfloors are concerned or where moisture is an issue.
If you are installing vinyl flooring over plywood or OSB, you may want to skip the underlayment.
Underlayments can be used for more than just their functional purposes. They can also reduce noise, cushion the floor and keep it warmer in winter. Even though some subfloors don’t require an underlayment for installation, many people still choose to use them.
Q. What if my flooring is attached to an underlayment?
Many high-end flooring comes with an underlayment attached that acts as a moisture barrier, sound dampening and cushioning agent. This type of flooring does not require additional underlayment.
Q. How do you install the underlayment.
It’s almost as simple as laying a rug. You just need to roll the underlayment on your floor.
The adhesive strip will be on the other end, while the plastic strip will be on one side. The adhesive strip should be facing up when you unroll the underlayment.
Take off the backing of the adhesive strip and attach it to the next piece.
After you have removed all the underlayment you can use a utility blade to trim any corners or obstructions.
Final Verdict
An underlayment is essential for most vinyl and laminate flooring projects. It provides sound absorption, moisture protection and a cushioned feel. The five underlayments offer a wide range of benefits and are a solid choice for your next project.
Roberts First Step is the winner of the best vinyl flooring underlayment.
Although you may be able to find an underlayment much more expensive, it will not offer the same benefits. It is inexpensive, absorbs sound well, provides protection against mold and mildew and gives your floor a pleasant feel.
FLOORLOT 3-in-1 foam underneathlayment is a good option if you are looking for an economical alternative. It delivers most of Roberts First Step’s benefits at a much lower price. If money is not an issue and you want to get the best possible, MP Global QuietWalk may be the right choice. Which underlayment would you choose? Leave your comments.
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