Laminate flooring is a popular choice in many UK homes as it is affordable, easy to maintain, and durable.
You might have already chosen the type of laminate flooring you want, but do you know which is the best underlay for laminate? You might even be wondering what underlay is and whether you need it.
In this guide, we cover the following aspects to help you choose the best underlay for your laminate flooring:
- What is underlay?
- What are the benefits of underlay under laminate?
- What factors to consider when choosing underlay
- What are the different types of underlay for laminate?
- Frequently asked questions
What is underlay?
Underlay is a layer of material that is installed between the flooring and the subfloor.
What are the benefits of underlay under laminate?
Underlay has many benefits and can increase the longevity of your laminate flooring, so it is worth investing time and potentially more money into buying the most suitable underlay.
Key benefits of underlay:
- Absorbs sound: Underlay helps to reduce airborne or impact noises such as footsteps or furniture.
- Improves insulation: Underlay provides an extra layer of insulation, reducing those energy bills!
- Provides underfoot comfort: Underlay provides an extra layer of cushioning, making your laminate flooring more comfortable to walk on
- Shock absorption: Underlay absorbs impact or force through its ability to compress and rebound, protecting the condition of the floor.
- Corrects imperfections of the subfloor: Underlay can smooth out any uneven subfloor, which is an important factor in keeping laminate flooring in good condition.
- Offers moisture protection: Some underlays contain a vapour barrier, which protects the laminate flooring from potential damage caused by moisture in the subfloor.
Factors to consider when choosing underlay
There are many different types of underlay for laminate flooring, and some already have an underlay built in, which would obviously save you time in deliberating which is the best one.
We’re afraid to say there is no ‘size fits all’; choosing the best underlay for laminate depends on the factors below.
The subfloor
The type and condition of the subfloor will be one of the deciding factors on your underlay.
The subfloor must be even and in good condition before laminate flooring is installed; otherwise, it could affect the longevity of the flooring. Some underlays, such as fibreboard, can help with this, as they can just be laid on top, and no one would know that your floor has any imperfections!
If your subfloor is concrete, the best underlay for laminate flooring on concrete is an underlay with a vapour barrier to protect the flooring from any moisture. If moisture gets into the laminate, it could make the planks rot or warp over time.
Some underlays now have a damp-proof membrane built into them, such as a foil-backed foam.
The room
The location and type of room where you are installing your laminate flooring will determine the underlay you need.
If it is a high-traffic area, you might need a thicker soundproof underlay than a low-traffic area, in which case you could get away with a basic underlay.
Consider a thicker soundproof underlay if you are installing laminate flooring in a second-floor flat or upstairs.
For any rooms where the floor risks getting damp, such as bathrooms or kitchens, you will need to have an underlay with a damp-proof backing. And you wouldn’t choose fibreboards for these rooms, as we all know that wood and water don’t go well together!
Your needs
The type of underlay you choose also depends on your needs and budget. If your budget is small, a basic polyfoam with a thickness of 2mm is the most affordable option, at about £2 per m².
However, if comfort is important to you or you want to limit noise and provide good insulation, you’ll need a thicker underlay of around 5mm. You also need to check the TOG (thermal overall grade) rating. Any underlay with a TOG rating of over 2.0 is considered to be a good insulator.
Are you having underfloor heating? You will need to make sure that the underlay is compatible with it. For underfloor heating, you should look for a low TOG (thermal overall grade) rating of between 0.3 and 0.5, as you want the heat to pass through the underlay and not be trapped by it.
What are the different types of underlay for laminate?
There are various types of underlay, and to help you choose which one is best for you, we have listed them below with their benefits.
| Type of underlay | Pros | Cons | Approximate price per m² |
| Polyurethane foam | Affordable. Easy to install. It can be laid on all subfloors. |
The subfloor needs to be level. | £2 |
| Sponge rubber | Provides good soundproofing and insulation. Some have built in moisture barriers. It gives a smooth and even surface on all subfloors. Easy installation. Usually made from recycled materials. |
More expensive than foam. Thicker and bulkier than other underlays. |
£6 |
| Fibreboard | Comes as a solid sheet. Smooths uneven floors. Provides extra insulation and soundproofing. Suitable for heavy traffic areas. |
Can’t be used in moisture prone rooms (kitchens, bathrooms and on concrete subfloors). |
£3 |
| Cork underlay | Eco friendly. Absorbs sound. Provides good insulation. |
Can’t be used in moisture-prone rooms. Not very durable. |
£4 |
We hope that this has given you some insight into the best underlay for laminate flooring. As there are various underlays and many factors to consider, your floor fitter can help you choose which one to have, depending on your budget and the job it needs to do.
FAQ
Which is the best underlay for floorboards?
As you don’t need a damp-proof membrane on wooden floorboards, polyfoam underlay is the most affordable option, but you could also have a fibreboard, which is a popular choice.
What is the best underlay for laminate flooring on concrete?
For concrete floors, the best underlay would be one with a damp-proof membrane built in, such as foil-backed foam.
Looking for more information on laminate flooring? Our laminate floor fitters guide contains everything you need to know in order to accurately plan the work.
Want to get a rough idea of how much it’s going to cost? My Local Toolbox has put together a laminate flooring installation cost guide which considers the many factors involved; materials, labour, and other outlays.
Want to get accurate quotes for your flooring project? Post a job now to compare quotes from floor fitters near you.