Getting the underlay right is just as important as choosing the laminate itself. The underlay acts as a supportive layer, helping your flooring feel comfortable, perform well, and last longer. Let’s break down what you need to know about underlay for laminate flooring, including common questions and practical advice.
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What Thickness Underlay Works Best for Laminate Flooring?
The thickness of the underlay can significantly impact how your laminate flooring looks and feels. For most laminate floors, a thickness of 2mm to 3mm works best. This range provides enough cushioning for comfort while maintaining stability underfoot.
If you go too thick—say, around 6mm—you might run into problems. Laminate flooring relies on a stable surface to lock properly, and a thick underlay can cause shifting or separation over time. Stick to the recommended thickness to keep your flooring smooth and secure.
What Can I Use as Underlay for Laminate Flooring?
There are several types of underlay available, each suited to different needs. Here are the most common options:
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Foam Underlay: Lightweight and easy to install, foam underlay works well on smooth, even subfloors like concrete or plywood. It offers basic cushioning and moisture resistance.
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Combination Underlay: This type combines foam with a built-in vapour barrier, making it ideal for areas prone to dampness, such as basements or kitchens.
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Felt Underlay: Felt is more durable and provides excellent sound insulation, especially on timber subfloors. It’s a good option for spaces where noise control is a priority.
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Rubber Underlay: Known for superior insulation and noise reduction, rubber underlay is a premium choice that works well in high-traffic areas or multi-level homes.
Each option has its strengths, so the best choice depends on your subfloor, the room’s purpose, and whether moisture protection is a factor.
Do You Need Underlay for Laminate Flooring?
In most cases, yes, underlay is a must for laminate flooring. Here’s why:
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Comfort: It provides a softer feel underfoot, which makes a big difference in everyday use.
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Sound Reduction: Underlay helps absorb noise, reducing the echo in the room and the sound of footsteps.
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Moisture Protection: Some underlays come with a vapour barrier to protect your flooring from dampness, especially on concrete subfloors.
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Durability: A good underlay supports the laminate, helping it stay in good condition for years to come.
The only time you might not need underlay is if your laminate already has an integrated underlay. Even then, check your subfloor carefully to decide whether an additional layer is necessary.
Can You Use 6mm Underlay for Laminate Flooring?
Although there exist 6mm underlay, experts advise against it being used with laminated floors. To add comfort or to improve the insulating ability of the underlay more than that required for noise reduction, may lead to the boards to become loose, thus mess up with the lock and may even pose a serious problem altogether.
To get additional support or insulation, those parquet floor underlays should belong to the best underlay that has a standard thickness of 2mm to 3mm. This way, there won’t be any negative effects on the flooring but you will enjoy the advantages that come with the foreign materials.
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Choosing the Right Underlay for Your Space
The right underlay will completely change the feel of your Laminate Flooring making your home or office space comfortable, less noisy and the flooring will last longer. Depending on what exactly you are seeking in the way of a carpet protection, whether it be moisture or sound proofing, or just a comfortable material to walk on, there is something that is ideal for your use.
If you are in any doubt or would like assistance on what product is most suited for your residential, commercial, workplace or any environment that you intend to install your floor, we are here to assist you make the right decision . Shop with us online or come and see us to find an underlay that complements your laminate flooring and your style and comfort ideals. Yes, let’s develop a space with which you can make your future self happy for years to come.
