Best Underlay for Laminate Flooring: A Complete Guide
Picking the colour and style of laminate flooring is just one aspect of renovating your floor, an often overlooked part—choosing the right underlay.
Many people assume that any underlay will do, but using the wrong type can lead to creaking floorboards, poor insulation, and a less-than-ideal finish.
Without proper underlay, your laminate floor could become noisy, uncomfortable underfoot, and even damaged over time.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about selecting the best underlay for laminate flooring. From soundproofing to moisture protection and thermal insulation, we’ve got you covered.
What is underlay, and why does it matter for laminate flooring?
Underlay is a thin layer of material beneath your laminate floor. It acts as a buffer between the flooring and the subfloor. Underlay is not just there to fill space; it plays a big role in the overall feel and performance of your floors.
Underlay can be thought of as a cushion to support your laminate. It absorbs sound and acts as an insulator, helping to keep your room warmer and cosier. It also helps to absorb small imperfections in the subfloor, so your laminate floor has a smoother, more stable surface.
Skipping underlay would be a misstep in your renovation and can lead to serious problems. Without it, you risk increased wear and tear, and flooring might wear unevenly. Plus, in areas prone to moisture, you could face potential water damage or warping.
Key factors for choosing laminate underlay
Underlay isn’t just a one-size-fits-all solution. Several factors should come into play. Here are some things to consider:
Subfloor type
The type of subfloor you’re laying laminate and underlay on can impact the choice you need.
With concrete floors, you need an underlay with a built-in damp-proof membrane. Concrete can retain moisture, which could cause your laminate to warp.
If you’re installing laminate on top of a wood subfloor, you need to focus on stability. A thick underlay will help prevent creaking sounds and make the floor feel more solid. This will also help prevent the laminate from moving over time.
Sound reduction
A good underlay can help with noise reduction. Underlay materials are designed to help absorb footstep noise, which makes the room quieter. This is helpful in apartments or multi-level homes where noise travels through the floor. Look for underlays that are thick and made with dense materials like rubber, designed to absorb some sound.
Thermal insulation
A good underlay does more than just add comfort—it can help keep your home warm. Materials like foam and felt are great at retaining heat, and an extra layer of insulation can reduce energy bills.
Underfloor heating compatibility
If you’re installing laminate on top of underfloor heating, your underlay choice is important. A high tog rating will block heat transfer, preventing you from feeling the benefit of the heating. You need a low tog rating, typically below 1.0, to help the heat move through and warm the room properly.
Breathability and mould resistance
Some underlays are designed to prevent mould and mildew, particularly in damp environments. Cork’s natural antimicrobial properties work well in these environments, and it is also eco-friendly and offers excellent insulation.
Compression resistance
Some underlays may compress over time, resulting in an uneven floor surface. Look for an underlay that resists compressive forces. The higher the compressive strength, the better the underlayment will protect.
Eco-friendly options
If you’re making more eco-conscious choices for your home renovations, choosing a particular underlay can help. Recycled rubber or natural felt are great choices for the environmentally conscious, offering solutions that work as an underlay without impacting the environment as much as other types.
Types of underlay for laminate flooring
Several types of underlay can be used with laminate flooring. Here’s our guide to the options available to you.
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Foam underlay: Foam underlay is a lightweight, budget-friendly option. It gives basic cushioning and noise reduction.
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Felt underlay: This denser option offers thermal and sound insulation. It’s a great choice for areas that need warmth, such as living rooms and bedrooms, and it also reduces the noise of footsteps.
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Rubber underlay: Rubber underlay is durable, offers excellent cushioning, is resistant to moisture, and is great for areas that need high acoustic insulation.
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Underlay with built-in Damp Proof Membrane (DPM): This is ideal for when laminate goes over concrete floors. The DPM is a barrier against moisture for the laminate.
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Acoustic underlay: Acoustic underlay is designed to reduce impact noise and general noise in the room.
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Cork underlay: Cork is an excellent insulator and has natural antimicrobial properties, which makes it a great choice for homes that are prone to dampness.
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Fibreboard underlay: This is a great choice for those who need to level out unevenness in a subfloor. It also provides good sound and thermal insulation.
Best underlay recommendations for different situations
We’ve explained the different types of underlays on the market. Now, we'll guide you through the best underlay recommendations for your specific needs.
What is the best underlay for laminate flooring on concrete?
If you’re laying laminate on a concrete floor, the best underlay is one with a Damp-Proof Membrane. This membrane will protect against moisture and prevent future damage, such as warping or rot. It’s an investment that could save you a lot of hassle and money in the long run.
Best underlay for laminate flooring over wood
With wood subfloors, felt underway is a great choice. It adds stability, minimises noise, and offers extra warmth, making your laminate feel more solid and comfortable.
Best soundproof underlay for laminate flooring
If you want to control sound with your underlay, the best option is Rubber Acoustic Underlay. It helps to significantly reduce noise and is perfect for apartments or use in homes with multiple levels.
Best thermal underlay for laminate flooring
Fibreboard or rubber underlay is the best choice for laminate flooring where you want thermal protection. Their heat retention properties make these both a solid choice for those looking to keep heat within the rooms of their homes.
What thickness underlay is best for laminate flooring?
It’s best to get an underlay between 3 and 5mm thick for your laminate flooring. If it is thinner than 3 mm, the flooring won’t feel comfortable underfoot. Any thicker than 5 mm could prevent the laminate from locking together, resulting in movement from the floor.
Best underlay for underfloor heating
When buying underlay for underfloor heating, you need low-tog foam. This prevents heat from being trapped within the underlay and prevents you from feeling no effect when the heating system is on.
How to install underlay for laminate flooring
Now that you’ve picked the best underlay for your needs let’s install it. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started.
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Prepare the subfloor
Start by cleaning and levelling your subfloor. Dust and debris can impact how well your underlay works.
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Acclimatisation
Some materials, like fibreboard, should be left in the room for 24-48 hours before installation. This allows the material to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity.
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Measure and cut the underlay
Roll out the underlay in strips, and use a sharp knife to cut it to fit the room.
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Lay the underlay
Lay the underlay strips with edges butted together, making sure there are no overlaps. This will create a smooth and even surface.
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Expansion gaps
Underlay should not be pushed up against the wall; you will need to leave a small gap to allow for natural expansion.
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Secure the underlay
If your underlay requires adhesive, apply it to the subfloor and press the underlay down. For most types, however, it should stay in place without any additional fastening.
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Seal joins in underlay
Some underlays require taping the seams together to prevent movement. This should be done with an underlay that acts as a moisture barrier.
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Install the laminate flooring
Finally, lay your laminate flooring over the underlay, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Mistakes to avoid when choosing underlay
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Ignoring moisture protection: Failing to use a damp-proof underlay over concrete is one of the most common mistakes. Moisture can ruin your laminate, so make sure that you’ve got protection.
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Choosing the cheapest option: While budget underlay can work fine, opting for the cheapest one can compromise soundproofing and insulation. Make an investment in quality where it matters.
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Forgetting underfloor heating compatibility: If you’re using underfloor heating, don’t forget to check the tog rating. A high tog will interfere with heat transfer.
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Neglecting the subfloor: It is a big no-no to install laminate without considering the subfloor type. Always choose an underlay based on whether your floor is concrete, wood, or uneven.
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Gaps or movement in the laminate: This could be caused by the underlay being too thick or not being secured properly.
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Creaking floors after installation: This can happen if the underlay is too thin or the subfloor is damaged.
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Laminate edges lifting: This can indicate a poor underlay choice or a lack of moisture protection.
Choosing the right underlay is just as important as picking the right laminate flooring. With a good foundation, you’ll enjoy a quieter, warmer and more comfortable space. Whether you’re looking for soundproofing, thermal insulation or moisture protection, the perfect underlay will make all the difference.
At Mersey Flooring, we offer high-quality underlay options tailored to every home and flooring type. Explore our range today and find the ideal match for your laminate flooring project. Need expert advice? Our friendly team is here to help—get in touch or visit us in-store.
FAQs
Can I reuse old underlay when replacing laminate flooring?
It’s not recommended to reuse old underlay. Over time, your underlay will compress and lose cushioning, which could affect the stability of your new laminate flooring. What’s more, if the underlay has absorbed moisture or harbours mould, it could damage your new flooring.
Does underlay make laminate feel softer to walk on?
Yes, it adds a layer of cushioning, making laminate flooring feel softer and more comfortable to walk on. The type and thickness of the underlay you choose influence how soft or firm the flooring feels.
Is it ok to double up underlay for extra cushioning?
No, doubling up underlay is not recommended. Excessively thick underlay can prevent the laminate planks from fitting securely, which leads to movement and gaps.
How long does underlay last before needing replacement?
Depending on the material, foot traffic, and other environmental factors, underlay can last 10 to 25 years.
Foam underlay tends to wear more quickly than others; rubber and felt are options that will last longer.
When your flooring starts to feel uneven, noisy or less comfortable, it might be time to replace the underlay. Even if your flooring doesn’t need to be replaced.