Underlay is a fundamental part of any new flooring and should never be overlooked. It’s the component that determines how your floor feels and, more importantly, how it wears. When you decide you’re going to purchase new underlay, you have to consider what is going to be the best for your needs.

The correct underlay will improve the comfort level of your new flooring, increase its lifespan, provide thermal insulation, reduce noise and make your new flooring feel softer underfoot.

Whether you’re purchasing underlay for carpet, vinyl or laminate flooring, there are a few things to consider before you do. This buying guide will help you figure out the best for your home.

Contents

• Why purchase underlay?
• Do you need underlay for laminate flooring?
• Things to consider when choosing underlay
• Can carpet underlay be used for laminate flooring?
  

Why Purchase Underlay?

Sometimes overlooked and even dismissed as a pointless additional expense, underlay is actually an integral element that shapes how flooring feels, wears and looks. It’s key to the finish of your floor and the longevity of your flooring. Getting the right underlay will ensure you get your money’s worth.

• Underlay acts as a barrier against noise and helps with soundproofing, so it's perfect if you have a busy household!
• Underlay adds a level of cushioning underneath your carpet, laminate, engineered wood or luxury vinyl flooring, making it feel more luxurious and softer underfoot.
• Good quality underlay will prevent premature wearing and keep your floor looking new for longer. As the underlay acts as a shock absorber, your flooring or carpet will sit better and take more wear.
• Underlay acts as an insulator and could save you money on your energy bills. If you plan on living in your property long, consider investing in a good quality thermal underlay.
• As the carpet pile is protected, the carpet is easier to clean, and dust will be removed more easily.

Do You Need Underlay For Laminate Flooring?

We would always recommend purchasing an underlay with new flooring. There may be cases in which your laminate flooring might come with an underlay already attached, in which case you don’t need to add an extra underlay. When it comes to laminate, it must be evenly distributed across your subfloor. Underlayment is what allows the floor to float, gives it stability, support, and noise reduction, and supports the locking systems in between planks to ensure the sturdiest flooring project.

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Things to Consider When Choosing Underlay

Location

Where you plan to install your flooring is one of the most important factors to think about when choosing your underlay. Laminate underlay varies greatly in terms of its features. Some have been designed to provide warmth and comfort – which makes them great for a lounge or bedroom. Some are made for durability, making them suitable for high-traffic areas such as a staircase or hallway. If you’re looking for underlay for a kitchen or bathroom, choose one with an in-built vapour barrier.

Concrete Vs. Plywood

Is your subfloor made from concrete or plywood? Concrete is a porous material. Over time, it can allow moisture to seep up and into your laminate flooring, which could cause warping, mould or mildew. To help prevent this, the underlay will need an in-built damp-proof membrane or vapour barrier.

Wood is a natural material and needs to breathe. Adding a damp-proof membrane can trap moisture, which might damage your laminate. If your subfloor is made of plywood, a fibreboard or foam laminate underlay without a vapour barrier will be the better option.

Subfloor

Does your subfloor have any cracks or bumps? If this is the case, you’ll need to invest in a laminate flooring underlay that can smooth these out. The thickness of your underlay is dependent on the level of damage to your subfloor. We’d recommend a product that measures at least 5-7mm to ensure the best possible finish to your flooring.

Insulation

The higher the TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) rating, the better the thermal insulation. However, if you plan to install underfloor heating, a high TOG rating can do more harm than good, creating a barrier between the room and your heating system. The best option in this scenario is to buy a specially designed thermal underlay – which has a very low TOG rating and will maximise heat transfer.

Noise reduction

Laminate flooring can add to the noise in your home. Luckily there are underlays out there with great sound insulation. Ideally, you should look for a product that can reduce both impact and airborne noise by at least 20-30 dB.

Can Carpet Underlay Be Used For Laminate Flooring?

You should never use carpet underlay underneath laminate flooring. While it can cut down costs, it will do more harm than good. Why? Put simply, carpet underlay is too thick. It's usually around 10mm thick, whereas laminate underlay is usually around 3mm thick. If you install laminate on top of a carpet underlay, the floor will be too bouncy and spongy, which can damage the locking system and provide an uncomfortable feel.

Underlay options at Leader Online

Underlay plays a crucial role in enhancing the comfort, durability and insulation of your flooring. By acting as a supportive layer beneath carpets and hard floors, it can help with noise reduction, thermal efficiency, and even extend the lifespan of your flooring. Make sure you get the most out of your flooring and explore the range of underlay available at Leader Online today.