Do You Really Need Underlay for Laminate Flooring: Expert Advice

You’ve chosen your laminate flooring, found the perfect colour, and can already picture how it’ll transform your space.

But before installation day, there’s one question worth asking: Do you really need underlay?

Many homeowners think of underlay as optional, but in reality, it plays a significant role in how your floor feels, sounds, and performs over time.

In fact, research even shows that using the right underlay can reduce impact force by up to 33% and improve surface stability, helping prevent uneven planks and long-term wear issues (Source: PMC – National Library of Medicine).

It's turning a standard floor into one that's comfortable, quiet, and long-lasting. Skipping it might save a little time or money now, but it often leads to creaks, uneven surfaces, and even early damage.

You can prevent these issues, increase comfort, and prolong the life of your floor by selecting the proper laminate flooring underlay.

In this Expert Guidance, you’ll learn:

• What is a laminate flooring underlay?
• The benefits of laminate underlay
• The best underlay for laminate flooring is based on your space
• How to install it correctly and avoid common mistakes

So, let’s get started!

What is Laminate Flooring Underlay?

Laminate flooring underlay is a thin layer placed between the subfloor and laminate planks. Think of it as your floor’s foundation. It supports, cushions, and stabilises your laminate so each step feels smoother and more comfortable.

Here’s what it does:

• Cushioning and comfort: Adds softness underfoot, reducing fatigue.
• Moisture protection: Prevents water damage, swelling, or warping.
• Sound reduction: Reduces noise from footsteps and furniture movement.
• Thermal insulation: Keeps floors warmer and more energy-efficient.

Common materials include foam, cork, and rubber, each with distinct advantages:

• Foam: Lightweight, affordable, and easy to install.
• Cork: Naturally absorbs sound and improves insulation.
• Rubber: Durable and resistant to moisture, great for kitchens or basements.

Why You Should Use an Underlay for Laminate Flooring?

Do you really need an underlay for laminate flooring?

Yes, and here’s why: It improves comfort, protects against damage, and boosts your floor’s performance in multiple ways.

Here are the key advantages:

• Soundproofing Laminate Flooring: One of the main perks of underlay is its ability to reduce noise. Whether it’s footsteps, moving chairs, or dropping objects, a good underpad for laminate flooring absorbs sound, making your home quieter and more peaceful.
• Thermal Insulation Underlay: Underlay acts as an additional layer of insulation, keeping your floors warmer during colder months. This not only improves comfort but can also help reduce energy costs.
• Moisture Protection for Laminate Floors: Certain underlays are designed to create a moisture barrier, preventing water or humidity from seeping into the laminate. This protects your floors from warping, swelling, or mould growth, especially in areas like kitchens or basements.
• Improved Comfort and Longevity: Walking on laminate with an underlay feels softer and more comfortable underfoot. At the same time, it reduces wear and tear, extending the lifespan of your flooring.

In short, investing in the right laminate underlay is more than just an optional step. It ensures your laminate flooring remains quiet, warm, durable, and protected for years to come.

Which Underlay Options Are Best for Laminate Flooring?

The best underlay for laminate flooring depends on your subfloor, room type, and budget. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Underlay Type	Best For	Pros	Cons
Foam Underlay	Bedrooms, living rooms, or dry areas	Budget-friendly, easy to install, and provides soft cushioning	Limited moisture protection
Cork Underlay	Apartments, upper floors, or eco-conscious spaces	Excellent sound and heat insulation, sustainable	Slightly firm feel, higher cost
Rubber Underlay	Kitchens, basements, or moisture-prone spaces	Durable, moisture-resistant, and ideal for longevity	Heavier and more expensive

If you’re installing laminate over concrete, choose an underlay with an integrated damp-proof membrane to protect against moisture.

Once you’ve selected the right type, proper installation will ensure your floors stay smooth, quiet, and long-lasting.

Tips for Installing Laminate Flooring Underlay

Once you’ve chosen the right underlay, the next step is making sure it’s installed correctly. Even the best materials won’t perform well if they’re not laid properly. A few careful steps can help you get a smoother finish, a longer floor life, and better comfort underfoot.

Here’s how to do it right:

1. Prepare the Subfloor

Start by giving your subfloor some attention. Make sure it’s:

• Clean and free of dust or debris
• Completely dry and moisture-free
• Even and level (no dips or bumps)

If you’re installing on concrete, always use an underlay for laminate over concrete with built-in moisture protection.

2. Roll Out the Underlay

Next, roll out the underlay in the same direction as your laminate planks. This makes installation smoother and ensures proper alignment.

• Start from one corner and work across the room
• Trim extra material along the walls with a sharp utility knife
• Avoid overlapping unless the product instructions say so

3. Seal the Seams

Depending on the underlay type, you may need to either overlap or tape the seams. Properly sealing them:

• Prevents shifting and gaps
• Reduces noise
• Adds stability

4. Keep it Smooth and Flat

Before placing your laminate, double-check that the underlay is:

• Laid flat with no folds, wrinkles, or air pockets
• Evenly spread across the room
• Firmly pressed into corners and edges

Even small imperfections can cause creaking or uneven flooring later.

5. Leave an Expansion Gap

Always leave a small gap (about 10 mm) between the underlay and walls. This allows your laminate to expand and contract naturally with temperature or humidity changes, and it prevents buckling or edge damage.

How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Installing Laminate Underlay?

A few small errors can affect how well your flooring performs. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Skipping subfloor prep: Always clean, dry, and level the surface before installing.
• Using the wrong underlay: Match the type to your room, e.g., foam for dry areas and rubber or cork for moisture-prone spaces.
• Overlapping seams: Lay edges side by side, not on top of each other.
• Leaving gaps unsealed: Tape seams to prevent moisture and movement.
• Ignoring expansion gaps: Leave space along walls to avoid buckling.

Avoiding these mistakes helps your underlay do its job, keeping your laminate flooring smooth, quiet, and long-lasting.

Final Thoughts: Why Is Underlay Worth It?

Do you really need an underlay for laminate flooring? Absolutely.

Underlay is a vital layer that defines how your laminate floor performs and feels over time. From soundproofing laminate flooring to moisture protection for laminate floors, it ensures a warmer, quieter, and longer-lasting surface.

Without it, you risk creaks, cold floors, and early damage, all of which cost more to fix later. The right laminate flooring underlay creates a strong, stable base that enhances comfort, durability, and acoustic quality.

Before you install your next laminate plank, take a moment to choose the best underlay for laminate flooring that fits your subfloor and room needs.

Pick the best underlay for laminate flooring and enjoy quieter, warmer, and longer-lasting floors every day!