What Does Underlayment Do?
Underlayment is a thin material layer between your luxury vinyl floors and the subfloor. It serves several purposes, including:
Noise Reduction: Underlayment can absorb sound, making rooms quieter—especially helpful in multi-story homes.
Comfort Underfoot: Some underlayments provide extra cushioning, making the floor more comfortable.
Moisture Protection: Underlayment can act as an extra barrier to protect your flooring in moisture-prone areas.
Subfloor Imperfections: If your subfloor has minor imperfections, underlayment can help smooth them out.
When Do You Need Special Underlayment?
Not all luxury vinyl planks require underlayment, but certain situations make it necessary. Here’s when you should consider it:
1. Your Flooring Doesn’t Have a Built-In Pad
Some luxury vinyl plank flooring installation products come with an attached underlayment, eliminating the need for an additional layer. If yours doesn’t, adding one can enhance performance and comfort.
2. You’re Installing Over Concrete
Concrete subfloors can allow moisture to seep through, which can be damaging over time. A moisture-resistant underlayment can prevent issues like mold or warping.
3. You Want Extra Noise Reduction
If you’re installing luxury vinyl floors in an apartment, condo, or second-story, soundproofing underlayment can help reduce footstep noise and echoes.
4. You Need Extra Cushioning
Luxury vinyl planks are already softer than traditional tile or hardwood, but if you prefer additional comfort underfoot, a padded underlayment can help.
5. Your Subfloor Has Minor Imperfections
Underlayment can create a smoother surface if your subfloor is slightly uneven. However, it won’t fix significant dips or damage—those should be repaired first.
When You Might Not Need Underlayment
There are cases where underlayment isn’t necessary or even recommended:
- Your flooring has an attached underlayment: Adding another layer could make the floor too soft, causing problems with stability.
- You're installing over an even, dry plywood subfloor: Plywood provides a stable base that typically doesn’t require additional cushioning or moisture protection.
- The manufacturer advises against it: Some luxury vinyl floor brands specify not to use underlayment, so always check the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Find the Right Flooring and Underlayment
Choosing the proper underlayment for your luxury vinyl plank flooring installation ensures long-term durability and comfort. If you're unsure whether you need underlayment for your floors, visit Sandoval Flooring LLC’s showroom in Northport, AL. We proudly serve Vance, Reform, Tuscaloosa, Moundville, Eutaw, Gordo, Demopolis, McCalla, and Northside, AL. Contact us today to explore our flooring options and get expert advice!
