Underlayment for plank flooring, which is the best?

If you have already decided on a vinyl plank floor, you should probably choose a good quality subfloor. It is a crucial element that determines the durability of your floor. The proper subfloor can minimize certain floor and room imperfections. Therefore, it is good to spend some time choosing the right subfloor. Ensures the durability of the floor for years.

Is a vinyl floor underlay needed?

Some people believe that underlayment is not necessary and that vinyl planks can be laid directly on the floor. Although possible in some cases, laying vinyl flooring without a subfloor is not recommended. What is a subsoil? Without this element, the laminate flooring would quickly be destroyed, since the boards could break.

The underlayment plays an important role for a vinyl plank floor - it secures the floor. The most important functions of the base are:

• Padding - A soft, springy layer under the boards ensures they don't buckle under pressure. The bottom layer absorbs energy from impacts and heavy objects, protecting the floor from damage.

• Thermal insulation - the subfloor is a layer that separates the floor from the subfloor. In this way the cold air does not reach the room. This insulation reduces heat loss, which saves heating costs.

• Acoustic subfloor - the subfloor absorbs sounds from the rooms below the floor. The layer can also dampen noises from inside the room where the boards are installed.

• Surface Leveling - A good underlayment can cover small imperfections in the floor. It fills small gaps and makes the boards more stable.

Please note that most vinyl plank flooring manufacturers require the use of an underlay as a warranty requirement. If this condition is not met, you will not be able to obtain a refund if the product you purchased is faulty.

Regardless of the type of subfloor, you should install it at a 45 degree angle. The use of a vapor barrier is important, as it protects from moisture. It must be placed in a straight line. You can then lay the base, be sure to cut it to fit the room.

The types of subfloor of laminate floors

There are several types of subfloor available. They differ from each other by price, durability, material and purpose. The type of plank flooring does not affect the type of subfloor. However, you should consider what your own needs and expectations are.

The lower layer of natural soil

Natural subfloor is usually made of wood and similar materials. These products are usually good acoustic insulators. The most common natural bases are:

• The cork base is a good thermal and acoustic insulator. They are normally sold in large 2mm thick sheets. Cork is quite a brittle material and therefore should not be used under floors that are heavily used. The subfloor on which a cork layer can be laid must be perfectly even.

• Plywood - this material protects against noise and thermal loss, although not as well as cork. It is thicker, sold in sheets 4-7 mm thick. Because this type of wood easily absorbs water, an additional layer of vapor membrane must be put over it.

• Corrugated cardboard is one of the cheapest bottom layers. It conducts heat well, however it does not insulate sounds. This type requires a perfectly even subfloor.

Underlayment of synthetic flooring

The synthetic base has many advantages. One of its best features is the fact that it basically does not absorb water. It also corrects small surface imperfections. Popular synthetic underlays are made of:

• Foam - is the most commonly chosen underlay - mainly because of its cheap price. It is waterproof, however it is not insulated from sounds.

• It loses its shape relatively quickly and cannot be used under wooden boards.

• Polyethylene (PE) - can be used if the floor is uneven, as it can fix small imperfections, up to 4 millimeters. It is a good thermal and acoustic insulator.

• Polystyrene (XPS) - this subfloor dampens noise well. It is waterproof and very durable. It does not conduct heat, so it can be used on floors over unheated rooms.

What is the best underlay for laminate?

No subfloor is the best or the most universal. Each type of product has different qualities that fit different needs. For this reason one needs to consider several aspects before choosing the right subfloor.

Subfloor for underfloor heating

If you are laying vinyl plank flooring over underfloor heating, you should choose an underlay without thermal insulation properties. The wrong subfloor could hinder the heat, cooling the room. Therefore, an underlay for underfloor heating must conduct heat well.

Corrugated cardboard is one of the best bases for heated vinyl plank flooring.

Paper underlays are good conductors of heat, however they do not acoustically insulate the room. If this is what you need the most, a good option is the bottom layer of polystyrene (XPS). It doesn't conduct heat, but it does have special holes that allow heat to move through them.

Subfloor for floor insulation

If the room in which you decided to lay the laminate boards is above an unheated room or on the floor, the subfloor must provide good thermal insulation. This means that the material must not conduct temperature. The best subfloors of this type are made of polyethylene and polystyrene.

If sound insulation is your priority, it is worth choosing the cork base. Depending on the thickness, it absorbs up to 25% of sounds. The Styrofoam base is another good option, it reduces sounds to 19 dB.

Subfloor for an extensive use floor

Not all types of subfloor are suitable for a heavily used floor. The cork or foam may not be durable enough and may be damaged very quickly. Therefore, for rooms such as corridors and living rooms it is good to choose a subfloor that is resistant to mechanical damage.

One of the most durable materials is polystyrene. Quartz subfloor is probably the strongest, however it is quite expensive.

Allergy proof base layer

If an allergy sufferer is going to live in a room with a vinyl floor, the material used for the base needs special attention.

An allergy-proof underlayment for vinyl plank flooring should not release any dust, so plywood is not advised in this case. Material of this type is quite dusty, which can be irritating or even dangerous for an allergy sufferer.

The best natural material for this purpose is a cork underlay. Its main advantages are resistance to moisture, as well as mold and fungus. Alternatively, a plastic material that does not absorb water or release dust can be used.

Finishing your house can be quite a difficult process. Many owners ask specialists: what is the best laminate base? A good base for the floor in the kitchen and other interiors of the house is a guarantee that your vinyl plank floor will last for a long time. It could also have some additional features. One must consider which criteria is most important to them and use it to choose the right product. If you are having trouble making the decision, you should ask a salesperson to help you.

In addition to choosing the right subfloor, you should also learn what other mistakes to avoid when finishing your apartment.

Underlayment for plank flooring - FAQ

How to install the bottom layer?

Any type of subfloor should be installed at a 45 degree angle to the direction in which the boards will be laid. Be sure to cut the subfloor so that it fits perfectly into the room.

How is the bottom layer laid for underfloor heating?

The subfloor for underfloor heating must be installed in the same way as any other subfloor. For this type, the vapor barrier is mandatory. The best laminate subfloor for underfloor heating is polystyrene and corrugated fiber.

What is the best base for laminate flooring?

Any type of subfloor is fine and the right product should be tailored to your particular needs. The base can serve many functions, such as acoustic or thermal insulation.