Do I need underlay for laminate flooring?
So, you've decided to lay laminate flooring.
Brilliant choice! After all, laminate is one of the key trends for 2021 – allowing you to create the look of a stylish and authentic wooden floor for just a fraction of the price of the real thing. It's also durable, water-resistant, effortless to install. But does it require underlay?
A question we get asked a lot here at Carpet Underlay Shop. And the answer is straightforward.
Yes.
Unless your flooring planks have pre-attached underlay, you will need to buy separate laminate underlay for your project. The extra layer of cushioning can provide a wide range of benefits, protecting your new floor from damage. This will significantly improve your new floors look, feel, and overall performance. In our opinion, its importance cannot be overstated. And here we take a look at just a few reasons why.
4 reasons to invest in laminate underlay
1. Support and stability
Laminate flooring is effectively a 'floating' floor. You do not need to secure the boards in place with nails or glue. You click the planks together. As a result, any defects in the subfloor can have a considerable impact on its finish.
Underlay is a simple way to overcome this problem. By correcting these imperfections, it creates a smoother and flatter surface for installation. The planks can be evenly laid across the room and easily connect, improving their overall stability and ensuring the floor is sturdy.
2. Insulation
Between your new flooring and the subfloor, laminate underlay offers fantastic thermal insulation. Essentially, it reduces the amount of heat that can escape through the floor. And as such, it helps to keep the room at a comfortable temperature – and may even reduce your energy bills!
In addition to providing warmth, it provides excellent acoustic insulation too. Laminate is a notoriously 'noisy' type of flooring, which can be problematic if you live in an apartment or flat. But by adding underlay, you can successfully reduce impact and airborne sounds by up to 30-40dB.
3. Underfoot comfort
Laminate flooring underlay can also significantly enhance underfoot comfort. This is particularly true if laying on a concrete or brick subfloor. Despite the rigid nature of the laminate planks, they will feel significantly softer (and warmer) with the addition of a quality underlay.
4. Moisture control
Although laminate flooring is water-resistant, moisture and dampness can often rise from the subfloor. The water may cause swelling and cracks over time. That's why, before fitting, it's a good idea to check the subfloor carefully. If there's any reason to believe that moisture may be an issue, laminate underlay with an integrated damp proof membrane will likely be a worthwhile investment.
This membrane will create an effective moisture barrier, preventing dampness from reaching your new laminate flooring and reducing the risk of unnecessary water-based damage.
So which laminate underlay should I buy?
Here at Carpet Underlay Shop, we’re a massive advocate for laminate underlay. It can make a huge difference to the overall look and feel of your new flooring. And for most projects, we advise buying the Royale Professional Sonic Gold 7mm Underlay for £5.80 per m2.
Budget Entry Level
2mm White by Royale - £0.86p per m2
Good Quality
3mm Silver with DPM - £1.06 per m2
The Best!
7mm Professional Gold
DPM & High Sound Proofing - £5.80 per m2
Detailed information on this product, and why it’s our no.1 recommendation, can be found in the previous blog ‘The latest and best underlay for wood and laminate’. Sonic Gold is the finest laminate flooring underlay currently available; the gold standard ticks all the right boxes in thickness, insulation, damp-resistance, etc. Yet, it’s still available for an affordable price.
If you would like to find out more about Royale Sonic Gold Underlay or any other laminate underlays currently for sale in our store, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We have excellent knowledge in this area, and we can help identify the best product for your needs. Call us on 0203 887 0994 or send an email to sales@carpet-underlay-shop.co.uk.
- Carl Smith
