Luxury vinyl flooring has surged in popularity thanks to its ability to mimic the aesthetic of genuine wood while remaining cost-effective, durable, and water-resistant. However, what often flies under the radar is the role of underlayment in the flooring equation. Looking for the right underlayment to pair with your vinyl flooring can be quite a challenge, but we’re here to provide expert guidance and support throughout the process. Let’s begin.
What is underlayment?
When it comes to flooring, there’s more than meets the eye. There are the joists (the backbone of the home’s structure), followed by the subfloor atop them, typically crafted from plywood. The underlayment is a slender layer that cloaks the subfloor, paving the way for the finish flooring material.
Underlayment can be made from various lightweight materials like foam, cork, felt, or rubber. It ensures a seamless, level surface for laying down the ultimate flooring but also plays different roles; from muffling noise to providing a softer landing for your feet, underlayment goes the extra mile by acting as a shield against moisture, thwarting the growth of mold and mildew in the process.
What types of underlayment can be used for vinyl flooring?
Today’s vinyl flooring options often come equipped with a built-in underlayment or pad. If your chosen product lacks an integrated underlayment, you can typically lay it directly over the subfloor, but this might not be the best choice. For maximum softness, warmth, moisture protection, and noise reduction, investing in underlayment is essential.
Here are some of the best underlayment materials for vinyl floors:
1. Cork
When it comes to muffling noise at home, cork is a top choice. Its density works wonders in concealing subfloor imperfections. Even if your vinyl flooring boasts an underlayment, incorporating compressed cork can further enhance sound insulation.
However, it’s important to know that cork doesn’t double up as a moisture barrier. It can retain moisture, potentially fostering mold growth if improperly installed. In this case, you have to prioritize the placement of a moisture barrier before proceeding with the installation.
2. Foam
Foam presents itself as a wallet-friendly underlayment option, offering a modest level of cushioning and basic insulation alongside average sound absorption. Going for thicker foam brings better outcomes. Just make sure you install it properly for optimal performance.
Still, it’s crucial to remember that foam underlayment lacks moisture resistance and might trap water, leading to mold.
3. Felt
Favored for its superior sound-dampening properties compared to foam, felt underlayment stands out as a very popular choice. While foam provides the added benefit of an attached vapor barrier, felt takes the lead in sound control. Moreover, it offers better insulation than both foam and cork, making it a well-rounded option for flooring projects.
4. Particleboard
While particle board is a budget-friendly option for establishing a flat foundation beneath vinyl flooring, it falls short in moisture resistance, proving unhandy to install and challenging to remove.
5. Plywood
Choosing plywood underlayment for vinyl flooring offers a sturdier alternative to particle board, boasting enhanced resilience against moisture infiltration.
6. Oriented strand board (OSB)
For those seeking durability, OSB is a robust substitute for plywood, made from compressed and bonded wood strands, ensuring long-lasting performance.
7. Rubber
As an underlayment choice for vinyl flooring, rubber is considered to be the best, excelling in sound absorption, thermal insulation, and protecting against water-related woes.
How to choose the right underlayment for vinyl flooring
Determining the appropriate underlayment for vinyl flooring installation depends on various factors, such as the budget, the specifics of the vinyl floor and subfloor, and any specific requirements for moisture control, sound insulation, or thermal regulation.
While you might hear recommendations about specific thicknesses for underlayment or cork, it’s crucial to take them with a grain of salt. Ignoring factors like density and material composition could spell trouble down the line. If you’re not a professional, it would be wise to contact us, to make sure you’re making the best choices based on your unique situation.
Here are some tips when choosing the underlayment for vinyl floors:
- Steer clear of laying vinyl over carpet underlayment because the softness of the underlayment may cause the planks to separate over time.
- Avoid installing vinyl over another floating floor, like laminate, as this can lead to buckling and shifting.
- Also, avoid installing vinyl over a heating pad, since these are typically reserved for flooring types that adhere directly to the subfloor, such as ceramic tile.
- Be cautious of electric radiant heat systems because they can compromise the integrity of the floor’s locking joints.
- Ensure underlayment covers the entire floor surface uniformly; partial coverage may result in uneven performance.
- For older homes containing asbestos, apply asbestos encapsulant before laying down ¼” plywood and underlayment to mitigate risks.
- While underlayment isn’t essential for sheet vinyl, it can help with smoothing out imperfections in the subfloor.
For more information on underlayments or the products in our shop, contact First Atlanta Flooring and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
