Can you install laminate flooring without underlayment?

Author: Camren Zulauf  |  Last update: Saturday, June 7, 2025

Some laminate flooring planks come with the underlayment attached to each plank. Underlayment is not optional. If your laminate planks don't have it already attached, we recommend that you buy rolls of underlayment on which to install your laminate floor.

What happens if you don't put underlayment under laminate flooring?

Without underlayment to add a layer between these damp subfloors and the surface flooring, your laminate can quickly become wet, warped, and mildewy, harming its overall integrity. Moisture over time can also break down floor adhesive which causes the floor to start warping.

Can you lay laminate floor without underlay?

Laminate is a popular flooring option for many people. It's attractive, easy to clean and easy to maintain. It can be a durable flooring solution too if it's installed properly. If you want to get the best performance and long-lasting quality from your laminate floor, you need to install it with an underlay.

Can you put laminate directly on a subfloor?

Laminate flooring is designed to be a floating floor that may be installed over virtually any type of sub floor. And by “floating”, we mean that it doesn't need to be nailed or glued to the sub floor.

What else can I use as underlayment for laminate flooring?

Polyethylene foam: Polyethylene (PE) foam is one of the most common underlayment materials for laminate flooring. PE Foam underlayments generally do not provide top-tier acoustic performance and moisture protection like an XLPP Foam underlayment, but PE Foam is often a more affordable alternative.

HOW TO - Installing LVP without underlayment

Does laminate flooring with attached padding still need underlayment?

Yes, even with attached padding, an additional underlayment can enhance moisture protection and sound insulation. While the attached padding provides minimal benefits, using a separate underlayment will improve the overall performance and longevity of your laminate flooring.

What is an alternative to laminate floor underlay?

Alternative Underlay Options for Laminate Flooring

When considering underlay options for laminate flooring, alternatives such as foam, cork, rubber, and felt underlay can offer different benefits in terms of moisture resistance, soundproofing, and durability.

Do I need a moisture barrier under laminate?

No matter which underlayment you choose, if you are installing on a moisture prone subfloor or concrete subfloor, you really need a moisture barrier underlayment.

Does laminate flooring need underlayment on plywood?

Wood naturally absorbs and emits moisture as the seasons and temperatures change, and blocking the exchange of moisture with the air can cause your plywood to become waterlogged, leading to mould or mildew or even buckling. With a plywood subfloor, a foam underlay is the most common choice for laminate flooring.

Can you install laminate flooring over an OSB subfloor?

OSB floor: Yes.

Is underlayment necessary?

Even so, underlayment can only improve the overall quality of your floor—offering added stability, noise reduction, moisture protection, and comfort. So, while it might not be strictly necessary, we recommend using it if your budget allows.

What flooring does not require underlayment?

Underlayment Not Required - Laminate Wood Flooring - The Home Depot.

What needs to be installed under laminate flooring?

uneven floors, use a foam underlayment as the base for your laminate planks. If you determine you need to level the floor, sand the floor and apply a patching compound. If you are installing the flooring below grade or in a room with high humidity or moisture, install a vapor barrier first.

Can you lay laminate without underlay?

The sub-floor beneath should be smooth, dry and level. And before the flooring goes down, you'll need to lay underlay as this will make the flooring easier to fit, help it to last longer and will improve sound and heat insulation.

What happens if you don t use spacers when installing laminate flooring?

Many problems may occur if spacers are not used when installing laminate flooring. For example, the flooring could first compress, buckle, or warp, giving it an uneven or distorted appearance. The walls or baseboards may be harmed if the flooring pushes up against them as it expands.

Do all floating floors need underlayment?

The answer will vary depending on the material used for the floor and the way that the boards are constructed, but, as a general rule, both Laminate and Engineered Timber floating floors do need some form of underlay to have optimal functionality and longevity.

Can you put laminate directly on subfloor?

A floating floor (laminate or locking hardwood) shouldn't be installed over a wood subfloor that's adhered to a concrete slab. Check the moisture level of the subflooring using a moisture meter. Compare the results against the manufacturer's specifications for moisture limits.

Can you use plywood instead of underlayment?

Yes, there are different types of plywood underlayment, including: Premium sanded: Because the surface is sanded, it provides for an even and smooth surface. Both RoyOMartin's SmartCore AC Plywood and SmartCore BC Plywood meets underlayment requirements.

What can be used as underlayment for laminate flooring?

Underlayment for laminate flooring can come in different materials like foam, cork, felt, and rubber. Foam is usually a cheaper option, while rubber and felt are often a more premium option.

What happens if moisture gets under laminate flooring?

If water gets under laminate flooring, it can cause the planks to swell, warp, or lift. In severe cases, the flooring may need to be replaced to prevent further damage.

What happens if you don't put a moisture barrier under vinyl flooring?

When moisture penetrates your flooring, it can cause mold, mildew, and the potential for water damage. A moisture barrier helps control the water vapor's movement to help protect your floors. Therefore, if you're installing floors in an area that sees moisture, even a little, a vapor barrier is needed.

What kind of plywood do you use under laminate flooring?

6mm Plywood is the ideal way to ensure uneven floorboards are level and suitable for the installation of vinyl as well as laminate/wood flooring.

What is a cheap alternative to laminate?

Vinyl flooring, particularly luxury vinyl tile (LVT), is a cost-effective alternative to laminate flooring that offers excellent water resistance and is easy to clean, making it an ideal choice for homes with children or pets, or where high traffic demands durable flooring.

Can I lay laminate flooring over hardwood flooring without underlayment?

If you are installing laminate flooring to avoid tearing out an existing hardwood floor, underlayment will help protect the hardwood beneath it from moisture and scratches. You should put down a good underlayment if you ever intend to refinish the old, valuable wood.

Can I use cardboard as underlayment?

A good floor underlayment of this type is cork or a corrugated cardboard. Cork underlayment is resistant to moisture, fungi, mold and mechanical damage.

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