Underlayment Thickness You may hear that a good rule of thumb is to install vinyl over 1-1.5mm underlayment or cork.
The short answer would be no, but there are a few exceptions where underlay may be necessary. Generally speaking, the design of vinyl flooring prevents any need for underlay. This is because vinyl flooring comes with a base layer that already acts as an underlay, removing the need for any additional flooring aids.
The best thing about fitting vinyl flooring is that it doesn't need underlay; instead, you spray adhesive around the edges of the vinyl (loose lay) or use spread adhesive on the subfloor itself (fully stuck) to fix it into place.
Carpet underlay is usually much thicker than laminate underlay. It's usually around 10mm thick, whereas laminate underlay is usually around 3mm thick. If you install laminate on top of a carpet underlay, the floor will be too bouncy and spongy, which can damage the locking system and provide an uncomfortable feel.
For the best results, only install vinyl flooring over a low-pile carpet. It's also best to avoid carpet that's padded. In some cases, carpet with a light padding may work. Carpet that is too thick or too heavily padded won't provide a firm enough surface to serve as the base for your vinyl flooring.
Most modern vinyl flooring comes with an attached underlayment or pad, often with a built-in moisture barrier—unless the pad is cork. If the vinyl flooring product you choose doesn't have an attached underlayment, you can almost always install directly over the subfloor without one.
You may think the carpet itself is more important, but carpet underlay is just as important as the carpet itself. It's easy to forget about because it's not visible after installation, but it actually plays an essential role throughout your carpet's life.
For vinyl floors, you do not need any sort of underlay.
At SelecTech, we're often asked if our floating floors can be installed over carpet. While there are several considerations, the short answer is yes! Ideal for many situations, installing interlocking flooring from FreeStyle proves to be an effective, time-saving, money-saving way to update your space.
“The best underlayment to use for vinyl flooring is Whisper Step. The reason we sell so much of it and recommend it is that it is basically universal – you can put it under floating floors, nail-down floors, or glue-down floors; vinyl, laminate, engineered wood or solid wood.
What do you put down before vinyl flooring? As discussed in this guide, it's important to create a completely flat and level surface before laying vinyl flooring. In most cases, this means adding a layer of thin plywood on top of your floorboards, secured with small tack nails.
A flat and level floor is key so that the adjoining vinyl plank flooring doesn't have varying heights. It is absolutely essential that the subfloor is completely level.
That's why we always recommend vinyl flooring underlay for use with vinyl flooring and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT). Specifically designed for this purpose, it creates the best possible results.
Rigid Vinyl Plank Flooring
SPC Floors: These rigid floors often work best with softer underlayments made of foam, felt, or cork. These materials provide cushioning and help absorb sound, enhancing the floor's performance.
If vinyl plank is a style of vinyl flooring over carpet you would consider, some thicker products are suitable for installation over low pile carpet with no pad. It's best to check with individual manufacturers first, before making the time or financial investment.
Underlayment is usually made of thin materials such as foam, cork, felt, or even rubber. Underlayment provides a smooth, level surface for when installing your final flooring. It serves several other functions, including sound deadening and softening the feel of the floor underfoot.
Nonetheless, the great question is, can you use carpet underlay under vinyl flooring? As carpet underlays are generally thicker than what is needed, reaching up to 10 mm in thickness, it would not be advisable to install vinyl over it. Having this thick underlay under the vinyl will make the flooring unstable.
It may seem wasteful to spend hard-earned cash on something that won't even be seen. But no matter how small your budget, don't be tempted to pass on the underlay. Yes, it's a hidden layer, but it offers many useful benefits. Without it, you will notice a big difference in the final look and feel of your carpet.
Underlay can last anywhere between 5 and 20 years. Foam and Felt underlay can last up to 8-12 years. However, if foam underlay isn't properly installed or maintained, it lasts only 5 years. Acoustic and rubber underlay have the longest lifespan, lasting 10-20 years.
Ball & Young supply underlay from 3mm all the way through to 11mm; the thicker the product, the more travel of compression there is, which makes the product feel more comfortable and gives better heat insulation.
The first thing you need to know is that vinyl flooring cannot be installed onto think carpet. Viny sheeting needs a firm floor to set on so it can hold itself in place. If your carpet is too thick, it will act like a sponge and be too soft for the vinyl to actually connect and hold itself in place.
You can lay interlocking foam tiles, area rugs, or vinyl planks over your existing carpet. These options are non-permanent, easy to clean, and won't damage the carpet.
Materials for Luxury Carpet
Wool Carpet: Natural wool fibers are the epitome of luxury in the carpet world. Wool carpets offer unparalleled comfort underfoot with their softness and warmth. They are not only cozy but also incredibly resilient, making them a top choice for luxury carpets.