No, you should not use two layers of underlay under vinyl flooring. Stacking multiple layers of underlayment or padding makes the floor too soft and spongy. Under heavy foot traffic, this excess cushion puts intense stress on the vinyl's locking mechanisms, leading to joint separation, cracking, and a ruined floor.
Generally, no. You should not double up underlayment for laminate, vinyl, or hardwood floors. Stacking two layers of foam or felt makes the floor too soft and bouncy, which causes the locking joints to flex, bend, and eventually break. It can also void your flooring warranty.
15 Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Glue Down Vinyl Plank Flooring
In most cases, no. Adding a second layer of underlayment under luxury vinyl plank flooring that already has an attached pad creates too much cushion. That excess softness puts stress on the locking system and causes planks to separate over time. It can also void your manufacturer's warranty.
Most of the time, you shouldn't reuse old underlay. We recommend that you buy and fit new underlay at the same time as your new flooring. Old underlay can disintegrate as it ages, as well as harbour lots of dust and dirt.
Sometimes people read online or forums that a thick underlay or carpet can be too thick for the grippers or stairs, but this is usually a carpet fitters bad spread of word as thicker underlays can be harder for them to fit, so they don't like to recommend them.
A 12x12 room is 144 square feet. At an average cost of $2 to $8 per square foot, the cost to carpet a room this size usually falls between $288 and $1,152. This price includes the carpet, padding, and basic installation.
Thicker isn't always better when it comes to LVP underlayment. Many manufacturers specify a maximum thickness (often around 1.5mm–2mm) to ensure the floor's locking system remains tight and stable. Too much cushion can cause joint separation over time. 1mm–1.5mm: Best for floors with pre-attached padding.
Short answer: yes, mould can grow under vinyl flooring — but only when moisture gets trapped between the planks and the subfloor. Vinyl itself is non-porous, so the planks don't host mould.
In most cases, underlay isn't needed for vinyl or LVT flooring because it's built into the floor's design. However, there are some cases where an additional underlay might be a good idea to correct minor imperfections in the subfloor or to add extra insulation.
No, a floor does not have to be perfectly level for luxury vinyl plank (LVP), but it must be flat. While a floor can slope, it cannot have dips or high spots that cause the planks to flex and the locking mechanisms to break.
What are the most popular vinyl plank flooring colors in 2026? Light oak, greige, and soft brown tones continue to be favorites. These colors feel fresh and versatile, working well with neutral palettes, natural light, and the relaxed, airy look many homeowners are going for right now.
While Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is incredibly popular for being affordable, water-resistant, and DIY-friendly, it faces significant backlash, particularly from flooring contractors and interior purists. Common complaints include:
You should also always ensure that the underlay lies flat without any wrinkles or creases to keep the surface as level and flat as possible. Then, cut the underlay to size using a utility knife, leaving a slight gap (around 10mm) between the edge of the underlay and the wall.
Whether you can overlap underlayment depends entirely on the type of installation. For roofs, overlapping is required. For flooring, you generally never overlap underlayment, as doing so voids warranties and ruins the floor's stability.
Duct tape can be used for underlayment and benefits from advantages, such as the fact that it's cheap and readily available. On the other hand, there are several different specialised underlayment tapes available.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring typically lasts 15 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the planks, the thickness of the wear layer, and foot traffic.
Yes. Both dry and wet Swiffer mops are safe to use on vinyl plank, as long as you're using cleaning pads that don't leave behind residue. Just avoid soaking the floor.
Preparation Mistakes That Lead to LVP Installation Failure
Any uneven spots, old adhesive, or leftover debris from an existing floor can transfer through luxury vinyl or stress the locking system. The result is a floor that moves, clicks, or separates. Moisture conditions matter as well.
The best underlayment for vinyl plank flooring depends on whether your planks already have a pre-attached pad. For planks without an attached pad, a dense foam, cork, or rubber underlayment 1.5 mm or thinner is ideal. If your vinyl planks already include padding, adding extra underlayment is generally unnecessary and can void warranties.
6–12 mil wear layers are best for light residential use, guest rooms and low-traffic areas. 12–20 mil is ideal for busy homes with kids and pets, your everyday family use. 20+ mil is where you enter light commercial territory, rental properties, small shops, and offices.
1/2" plywood is too thin for most subfloor applications and will flex or sag, especially if joist spacing is 16 inches or more. This can lead to squeaky floors and structural issues. -> The minimum recommended is 5/8" plywood, but 3/4" is preferred for strength and long-term durability.
Per square foot, carpet installation prices typically range from $3 to $11 but can cost more. Generally, the bigger the room, the higher the final cost. For example, if you're carpeting a 2,000-square-foot space, you're looking at an average cost range of $6,000 to $22,000.
Not at all. In fact, carpet is making a major comeback in 2026. While hard surfaces like hardwood and LVP remain popular in open-concept spaces, interior designers are heavily utilizing carpet to add warmth, acoustic dampening, and custom textures to homes.