We would recommend an underlay of 3 – 5mm for laminate flooring. It should be at least 3mm thick to provide comfort and ground levelling properties. But, it should be no more than 5mm thick. If it's any thicker, you could experience problems with the laminate's locking system.
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.
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.
Before you lay laminate flooring, you need to make sure that the subfloor is level. If the subfloor is uneven, the laminate boards will not lie flat, resulting in gaps and bumps. The good news is that it is possible to level an uneven subfloor before installing laminate flooring.
Without a proper subfloor, even the highest quality hardwood flooring can develop problems like squeaking, sagging, or warping over time. Think of it as the backbone of your flooring system – while it may not be visible, its role is absolutely vital for long-term performance.
We would recommend an underlay of 3 – 5mm for laminate flooring. It should be at least 3mm thick to provide comfort and ground levelling properties. But, it should be no more than 5mm thick. If it's any thicker, you could experience problems with the laminate's locking system.
R502.
Subflooring shall be a minimum of utility grade lumber, No. 4 common grade boards or wood structural panels as specified in Section R503. 2. Fireblocking shall be of any grade lumber.
There are a number of different underlays suitable for use with laminate flooring. If you're laying onto a wooden sub-floor then fibreboard underlay is very popular as it provides excellent heat insulation.
When laminate flooring is continuously exposed to moisture rising from below, it swells and suffers irreparable damage. A vapour barrier is an effective way to protect your floor.
Although laminate flooring is great for use in all kinds of areas of your home, its one flaw is that it's not great when it comes to moisture. To avoid warping, discoloration, and bubbling, avoid installing laminate flooring in rooms that regularly see a lot of moisture such as bathrooms, kitchens, or utility rooms.
Underlayment Not Required - Laminate Wood Flooring - The Home Depot.
For concrete sub-floors, lay a damp-proof membrane to protect it from moisture. Laying underlay beneath the laminate flooring can help with acoustic and thermal insulation. Lay this the opposite way to your flooring.
Subfloor Material
Therefore, because concrete is porous, it's a good idea to install a vapor barrier over your concrete subfloor before installing your flooring. This way you can stop the vapor drive of water upward to your floors, protecting them from any damage (source).
Underlayment is necessary to provide a moisture protection, sound insulation, and a smoother surface for the laminate. Installing laminate directly on the subfloor can lead to noise issues, discomfort, and potential damage from moisture.
Underlayment does two things that are critical to a successful laminate flooring installation:1. Underlayment takes out any minor deviations in the subfloor. 2. Underlayment delivers superior acoustical performance.
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.
Plywood: Yes.
Plywood is most-often used as a subfloor in construction. As with all subfloors, it must meet laminate installation specifications.
Moisture Protection
For below-grade installations on a concrete subfloor, a vapor barrier is a necessity. Concrete subfloors are porous, which means the concrete subfloor will emit moisture over time. If unprotected, moisture can build up underneath your laminate flooring and cause warping of the planks.
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.
wait for the floor to cure
Before you use your new floor or move into the room, make sure the floor is completely cured. Do not walk on the floor for 24 hours after installation. If you do, it will damage the installation, resulting in an uneven floor.
Popular laminate flooring colors in 2025 are warm, earthy, or neutral colors. Natural wood, white oak, golden brown, and greige are some of the most trending. Dark wood flooring is also popular in homes reclaiming a bold aesthetic, with homeowners pairing the floor with block wall colors and vibrant furnishings.
The subfloor must be level before installing laminate flooring. If the subfloor is leveled, the laminate planks will not lay properly, causing uneven and unsightly floors. If the subfloor is not level, you can use a self-leveling compound to level it out.
Plywood is considered the most popular material used for subflooring, it has been used since the 1950s and remains one of the top choices for contractors. Standard plywood works perfectly fine as a subflooring material, but the best option is ¾” tongue-and-groove plywood subflooring.
The minimum thickness of plywood for subflooring is about 5/8 inch. Since it does not hold fasteners as well as plywood, OSB must be a little thicker, or at least 23/32 inch. There are several factors that determine what subfloor thickness is optimal for added benefits like insulation.