Do you always need underlay?

Author: Dr. Layla Prohaska Sr.  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 2, 2025

The answer ultimately depends on the type of carpet you intend to install. Carpets with felt, rubber felt or foam backings don't strictly require underlay because they have their own built-in protective layer, which doubles as a (very) thin layer of underlay.

Do you really need underlayment?

In most cases, underlayment offers multiple benefits such as added comfort, sound reduction, and moisture protection. While some flooring types like tile or engineered hardwood might not always require it, underlayment is often a good investment to ensure the best performance and longevity of your floors.

Can you lay flooring without underlay?

Laminate flooring manufacturers typically recommend an underlayment. What happens if you don't put padding under laminate flooring is moisture coming through the subfloor can cause it to warp and mildew. And footsteps on the floor will be louder.

Is carpet ok without underlay?

In general, carpets without underlay have a much shorter lifespan and are more at risk of rapid wear and tear.

Does all flooring need underlay?

Flooring underlayment is not always necessary, primarily when you are using a flooring that has its own underlayment padding such as . But underlayment can help with a wide variety of issues, such as sound control in a cement floor application or cold floors in a basement for example.

Why You Need Underlayment For Your Floors

What happens if you don't use underlay?

It smooths out the subfloor

If you have areas in your subfloor that are bumpy, uneven or rough, laying carpet directly on it will lead to uneven wear and significantly shorten its lifespan. By installing underlay first you negate a lot of these imperfections, keeping your carpet looking its best for longer.

What flooring does not require underlayment?

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

Do modern carpets need underlay?

Yes, underlay for carpet is typically necessary as it enhances comfort, extends carpet life, and improves thermal insulation and soundproofing.

What happens if you don't put padding under carpet?

A carpet is essentially just fiber woven together. Without padding, the backing will break. Once this happens, the carpet starts to age.

Can I use my old carpet as underlay?

His answer has always been, and will always be, ABSOLUTELY NOT! Underlay has properties which make it perfect for laying underneath the carpet, and normal carpet does not have these properties. Firstly, the installation may fail as the gripper rods can't grip through the old carpet as well as the new.

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

If unprotected, moisture can build up underneath your laminate flooring and cause warping of the planks.

Can I put flooring directly on subfloor?

Most modern vinyl flooring, such as Happy Feet, comes with an attached underlayment or pad, often with a moisture barrier built-in – unless the pad is cork. If the product you choose doesn't have an attached underlayment, you can almost always install directly over the subfloor without one.

Does real wood flooring need underlay?

Underlays are useful for stability, insulation, sound reduction, and moisture protection. Underlay is commonly used for floating wood floors. Fixed floors do not usually incorporate an underlay as they are fixed directly to the subfloor.

Can I skip underlayment?

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.

Does luxury vinyl plank need underlayment?

Underlayment is not required if the vinyl flooring will be laid over a cushion-backed vinyl floor or a tile floor below grade. In all other applications, however, you should use one, such as covering existing hardwood floors, vinyl flooring without cushion, and concrete floors.

What happens if you install laminate flooring without underlayment?

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.

Is a 10 lb carpet pad worth it?

The lighter density pad, 4 or 6lb will be cushy but not withstand traffic for years to come. And on the opposite spectrum, a 10lb will be durable but is very firm underfoot. The 8lb, 7/16” rebond pad is our most popular pad. It is a fantastic value, performs well and is very comfortable!

Does carpet padding ruin hardwood floors?

True, most rug pad options can grip your area rug and prevent it from sliding on hardwood floors, but a cheap one can scratch your floors, create some ugly marks, and eventually stop working. A wrong rug pad can also discolor wood or tile floors.

Can I lay carpet without padding?

Yes. Think of it as asphalt for your carpet installation. Without asphalt, your car would drive over an unpaved road?with dust, potholes, and mud.

Is expensive carpet underlay worth it?

Good quality underlay will prevent premature wearing and keep your floor looking new for longer. As the underlay acts as a shock absorber, your flooring or carpet will sit better and take more wear. The best type of carpet underlay will reduce your energy bills as it will keep the heat in your room.

Can I lay carpet without underlay?

The type of fabric used on the bottom of the carpet strongly influences the need for a carpet underlay. If your carpet has a textile or latex backing , then an underlay is necessary in order to avoid uneven surfaces. Does your carpet have a felt or foam backing? Then there's no reason to consider a carpet underlay.

Do you really need padding under carpet?

Protecting Your Carpet—on Both Sides

It also protects the top layer of your carpet from furniture indentations and the wear and tear of foot traffic. Without a carpet cushion or padding underneath your carpet, you'll end up with a frayed and worn carpet—on both sides. And you will need to replace it much sooner.

Is underlay necessary?

Typically, carpets installed without a new underlay tend to have a shorter lifespan and are more susceptible to accelerated wear. Your old underlay will not be in the best condition and therefore won't provide the support and comfort needed for your new investment.

Does the Stainmaster LVP need underlayment?

All Stainmaster luxury vinyl needs underlayment, which isn't a big deal: most floors do. That said, Stainmaster is super picky about the kind of underlayment you use.

Do all floors have underlayment?

Now let's throw a curveball here – laminate is the only floor covering that uses an underlayment. And most other floor covers, besides hardwood and ceramic, have padding glued on the underside of the planks or tiles.

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