Do you need foam under laminate?

Author: Ebba Blick V  |  Last update: Friday, July 11, 2025

If you want to get the best performance and long-lasting quality from your laminate floor, you need to install it with an underlay. And more importantly, it needs to be the right type of laminate flooring underlay.

What happens if you don't put foam 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.

Do you need insulation under laminate?

Another benefit of underlayment for laminate flooring is insulation. Typically, laminate contributes to a cold floor surface, which is only made worse by a cold floor surface. But the underlay offers some insulation. This insulation is especially crucial if you haven't installed underfloor heating.

Do you need foam under vinyl plank flooring?

Vinyl and PVC do not need moisture protection. And you shouldn't use padding to even out your subfloor as that will allow the floor seams to move more, you should level mechanically or with a compound.

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.

Do I Need Pad Under My Vinyl Plank? and 4 Other COMMON ?'s Answered

Do I need padding under laminate?

If you want to get the best performance and long-lasting quality from your laminate floor, you need to install it with an underlay. And more importantly, it needs to be the right type of laminate flooring underlay.

Is foam required for laminate over linoleum?

Linoleum: Yes, provided the surface is flat and level (per our subfloor specifications) and the condition of the floor is good. You must use padding. LVT Floor (tiles or planks): Yes. The surface must be flat and level (per our subfloor specifications) and the condition of the floor good.

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 flooring does not require underlayment?

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

Does vinyl flooring with attached padding still need underlayment?

If your planks already have a pad-attached underlayment, you most likely won't need an underlayment. However, if your flooring manufacturers installation instructions allow for an extra underlayment, adding an extra underlayment will provide improved sound reduction, insulation, and moisture protection.

Is foam underlay good for laminate flooring?

If you're looking for an affordable underlay to fit under a wood or laminate floor, foam underlay is the way to go. It's comfortable to walk on, provides cushioning underfoot, absorbs sound and does a great job of keeping your room warm.

Where should you not put laminate flooring?

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.

Can you put foam board under laminate flooring?

Foam board insulation is a better choice for under laminate floor insulation. It's thinner and more compact than fiberglass batts, which makes it an acceptable option for laminate flooring.

Do you need to put insulation under laminate flooring?

Yes, insulation under laminate flooring improves thermal efficiency, soundproofing, and moisture protection.

What is the best underlayment for vinyl plank flooring?

Rubber. As an underlayment choice for vinyl flooring, rubber is considered to be the best, excelling in sound absorption, thermal insulation, and protecting against water-related woes.

What happens if you don t put padding under laminate flooring?

Separate Underlayment. 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.

What is the best thing to put under laminate flooring?

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.

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.

Do I need a vapor barrier under laminate flooring?

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.

Is cork or foam backing better for vinyl plank flooring?

Cork underlayments have shown to have a clearly superior performance when compared to the 100% foam-based solution, maintaining their characteristics.

What happens if no vapor barrier is installed?

“For minor projects, the absence of a vapor barrier leads to water intrusion, leading to an unstable foundation or a cracked slab.” The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) outlines national standards for underslab vapor barriers.

Should I put foam under vinyl plank flooring?

The choice of underlayment for your vinyl plank flooring ultimately depends on your specific needs and the conditions of your space. However, experts often recommend foam or felt underlayment for their sound reduction, protection from moisture, and insulation properties.

Can I install underlayment under laminate with attached padding?

There are some other noticeable benefits to adding a premium underlayment to an attached pad flooring installation. Premium underlayments can also add warmth to the flooring system and level out minor imperfections in the subfloor.

Can you install laminate flooring over OSB?

Laminate floors can be installed directly over concrete, plywood, OSB, parquet, vinyl and tile.

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