Does Pergo flooring need underlayment?

Author: Arlie Douglas  |  Last update: Saturday, September 6, 2025

Before installing your new Pergo laminate floor, be sure to select the right underlay. Underlays increase walking comfort, improve your room's acoustics, avoid creaking noises, supports the click system and protect floors from rising damp. They can be combined with underfloor heating or cooling too.

Should you put underlayment under Pergo?

No, no underlayment nor barrier is needed.

What happens if you don't put underlayment 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.

Does laminate flooring with attached padding still need underlayment?

Yes, even with attached padding, an additional underlayment can enhance moisture protection and sound insulation. While the attached padding provides minimal benefits, using a separate underlayment will improve the overall performance and longevity of your laminate flooring.

What flooring does not require underlayment?

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

Why You Need Underlayment For Your Floors

Do all floating floors need underlayment?

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.

Can you lay laminate flooring without underlay?

If you don't use an underlay, your beautiful laminate flooring will be prone to damage as well as wear and tear.

How do I know if I need underlayment for laminate flooring?

Underlayment is not optional. If your laminate planks don't have it already attached, we recommend that you buy rolls of underlayment on which to install your laminate floor.

Is Pergo gold a vapor barrier?

Pergo Gold is an acceptable vapor barrier when installed in accordance with the provided instructions.

Should you put underlayment under vinyl plank flooring with attached pad?

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.

What is the best thing to put under laminate flooring?

Standard foam underlayment: The most common form of laminate underlayment is this thin layer of cushioning foam material placed between plywood/OSB subfloors and laminate flooring.

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 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.

What happens if you don't put underlayment down?

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.

How thick is Pergo underlayment?

Ideal applications include basement floors, factory floors and agricultural building floors. All sheets are R5- 1 in. thick x 24 in. x 48 in with a vacuum applied mold vapor and mildew resistant film surface on the lower drainage plane side.

What should you not use on a Pergo floor?

Tip. Pergo laminate flooring must never be waxed, polished, sanded or refinished. Difficult spots like nail polish, markers, tar and cigarette burns can be removed with acetone or nail polish remover.

What's the difference between laminate and Pergo?

Pergo laminate floors are created to be tougher than most other laminate options. These incur minimum scratches and are also very much close to being waterproof. You get around 30 minutes window to clean up any spillage and maintain the finish.

Why does Pergo need underlayment?

Before installing your new Pergo laminate floor, be sure to select the right underlay. Underlays increase walking comfort, improve your room's acoustics, avoid creaking noises, supports the click system and protect floors from rising damp. They can be combined with underfloor heating or cooling too.

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 type of flooring requires underlayment?

Virtually any type of surface flooring you choose, excluding some types of vinyl flooring, requires an underlayment but the type, material, and purpose will vary with each type of flooring material.

What is the best laminate flooring?

10 Best Laminate Flooring Brands Reviewed for Quality, Design and Value
  • #1 Newton.
  • #2 Liberty Home.
  • #3 Mannington.
  • #4 TruCor.
  • #5 AquaGuard.
  • #6 Mohawk.
  • #7 TrafficMaster.
  • #8 StainMaster.

Can you use carpet as an underlay?

If your carpet is low-pile and is generally flat and in good condition, your laminate can be properly installed on top of the existing floors. It is important to remember that a high quality underlayment will still better serve your flooring than low-pile carpet overall.

Can you put laminate directly on subfloor?

A floating floor (laminate or locking hardwood) shouldn't be installed over a wood subfloor that's adhered to a concrete slab. Check the moisture level of the subflooring using a moisture meter. Compare the results against the manufacturer's specifications for moisture limits.

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