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.
Thickness
But as a general rule, the thicker it is, the better. Those around the 3-5mm mark are a great budget-friendly option and they will make a difference to the look and feel of your laminate. But they don't offer the same performance as a thicker underlay.
Choosing a thick (10mm+) underlay for your stairs is not a good idea as it can pose a trip hazard. Moreover, thicker carpet underlays tend to compress slightly with heavy use, which can lead to irregular wear and unsightly lumps, particularly in frequently trodden areas.
Fibreboard underlay
It helps smooth uneven floors, reduces noise and acts as an excellent thermal insulator. Not to mention, it's also the number one choice of underlay for laminate and wooden floors. If you have an uneven subfloor, the fibreboard will help even any dips and dents you can't level out.
Our 2mm Foam Laminate and Wood Flooring Underlay is our low cost underlay which is suitable for all types of wood and laminate flooring. It is also suitable for use on wooden and concrete subfloors.
Carpet underlay is usually much thicker than laminate underlay. It's usually around 10mm thick, whereas laminate underlay is usually around 3mm thick. If you install laminate on top of a carpet underlay, the floor will be too bouncy and spongy, which can damage the locking system and provide an uncomfortable feel.
For laminate flooring, opting for underlayment is typically encouraged. After all, you really do get several benefits from using the specialized padding.
The main purpose of carpet underlay is to enhance underfoot comfort and improve insulation. Therefore, as a general rule of thumb – the thicker it is, the better.
High-density foam is the best choice for laminate flooring. Foam protects these floors by expanding and contracting with them. To add to this, foam is long-lasting, provides a level subfloor and reduces sound transfer.
The underlay should be laid foil side down (essential to ensure maximum resistance to moisture from the subfloor) allowing a 5cm excess of underlay to run up the perimeter wall. Each roll of underlay should be closely butted-up.
With that being said, most underlayments are 2-3mm thick, but are sometimes thicker for carpet or to smooth out an uneven subfloor. It's often advertised that 6mm underlayment offers double the sound absorption as 3mm underlayment.
No subfloor is perfectly level, but any signs of unevenness and high or low spots must be remedied. Please follow these requirements: Subfloor unevenness cannot be greater than 3/16 of an inch over a 10-foot span or 1/8 inch over a 6-foot span. Subfloors must not slope more than ½ inch per 6 feet (25 mm per 1.8 m)
If unprotected, moisture can build up underneath your laminate flooring and cause warping of the planks.
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.
A first option to counter the coolness of laminate flooring is the installation of a quality underlay. It's important to note that we are not talking about paint or a liquid coating, but rather a solid membrane often sold in rolls that is deployed under the laminate floor.
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.
Fibreboard underlayment has the added benefit of offering extra insulation and soundproofing so is ideal for areas that see a lot of traffic in your home. We hope this guide has helped you work out what kind of underlayment you will need for your new laminate floors.
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.
What's the best material to fill gaps in laminate flooring? We recommend using high-quality silicone caulk made specifically for laminate floors. Avoid using wood fillers or generic caulks, as they may not adhere properly.
If you buy a more expensive carpet, for example wool, that is designed to be durable and last for many years, then you should try to invest in a higher quality underlay. Of course, that's if the budget allows.
Ball & Young supply underlay from 3mm all the way through to 11mm; the thicker the product, the more travel of compression there is, which makes the product feel more comfortable and gives better heat insulation.
Never use a floor buffer or polisher while cleaning laminate wood flooring. Don't use abrasive or acidic cleaners. Harsh cleaners might strip the protective coating from the floor. Don't use steel wool or scouring powder.
Your Floor Needs Moisture Protection
Underlay can help with moisture damage control. If you have wood, cement, concrete, or other cold subfloors, you'll need a damp proof membrane. So, an underlayment with a vapour barrier can protect your laminate flooring against moisture damage.
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.