Depending on your finished flooring, you typically don't need anything between a wood subfloor and a wood underlayment (like plywood or Luan). However, you can add specific materials depending on your goals:
In 2026, flooring trends revolve around warmth and natural textures, with cool, flat grays officially on their way out. The most popular colors include:
A decoupling or slip sheet can be roofing felt (also called tar paper) or red rosin paper. You put it between a wood finished floor and the underlayment. You do not have to put it between the subfloor (structural wood screwed into joists) and underlayment (wood sheet on top of subfloor to prep for finish floor).
The "Rule of 3" in flooring is a design principle that recommends using no more than three distinct flooring materials or color variations throughout your entire home. Limiting your design to three elements creates visual cohesion, prevents a chopped-up layout, and ensures smooth, intentional transitions from room to room.
It serves multiple purposes, the biggest of which is moisture protection. The underlayment acts as a barrier between your subfloor and hardwood, potentially saving your investment from damage caused by moisture. This is particularly important in humid climates or homes with moisture-emitting concrete subfloors.
When Underlayment is Not Necessary for Laminate Flooring
If you're gluing the new flooring to the subfloor, use a sander to remove paint, oil, wax, adhesives, sealers or other material and then thoroughly vacuum off dust and debris. Nail-down or floating floors may be installed over existing vinyl as long as it's no more than two layers thick.
The Top 10 Flooring Mistakes to Avoid
The 3-5-7 rule is a design principle that dictates grouping decorative objects, furniture, or art in odd numbers (specifically 3, 5, or 7). It breaks rigid, perfectly symmetrical pairings to create natural, eye-catching visual movement.
100% waterproof flooring—typically made of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), SPC (Stone Polymer Composite), or waterproof laminate—is highly stain-resistant, pet-proof, and safe for moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Prices generally range from $1.50 to $7.00+ per square foot depending on the wear layer and underlayment.
Yes, you can put Kilz on a plywood subfloor. It is highly recommended for sealing in stubborn odors (like pet urine or smoke) and blocking water stains before installing new carpet, laminate, or hardwood.
Many people wonder, “Is tar paper waterproof?” Not all types of roofing tar paper are 100% waterproof, but they are usually water resistant.
Floor squeaks can be caused by movement between Underlayment and subfloor panels or by the Underlayment sliding on the fastener. Avoid gluing the Underlayment to the subfloor with construction adhesives, which could develop installation or stain- ing problems with certain types of resilient sheet flooring products.
Gray-toned hardwood and laminate. Wide plank farmhouse-style wood. Painted floorboards. Artificial or fake-looking wood.
Dark Flooring
Dark-stained floors create a dramatic backdrop that allows furniture to stand out against the rich, velvety darkness. Additionally, the dark color absorbs and reflects light, adding depth and visual interest to the space throughout the home.
In the end, the best choice depends on the unique proportions of your home, the amount of natural light, and the atmosphere you want to create. Whether you choose dark floors to ground your space or lighter floors to lift it, color balance between walls and floors can completely transform how your home feels.
Here's what can make a home look cheap, according to designers:
In interior design, the three foundational elements of any successful space are often referred to as the Three F's: Floor Plan, Finishes, and Fixtures. These elements work together to ensure a space is functional, visually cohesive, and beautifully tailored to its purpose.
The rule asks you to “think about the two feet of space in the room you're in right now that gets used the most” and decide how to clear, edit, and reset it so the essentials are visible and within reach.
The wrong flooring choice can make a room look off and cause maintenance and cleaning issues. Designers say one of the worst flooring options is luxury vinyl planking for its upkeep and poor quality. Other flooring choices to avoid include mosaic tile, dark wood floors, and shiny wood flooring.
4 Ways NOT To Clean Your Wood Floors
Houses generally sell better with hardwood floors. They offer a much stronger return on investment (often 70%–80%), can increase a home's overall value by 2% to 5%, and are actively filtered for by buyers.
Wooden flooring – a fresh take on natural beauty
The year 2026 marks a time when wood regains its true power. Naturalness becomes the central theme in interior design, and wood tones – particularly warm, honey-coloured shades – will reign supreme in modern spaces.
Underlayment is a thin layer placed between the subfloor and the flooring material. When installing new flooring, the underlayment is often overlooked.
Timeless wood colors are natural, organic hues that bridge the gap between warm and cool without relying on passing fads. The most classic choices are pale, natural wood and mid-tone browns. These choices highlight natural grain patterns and adapt easily to changing furniture and decor styles.