What underlay for laminate on tiles?

Author: Mr. Corbin Stoltenberg V  |  Last update: Sunday, January 25, 2026

With a plywood subfloor, a foam underlay is the most common choice for laminate flooring. However, cork can also be used. Cork is an expensive material, but it provides more cushioning and has natural antimicrobial properties.

Do you need underlay for laminate flooring on tiles?

What type of underlayment should I use when installing laminate over tile? A foam or cork underlayment is typically recommended because it can help smooth out minor imperfections and provides sound dampening and insulation. Always check the laminate manufacturer's recommendations for underlayment.

Can I lay laminate on top of tiles?

Can you put laminate over a tiled floor? It's possible to place laminate over tile, provided that the surface is solid and without any breaks or loosened sections. You need to use a moisture barrier and ensure there is enough clearance around the edges of your room for an expansion gap between flooring materials.

What do you put between laminate and tile?

Floor tile transition tips

Think differently – Instead of a standard threshold strip between tile and laminate, choose shaped tiles to blend the transition. From hexagons to rectangles and mosaics, there are many interesting shapes to choose from.

What is the best underlayment for laminate flooring in a bathroom?

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.

Why You Need Underlayment For Your Floors

What is the best underlayment for a tile bathroom floor?

Now largely regarded as the very best underlayment for ceramic tile in any application—floors, walls, and countertops—cement-based backer board goes by many names.

What underlay for bathroom laminate?

Fibreboard underlay

If you're wondering what's the best underlay for laminate or wood flooring, Fibreboard is a brilliant choice. 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.

Will laminate stick to tile?

The short answer is yes, you can put laminate flooring over tile.

What do you put between floor boards and tiles?

Before tiling on top of floorboards, you will need to determine whether you need to strengthen the substrate dependant on the amount of movement and deflection that exisits. You can do this either by covering with a 10mm layer of weberfloor flex, 6mm tile backer board, or 15mm plywood.

Does laminate flooring need transitions between rooms?

Creating a seamless and attractive transition between rooms is a crucial aspect of installing laminate flooring. Not only does it enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home, but it also ensures a smooth and safe passage from one space to another.

Can you put laminate on top of ceramic?

Fortunately, the answer to the question is yes. There are many concerns about placing laminate over other flooring, so the question is valid. Removing a ceramic tile floor is hard work. Chipping away old tiles and mortar is extremely time consuming and labor intensive.

Can you put laminate over shower tile?

Laminate panels may not offer as much design customization, but they are easy to clean, don't require grouting, and can be fitted directly over your existing tile (versus having to remove outdated tile before installing new tile). You will be happy with whichever option you choose for your shower!

Do you need a vapor barrier for laminate flooring?

Vapor barriers and laminate flooring underlayment

If your installation is over concrete, we recommend a 6-mil-poly vapor barrier – even if the underlayment you are installing already has a vapor barrier attached.

What thickness underlay is best for laminate flooring?

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.

How can I cover my tile floor without removing it?

Use Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl planks are easy to install over existing tiles because they simply need a flat surface to cling to. Old, clean tiles will do just as well as the underside of your flooring. Vinyl flooring has several unique benefits, the primary one being durability.

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.

Can you lay floor boards on tiles?

Since a lot of homes are tiled throughout, many renovators are faced with wondering whether laying hardwood over tiled floors is an option. The short answer is yes it is!

What board to use under floor tiles?

Cement backer board (also called cement board), is probably the most commonly used backer board for use in ceramic and porcelain tile installations.

How do you transition between tile and wood flooring?

The easiest way to create a transition between different flooring materials is to with a straight edge. You can use metal edging strips, tile strips or wood to create the border between the tiles and wood or laminate. This is the easiest solution if the floor surfaces are uneven.

Is it a good idea to put vinyl flooring over tile?

Luxury vinyl flooring is a great option for covering existing tiles due to its durability, easy maintenance, and cost-effectiveness. Durability is one of the key benefits of luxury vinyl flooring. It's made from multiple layers that are fused together in a process called lamination.

What type of flooring can I put over ceramic tile?

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is an excellent flooring option to install over ceramic tile. It's a highly durable and water-resistant flooring option, making it a perfect fit for areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

Can you put laminate flooring in a bathroom?

Yes, laminate is highly durable and water-resistant. However, it's not waterproof so you still need to take care to prevent to water damage. For instance, spills need to be cleaned up straight away to avoid liquids seeping into the locking system and causing your laminate floors to buckle and warp.

What do you put under laminate flooring in a bathroom?

What Do You Put Under Laminate Flooring in a Bathroom? To enhance the water resistance of your bathroom flooring, use: A vapor barrier underlayment. Silicone sealant around edges and near fixtures to prevent water ingress.

Can you use 2 layers of underlay under laminate flooring?

Remember that your underlay needs to be as smooth as possible. So, never put two layers on top of each other: this will create unevenness. Immediately secure the first sheets of underlay with a laminate board and work towards the wall.

Should laminate flooring underlay be foil up or down?

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.

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