Is Underlayment Required For Laminate Flooring

With many different underlayment options and flooring types available to the consumer we will list the benefits of underlayment and what to look for in underlayments.

Is underlayment required for laminate flooring.

Homeowners that are used to floorings such as hardwood tile or vinyl know that underlayment is not a necessary option above sub flooring. Laminate underlayment over a plywood subfloor when you are installing laminate flooring over osb or plywood subfloor you need a breathable foam underlayment. Mainly because they are thin and oftentimes made of fiberboard. It is a beneficial support system for the material you install above it.

However quite the opposite applies to laminate. 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. Laminate flooring is installed using a free float method where the flooring is not mounted to the sub floor. Underlayment is what allows the floor to float gives it stability support noise reduction and supports the locking systems in between planks to assure the sturdiest flooring project.

Both types of flooring are installed by a floated or free floating method meaning they are not actually attached to the sub floor. Underlayment for laminate flooring provides proper support stability noise reduction and helps the click lock system to provide a structurally sound floor. Its importance can t be overstated. The way laminate is constructed separates it from other flooring groups.

Laminate flooring is thin and is constructed of a type of fiberboard rather than solid hardwood or even plywood as with engineered wood flooring. Having proper underlayment will help protect your flooring from the climate and prevent warping due to expansion. Laminate flooring underlayment is essential for installation as it allows to laminate flooring to expand and contract properly on top of the subfloor. Since laminate is a floating floor it must be evenly distributed across your subfloor.

Underlayment is required for any installation of laminate flooring or engineered real wood flooring. Is laminate flooring underlayment important. In most cases when you are installing laminate over plywood the last thing you want is a vapor barrier type since wood naturally needs to breathe. The flooring is actually on top of the sub floor without the use of nails or fasteners.

Why laminate flooring needs underlayment. Some laminate flooring planks come with the underlayment attached to each plank. Underlayment is not optional. Because laminate flooring can be difficult to install on surfaces that are even the least bit imperfect underlayment is a recommended supplement.

Laminate is a wood product and will expand according to the climate of the room.