What Is Flooring Underlayment? Buyers Guide & Reviews

Laminate flooring requires a layer of underlayment before it can be installed. Selecting an underlayment necessitates careful consideration of numerous variables. Before purchasing laminate flooring underlayment, learn more about what you need to know.

What Is Flooring Underlayment?

A polyethylene or polypropylene foam pad is applied on top of the subfloor before the laminate is installed. Underlayment is required for most laminate floors on the market today. A distinctive feature offered by a few manufacturers is a floor that already has an underlayment connected.

Why is Flooring Underlayment Necessary?

Because laminate cannot be nailed or glued down, a cushion must be placed between the subfloor and the laminate to prevent it from moving around. Think of it as a jigsaw puzzle that grows and shifts with the climate. The underlayment must be installed first to provide the laminate with a smooth surface on which to float in order to prevent any harm from friction between the laminate and your sub-floor.

Which Underlayment Should I Use?

Laminate underlayment is a very straightforward concept, but not all laminate underlayment is created equal. Depending on the manufacturer, you may be able to find a feature that improves the overall look and feel of your laminate floor. We’ve gathered more information about our underlayments to make it easier for you to choose the right one. Before continuing, consider these two critical issues:

1. What Is Your Sub-floor?

When placing laminate over a concrete subfloor, make sure to apply a vapor barrier to keep the laminate from getting wet and causing damage. Visqueen Vapor Block is a thin plastic film that acts as a barrier to prevent moisture from getting into the laminate core. Bestlaminate’s underlayments contain a vapor barrier and padding as part of their 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 underlayment designs. Installing a separate vapor barrier would have cost you both time and money.

There is no requirement for moisture barrier underlayment when putting over wood or existing subfloors. It’s fine to use a conventional foam underlayment unless you’re looking for additional qualities, like sound attenuation.

2. Is This A Second Floor Installation?

Consider a noise-reducing underlayment if you’re putting in a laminate floor in an apartment, condo, or on the second floor of your house. Many condominium and apartment complexes demand that the underlayment have a minimum acoustic rating. Laminate flooring is quiet to walk on, but without the correct underlayment, noise can easily be conveyed to the floor below. Select an underlayment with a high sound reduction rating, such as Floor Muffler or Roberts Super Felt.

What If My Laminate Has Pre-Attached Underlayment?

If your laminate flooring has previously been installed with an underlayment, you would not need to install another one. Adding additional padding may strain the locking mechanism and may cause it to fail. The attached underlayment is designed to save you time by eliminating the need to install underlayment.

If you’re installing above a concrete subfloor, this restriction doesn’t apply. Vapor barriers are not typically included in attached underlayments. You may protect your floor from water damage by installing a thin vapor barrier that does not require additional padding.

To get a better underlayment with better thermal and sound absorption capabilities, look for a floor without an attached underlayment and then buy a better underlayment to fit your demands accordingly.

Important Underlayment Terms

IIC and R-Value are two terms you may run into in underlayment specs. If you’re stumped by some of these terms, don’t worry! Below, you’ll find an explanation of the most often used underlayment terminology:

STC & IIC

STC/IIC with a number next to them may be seen on laminate floor underlayment. I’m curious to know exactly what these terms signify and what they mean. These ratings inform you how well the underlayment is able to reduce sound transmission. The less noise that is communicated, the higher the number after these letters. Underlayment and laminate are more noticeable in the rooms below the room where they are installed. There are a lot of reasons why a minimum sound rating is required in many apartment complexes, office buildings, and condo associations.

Depending on the type of sound, the STC and IIC ratings might be expressed in decibels decreased, or dB. Voices, radio, television, and other sources of airborne noise are all included in the STC rating. A sound’s impact level is determined by the IIC rating, which considers sounds like footsteps, things falling, and so on. Lower STC and IIC underlayments will not allow these sounds to be transmitted via floor/ceiling assemblies, such as those found in multi-level homes and flats. A minimum sound insulation value of STC 50 and IIC 50 is mandated by the International Building Code (IBC).

Thermal Ratings

Underlayment may have an R-value in addition to the STC and IIC ratings. The ability of the underlayment to transmit heat is discussed here. The less heat it conducts, the greater the R-value. However, if your home has a radiant heating system, you may find that using an underlayment with a greater R-value is ineffective in keeping your feet warm in the winter.

To calculate R-values, divide ft2 by the surface area in square feet multiplied by the temperature difference in degrees Fahrenheit multiplied by the time in hours per British thermal unit (BTU). R-3 is commonly used to denote an underlayment with a value of 3 ft2*°F*hr./BTU. The standard R-value of a bat striking fiberglass insulation is between R-3 and R-5. Many polyethylene foam materials, such as laminate flooring underlayments, have an R-value of 2 to 3 kilojoules.

The Different Types Of Underlayments

Basic Underlayments

First up, we’ve got our standard underlayment collection. At Bestlaminate, we offer the simplest and most cost-effective underlayment options. Even though they lack numerous characteristics, our three basic underlayments are acceptable for most applications. With their low price and ability to float the laminate floor, these are the most popular options for contractors.

Standard Underlayment

Standard underlayment is the most basic choice. Installing over plywood, OSB, or existing subfloors where a moisture barrier is not necessary is a fantastic alternative for this product. The Standard Underlayment smooths out any subfloor irregularities, allowing your laminate floor to glide smoothly over them.

2-in-1 Vapor Underlayment

2-in-1 Vapor Underlayment from Bestlaminate is another excellent choice for basic installs. Using the same low-density polyethylene as our normal underlayment, the 2-in-1 features a bonded moisture barrier film that provides an additional layer of protection. Installing laminate over a concrete subfloor is a safe option because of this. This underlayment, like the standard underlayment, fills up tiny flaws in the sub-floor to provide a level surface for your laminate floor to float on.

3-in-1 Vapor Underlayment

3-in-1 Vapor Underlayment is Bestlaminate’s final basic underlayment choice. 2mm thick polyethylene foam is ideal for usage under planks that are less than 2mm thick. Pre-packaged 100-foot rolls of the 3-in-1 underlayment are not available with either the Standard Underlayment or the Vapor 2-in-1 underlayment. The vapor barrier is already bonded to this underlayment, but it also features an adhesive strip.

Low density polyethylene is used in all of these underlayments. They have not been tested for sound or heat reduction, but they do offer some noise reduction and can be used over radiant heating. None of them. Anyone who doesn’t want to buy an extra roll to acquire a few extra feet2 can use the Standard Underlayment or the 2-in-1 Vapor Underlayment because they don’t come pre-packaged and can be cut to order.

Silent Collection

Our line of sound-insulating underlayments comes up next. Bestlaminate’s premium underlayments are the next step forward. All five of these sound-dampening underlayments can be used in a wide range of applications. Some of these underlayments also come with vapor barriers connected, so if you’re installing over concrete subfloors, be sure to seek for these. People who live in multi-family homes or apartments, or who don’t want to hear their children playing upstairs, tend to favor these options the most.

3-in-1 Silent Vapor Barrier Underlayment

In terms of noise reduction, Feather StepTM’s 3in1 Silent Vapor Underlayment is a wonderful solution at an affordable price. The cross-linked polypropylene underlayment has a higher density than open-cell polyethylene foam underlayments, making it extremely long-lasting. As a result, the Feather StepTM Vapor 3-in-1 absorbs sound and protects against moisture better than other similar products. With the help of the attached foil moisture barrier, your floor will be shielded from any vapor that may be released by the subfloor. An adhesive strip is included with this underlayment to make installation a breeze.

ProVent Silent Vapor Barrier Underlyayment by Kronoswiss®

In terms of laminate flooring underlayment, ProVent Silent Vapor Barrier Underlayment is one of the greatest prices you’ll find. This 3mm polyethylene foam is pre-packaged in rolls of 215 ft2 and measures 3mm thick. Moisture is kept out by a connected vapor barrier, but the protection doesn’t end there! Designed with micro ridges, the ProVent underlayment actually pumps moisture out of the room as people walk on it. Basements, first and second floors, apartments and condos are all good places to use this underlayment. You can use the Kronoswiss® ProVent to float your laminate over any type of subfloor. It will absorb any slight defects.

Roberts® First Step ™

In the laminate market, RobertsFirst ®’s StepTM underlayment is a well-liked option. The Roberts First Step has a comparable air flow layer to the Kronoswiss® Pro Vent for muffling sound. In place of a foam pad, polystyrene beads allow air to flow freely through the underlayment to vent, limiting the growth of potentially dangerous mold and mildew. Radiant heating systems can benefit greatly from this innovative design, which allows heat to be easily transferred.

Floor Muffler® Ultra Seal

You can’t beat the STC/IIC ratings of the Floor Muffler underlayment for sound reduction. As a result, multi-family buildings all over the world use it. The Floor Muffler® is comprised of cross-linked polypropylene, just as the Feather StepTM vapor 3-in-1 underlayment. In this way, it is able to reduce the amount of unwanted noise. Despite the lack of a vapor barrier, this aids in the prevention of moisture buildup. Floor Muffler® underlayment’s high density prevents any vapor from escaping from concrete subfloors, making it an excellent choice for this application.

Roberts Super Felt Premium Underlayment

Superior sound dampening, insulation and a vapor barrier are all provided with Roberts Super Felt Premium Underlayment. Laminate and engineered wood flooring can be installed much more easily with this method. Rolls of this underlayment comprise 100 or 360 square feet, depending on your needs. With a tape strip included, you can quickly seal the rows of underlayment together for long-term use.

Other Products

Visqueen – Vapor Block PE Film

Polyethylene Vapor Block Visqeen PE. There is no need to install an underlayment with PE Film, although it can be utilized as a vapor barrier on concrete subfloors. Underlayment that is already attached to the concrete slab or any other stone floor where moisture is a concern is ideal for this application.

In addition to the laminate flooring underlayment indicated above, we offer a wide range of other choices. Our underlayments can be viewed here.

How To Select Laminate Flooring Underlayment

Installing Underlayment

Because each underlayment is unique, you should follow the manufacturer’s directions while installing it. Installing the software correctly necessitates carefully reading the installation instructions. If you’d like visual instructions on how to install your underlayment, we’ve put together a number of tutorials.

What is Underlayment

Underlayment is the layer between your subfloor and your new floor. Yup, it’s really that simple. Underlayment is usually made out of rubber, cork, rubber cork, felt or foam.

It is the layer between your subfloor and the new floor that is known as underlayment. That’s all there is to it. Rubber, cork, rubber cork, felt, and foam are all common materials for underlayment.

Why Do I Need Underlayment?

Underlayment serves as a barrier between your subfloor and your new floor. That much is obvious. Underlayment can be made of many materials such as rubber, cork, rubber cork, felt, or foam.

• Support for your flooring– Adding underlayment gives your floor extra solidity.
• A layer of underlayment helps to reduce the hollow sound created by foot traffic.
• Resists moisture– This is an important feature for places that are prone to flooding.
• Subfloor defects are minimized thanks to underlayment, which ensures that your floor is installed correctly.
• Underlayment acts as an additional sound barrier between floors of a house, reducing the transmission of impact sounds.
• If you’re shopping for carpet, you’re searching for a soft surface. Adds a bit of squish to your step with underlayment
• By providing stability and friction protection, underlayment extends the life of your floor and keeps it looking new for longer.

As a protective layer between your floor and subfloor, flooring underlayment plays an important role. When the temperature changes, floating floors expand and contract more than other types of flooring. The underlayment acts as a buffer between your floor and the friction of moving, ensuring that your floor remains completely intact.

Where to Install Underlayment

Underlayment can be installed in any room of your home and is generally the layer beneath your flooring. Assume you’ll need an underlayment if your flooring doesn’t come with one already installed.

Basements, kitchens, and bathrooms commonly have a vapor barrier installed in addition to an underlayment. Moisture might damage your new floor if it isn’t protected. Underlayment or a barrier will be required wherever you put down new flooring.

How Thick Should My Underlayment Be?

Most consumers seem to be stumped by the issue of underlayment thickness. To put it another way, thickness isn’t the most crucial factor in underlayment. Type, sound rating, and density are all equally important, if not more so, than the thickness itself.

While most underlayments are between 2 and 3 millimeters thick, some are made to accommodate carpets or uneven floors.

Underlayment with a thickness of 6 millimeters (mm) is frequently touted as having double the sound absorption of that with a thickness of 3 millimeters (mm). If you don’t want to delve into the science, I’ll tell you it’s not true. Material and density, in addition to thickness, have an effect on sound absorption.

It’s always a good idea to check with your manufacturer to see if they have any recommendations for you. Felt is an excellent underlayment for some of the more delicate goods.

Types of Underlayment

Foam

As the most fundamental type of underlayment, foam has long been the go-to choice. Foam underlayment offers excellent noise attenuation for its low cost. When it comes to foam, you’ll be able to choose from simple foam to 2-in-1 underlayments with a vapor barrier built in.

Laminate, some vinyl, and even some types of wood all benefit from the versatility of using this as an underlayment. For carpet rolls, a foam “carpet pad” is the best choice.

In fact, some foam underlayment alternatives even include an adhesive strip, making installation as simple as placing a post-it note!

Rubber

Rubber is a great underlayment material because of its versatility. It prevents mold and mildew from forming on your floor, as well as hollow-sounding floors. It is, in fact, one of the most sound-absorbing and insulating underlayments available on the market.

For reasons of staining, it is not recommended to utilize rubber underlayment under vinyl, which is the most frequent surface type.

Subfloors made of rubber are a better option than those made of wood or concrete, and they’re a breeze to install. It’s also eco-friendly because it’s often manufactured from recycled rubber items!

Cork

Many apartment and condo owners prefer to use cork underlayment. It’s for a good purpose! In terms of sound absorption, cork is superior than most other underlayments. It’s also wonderful for increasing the amount of insulation in your house.

Cork underlayment is also an environmentally beneficial option. Adding to this, cork is naturally antibacterial, preventing the formation of germs, mold, and mildew in the same way. Cork is an excellent alternative for allergy patients because of this.

A word of caution concerning cork: while it may be installed under almost any floor, it may not be the greatest option for every location. Rubber or a cork with a vapor barrier would be a better option for basements, bathrooms, and other flood-prone locations.

Rubber Cork

The finest of both worlds is here! Rubber cork underlayment is an underlayment consisting of both rubber and cork in a surprising twist of events. Yes, I am well aware of this. Keep your astonishment in check.

An expert in preventing cracks in your tile due to the natural movement of your house, rubber cork underlay is a must-have for any home improvement project. As a “invisible bodyguard,” this underlayment protects your floor even when it’s not apparent.

Rubber cork can discolor vinyl, but it’s perfect for use under other types of wood or tile. Mold and mildew resistance is comparable to that of cork, however like with cork, a vapor barrier should be used in conjunction with the underlayment.

Felt

Felt underlayment is more solid than foam and is constructed from recycled fibers. What makes felt an effective sound absorber is its high density. Felt is an excellent sound absorber, but it’s also an excellent insulator and step cushion. It’s said to be superior to other underlayments by some.

Felt is an environmentally beneficial underlayment option because it is manufactured from recycled materials. For further protection, certain felt underlayments have a vapor barrier. Hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and other types of flooring can all benefit from the usage of felt underlayment.

What Underlayment is Best for My Floor?

When it comes to installing underlayment, this is the most frequently requested question. Using an useful chart, we’ll make this process as simple as possible. There’s more information available if you’d like. Below, we’ll take a close look at each type of floor underlayment.

What Underlayment is Best for Laminate?

Our top recommendation for laminate flooring is foam, which is a favorite of ours. You’re in for a treat! In terms of underlayment, foam has the greatest options and provides a good deal of noise reduction.

Foam underlayment that includes a vapor barrier is advised when installing laminate flooring in damp areas such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.

As an alternative, cork underlayment, which absorbs more sound, is a wonderful option if you’re concerned about sound transmission between apartments or condos.

What Underlayment is Best for Vinyl?

There are several ways to address this question. Customers should begin by reading the manufacturer’s instructions and warranties before purchasing vinyl. Certain warranties will be void if underlayment is used.

We recommend cork as an underlayment if you can afford it. There’s no need to be concerned about vinyl getting stained or damaged when using cork. Underlayment may not be necessary if a vapor barrier is required.

You may not even have to worry about this because a lot of vinyl flooring already comes with an integrated cork underlayment! The integrated underlayment of TritonCORE waterproof vinyl flooring saves you both time and money.

Is Underlayment Safe for Vinyl?

The danger of rubber stains makes them unsuitable for use as an underlayment for vinyl flooring. Vinyl can be used with cork, foam, and felt unless the manufacturer explicitly states otherwise.

What Underlayment is Best for Carpet?

Foam or rubber carpet pads are almost typically used when installing carpet. These pads are available in a wide range of thicknesses, each with their own unique set of features and price points. The softer and more comfortable your floor will be to walk on if you use thicker padding. For broadloom carpet, we recommend a foam pad, and for carpet tiles, we recommend a rubber pad.

Make sure to pay attention to the carpet pad’s properties, not just its price and thickness. You may be able to find thicker choices at lower prices, but they may not be able to do all of the functions you need them to (such as absorbing sound).

Make sure you read the specifications! There is a Carpet Cushion Council (yeah, that is a thing) which advises a minimum of 1/8″ of padding under residential carpet, although most consumers buy a 1/8″ underlayment instead.

What Underlayment is Best for Tile?

Rubber-cork underlay is the ideal option for thinset tile flooring. Installing ceramic tiles over plywood or cement board can also be done without the use of adhesive. The purpose of rubber cork underlay is to prevent cracks from forming.

What Underlayment is Best for Wood?

Underlayments made of cork or foam work well when laying down hardwood or engineered wood flooring.

We advocate cork, despite the fact that foam is the more common choice. Cork is less prone to buckling beneath your planks since it has less give. Foam can be used as a subfloor for wood, but it’s not as durable as cork, which is why it’s best to go with cork.

How to Install Underlayment

Most people underestimate how simple it is to install underlayment. In fact, I can walk you through it step-by-step in the following manner:

1. Start by rolling out one row of underlayment perpendicular to the direction in which the flooring will be installed.
2. Glue or tape rows together at the seams. Adhesive strips are included with some underlayments.
3. Underlayment should not be overlapped unless specifically instructed to do so by the manufacturer.

Finally! Your underlayment is ready to go with only a few simple tools and a little time and effort. Check with the manufacturer to see if they have any further instructions for you to follow.

What is the Price of Underlayment?

Foam, rubber, and cork are often the cheapest to the most expensive materials. However, the features of the underlayment (e.g., a built-in moisture barrier), thickness, and the construction of the underlayment can cause some variation (rolled underlayment is usually less expensive than sheet underlayment).

What Kind of Subfloor Do You Have?

In other words, it’s not just about the garnish! Not all subfloors and underlays are compatible with each other. Some people are more demanding and needy than others.

Concrete at Ground / Sub-Ground Levels

A moisture barrier is needed if you’re placing over concrete at a level where moisture is prevalent to prevent your water-sensitive flooring from expanding and buckling upwards.

Vapor barriers can be integrated into some cork underlayments, but in this case, a plastic or polyvinyl underlay would work just as well. Roll-on moisture barriers are another option to consider.

Choose the Best Underlayment for Laminate Flooring

Working With Concrete and Plywood Subfloors

Moisture is a major worry while working on top of a concrete subfloor. Because of its porous nature, concrete is vulnerable to water damage if it rains on it. Glues and flooring boards might come loose, and mold and mildew can grow, as a result of this. Having a concrete flooring necessitates the use of underlayment that is a vapor barrier to keep moisture out of the installation. Polyethylene or polypropylene sheets are the most common material for a thin foam pad.

When putting laminate flooring over plywood or OSB subfloors, a breathable foam-type underlayment is typically employed. Because wood is a natural material that has to be able to breathe, you won’t want to use a vapor barrier underlayment when putting laminates over a regular plywood flooring. A vapor barrier installed over this can lead to the growth of mold or warping in the material if moisture is trapped within the substance. For high-moisture areas like bathrooms and basements, a moisture barrier underlayment is an excellent option when installing laminate flooring.

When selecting an underlayment for laminate flooring, there are a variety of options to pick from, and it is helpful to know what attributes to look for.

Insulation and Noise Reduction Considerations

Heat conductivity is measured in terms of R-values. To keep heat out, the underlayment needs to have a high R-value, whereas the lower R-value means that less insulation is provided. In the winter, a high R-value underlayment will make the floor feel a lot more comfortable to walk on.

Underlayment can reduce noise by acting as a soundproofing barrier. This can be useful in some workplaces where stillness is required, or in bedrooms where quiet is desired. A good underlayment can reduce the acoustic transmission of laminate flooring, which are notoriously noisy.

Types of Laminate Underlayment

Carpet padding or another soft, thick underlayment is a typical mistake, believing that this will somehow improve the comfort of walking on laminate flooring. However, this will simply cause the floor to sag noticeably, which can lead to a loosening of the joints. Laminate flooring requires underlayments that are very thin foam layers that somewhat cushion the floor but do not allow perceptible movement underfoot. Adhesive strips are used to seal the seams of these materials, which are put to the subfloor by rolling them out and adhering them to the underlayment.

There are a variety of underlayment options for laminate flooring, but the most common one is a thin layer of foam material. Laminate underlayment is commonly utilized for putting laminate flooring over a plywood or OSB subfloor, and this is the most prevalent type. For high-moisture environments, this is not recommended because it lacks vapor barrier properties. Rolling out standard foam underlayment is the most common method of selling it.

Underlayment with a vapor barrier and ordinary foam is called a “combination foam underlayment,” and it is used to protect the installation from moisture. Underlayment for plywood/OSB and concrete subfloors is somewhat more expensive than conventional foam and can be utilized in most settings. For wet areas, such as basements and bathrooms, this sort of underlayment should be used.

The use of cork underlayment in flooring projects is vital for reducing noise. To put it simply, cork is one of the priciest underlayment options for laminate flooring installation. When used to level uneven surfaces between rooms, it does not provide any additional cushioning or comfort under a laminate installation. Additionally, it possesses inherent antibacterial properties.

Tip

Underlayment in bathrooms and basements is frequently installed over a plastic sheet that serves as the primary moisture barrier because cork is not water-resistant.

Laminate Flooring With Attached Underlayment

Underlayment padding is now a standard feature of many laminate flooring that have been made in the past. You don’t need to buy and install a separate foam cushioning underlayment with these materials. Most of the time, these floor coverings are put directly on top of a plywood or OSB sub-floor. Even without an extra vapor barrier, some varieties can be used in wet areas.

FAQs

What is Sound Control?

This means that when we talk about sound control, it refers to restricting sound transference from one room to another. The use of underlayment can help prevent sound from traveling from one room to another, such as from an upper floor to a lower one.

What are IIC Ratings?

The IIC is a measure of the reduction in impact noise. – Impact noise is similar to the sound of footfall. Most construction codes and HOA requirements call for an IIC rating of 50 or higher.

What are STC Ratings

STC is an abbreviation for sound transmission level. In the range of 125 Hz to 4,000 Hz, it’s a measure of the reduction in sound that we can hear. An STC rating of 50 is the bare minimum.

It’s important to remember that doubling the thickness of your underlayment does not guarantee a higher grade. For instance, a 2mm underlayment may be rated at 50, while a 4mm underlayment may be rated at 55.

What is a Moisture / Vapor Barrier?

The same material is used for both moisture and vapor barriers. Reading comprehension suffers as a result of the phrase being used interchangeably. A vapor barrier is also a moisture barrier, so you can rest easy.

Vapor barriers, on the other hand, protect the floor above by preventing moisture from traveling through the barrier. A lot of the time, it’s put in places that get a lot of rain.

Do I Need Underlayment if There’s Attached Underlayment to My Product?

Many types of vinyl flooring have an underlayment as part of the package. It’s preferable not to use an additional underlayment if your flooring already includes one. In fact, it’s possible that using two layers of underlayment will cause damage to your floor if done incorrectly.

Does Underlayment have Crack Suppression?

Underlayment made of cork and rubber has the best crack resistance of all three types of rubber and cork. Because of this, rubber cork is the most common solution.

Which Underlayment Do I Buy?

There’s no harm in contacting one of our flooring experts if you’re still stumped by the concept of underlayment.

How thick should underlayment be?

Underlayment. Often, but not always, an underlayment is found beneath the top layer of flooring. Materials such as padding make up the bulk of the cushion, which is typically 1/4-1/2 inch thick. The underlayment’s role is to offer a stable foundation for your final flooring while still being soft underfoot.

Is higher density underlay better?

The density of the foam used to make the underlay determines the quality of the product. Nearly every one of our polyurethane underlays is accompanied by a set of technical data sheets. Do some research to find out how much weight is included in each cubic meter, or m3. Foam density increases with increasing value, which makes the product better.

Is 2mm underlayment good?

When looking for laminate underlayment, you may notice thickness indicated, but it’s usually not relevant. The average thickness of an underlayment is 2 to 3 millimeters. Radiant heating or under thin laminate would benefit from 2mm, although 3mm is more usual.

Is cork underlayment the best?

In terms of sound absorption, cork is superior than most other underlayments. It’s also wonderful for increasing the amount of insulation in your house. Cork underlayment is also an environmentally beneficial option. Adding to this, cork is naturally antibacterial, preventing the formation of germs, mold, and mildew in the same way.

Conclusion

When it comes to floor underlayment, there are several choices available. Before making any decision, we recommend that you identify exactly which features you need out of your underlay and how the underlay will be used. And of course, check manufacturers’ recommendations.