When installing laminate flooring, many homeowners focus on choosing the right style, color, and texture, but one crucial component often gets overlooked—underlayment. While it may not be visible, underlayment ensures your laminate floors perform well and last for years. If you’re considering laminate flooring installation in your home, here’s why underlayment is a must-have.
What Is Underlayment?
Underlayment is a thin material layer between your subfloor and laminate wood flooring. It can be made of foam, cork, rubber, or felt and serves multiple purposes, from improving comfort underfoot to providing moisture protection. Some laminate floors come with pre-attached underlayment, while others require installing a separate layer before laying down the planks.
The Benefits of Underlayment for Laminate Floors
1. Moisture Protection
One of the biggest threats to laminate wood flooring is moisture. Even minor spills or humidity changes can cause warping or swelling without proper protection. Underlayment acts as a moisture barrier, preventing damage from rising dampness, especially in areas like basements or ground floors.
2. Noise Reduction
Due to their hard surface, laminate floors can sometimes be noisy, especially in multi-story homes. Underlayment absorbs impact and sound, reducing footstep noise and making your space quieter and more comfortable. This is particularly useful in high-traffic areas or households with pets and kids.
3. Smoother Surface for Installation
Most subfloors aren’t perfectly even, and minor imperfections can cause issues when installing laminate flooring. Underlayment helps lower minor bumps and dips, creating a more stable surface for laminate floor installation. This ensures a flawless finish and prevents problems like shifting or creaking over time.
4. Added Comfort Underfoot
Without underlayment, laminate floors can feel stiff and unforgiving underfoot. A cushioned underlayment adds a slight give, making the floor more comfortable. This is especially beneficial in rooms where you spend much time standing, like kitchens or living areas.
5. Improved Insulation
If you want to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature year-round, underlayment can help. It provides an extra insulation layer, keeping floors warmer in the winter and helping with energy efficiency. This is an excellent advantage in homes with laminate flooring installation over concrete subfloors.
Choosing the Right Underlayment
Not all underlayments are the same, and selecting the right type depends on your specific flooring needs. Some laminate flooring products come with built-in underlayment, so an additional layer may not be necessary. However, if your subfloor is uneven or moisture-prone, a higher-quality underlayment can significantly affect your floor’s performance.
For homeowners in Mesa, AZ, and surrounding areas like Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, and Apache Junction, getting expert guidance is key to a successful installation. At Castle Floors, we can help you choose the proper underlayment for your laminate flooring project. Visit our showroom or contact us today to get started!
