How To Choose Underlayment For Hardwood Floors
Selecting a quality underlayment can have a large impact on the functionality and longevity of your future hardwood floor.
The underlayment serves as a barrier between the subfloor and the hardwood, providing cushion for more comfortable walking, sound insulation, and moisture protection.
If you are completing a DIY hardwood flooring project for the first time we recommend reading A Basic Guide To Hardwood Flooring Installation before you begin.
Table of Contents
Considerations for your project
Moisture Barrier
Moisture is the enemy of hardwood floors. If you’re installing hardwood in a moisture-prone area like a basement or over a concrete subfloor, you’ll need an underlayment with a built-in moisture barrier or a separate vapor barrier. This helps prevent moisture from seeping into the wood, which can cause warping, buckling, and mold growth.
Sound Insulation
When you are figuring out how to choose underlayment for Hardwood floors, noise cancellation is a major factor. If noise is a concern, especially in multi-story homes or apartments, you should consider an underlayment with sound-dampening properties.
We recommend looking for options with an IIC (Impact Insulation Class) and STC (Sound Transmission Class) rating for better soundproofing.
For a deeper dive into acoustic issues and how underlayment can act as an insulation, review this article from the National Floor Covering Association (NFCA): Acoustical Issues
Thickness
The thickness of the underlayment can affect the feel and durability of your hardwood flooring. Thicker underlayment provides more cushioning and helps smooth out minor imperfections in the subfloor. However, keep in mind that excessively thick underlayment can cause stability issues in some hardwood installations, so check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Material
Underlayments come in various materials, including foam, rubber, cork, and felt. Each material has unique properties:
- Foam: is lightweight and affordable, it provides both basic cushioning and moisture protection.
- Rubber: This type of underlayment is durable and offers the best soundproofing properties.
- Cork: This type of underlayment is an eco-friendly option, provides good sound insulation, and has natural moisture resistance.
- Felt: This type of underlayment is often used with nail-down hardwood installations.
Ask a dozen experts and get a dozen different answers!
Installation Method
Another significant decision you must make when figuring out how to choose underlayment for hardwood floors is the method of installation.
Consider the material of both the underlayment and of your hardwood flooring. Some underlayment is designed for floating floors, while others work better with nail-down or glue-down installations.
Make sure the underlayment you choose is compatible with your flooring type and installation method before commencing the project.
Budget
Underlayment costs can vary widely, so consider your budget when choosing your materials. While it’s essential to invest in a quality underlayment to protect your hardwood flooring, there are options available at different price points.
R-Value
If you’re installing hardwood over a concrete slab or in a cold climate, you may want to consider the underlayment’s thermal insulation properties, measured by its R-value. A higher R-value provides better insulation against cold temperatures.
Manufacturer Recommendations
Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for the specific hardwood flooring product you plan to install. They may have specific requirements or suggestions for underlayment materials and thickness.
Warranty
Some underlayment manufacturers offer warranties that can give you peace of mind. Be sure to understand the warranty terms and what they cover and don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer for clarification if needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing underlayment for hardwood floors will depend on your specific needs, budget, and the type of hardwood you’re installing.
Carefully assess factors like moisture protection, sound insulation, material, thickness, and installation method to choose the right underlayment for your project.
When in doubt, consult with a flooring professional or follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific hardwood flooring product.
Now that you have finished with the underlayment, you may also need to know how to prepare the subfloor. Read How To Prepare A Subfloor For Hardwood Flooring: A Step-By-Step Guide next!
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