Installing wood flooring in your home can do wonders to transform your space. Whether you are looking for an extremely personalized aesthetic, a modern vibe, increased home value, or simply a refreshed look, there is a wood flooring option for everyone’s needs.
We assume since you have found this article you have made the decision to take on your own DIY wood flooring project. Congratulations! With the right tools, knowledge, and a little work, installing wood flooring can be an easy way to transform your space. You have probably already been scanning the internet and various box store websites to find the perfect wood flooring for your home.
However, a critical component of a wood flooring project that is less obvious but can make the end result truly perfect is choosing the right underlayment. Admittedly, it’s less fun than picking out flooring, but this unseen component of the process will be critical for the lifetime of the flooring after the installation is complete.
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Underlayment comes in various types offering a wide range of benefits from providing a cushioned feel to protecting against moisture. Of course, this also means a wide range of price tags. There are many different types of wood flooring including: Hardwood, Engineered, Laminate, Vinyl, Bamboo and even cork.
The good news is that underlayment is generally not specific to the type of wood flooring you have chosen. However, we strongly recommend analyzing your particular needs based on the usage of the floor, location, and environment. Although it is something that will never be seen again after installation, a quality underlay will change the feel and lifespan of your wood flooring.
This SureReno DIY guide will help you through the various wood flooring underlayment options and their benefits so you can make an informed decision for what will best suit your flooring.
This article is just one in a series of wood flooring articles designed to help you through every step of your wood flooring project so you can start with confidence and love the end result. For a complete guide on installing wood flooring in your home, start to finish, check out our other articles here (depending on your wood flooring type):
DIY Renovator Workshops: Hardwood flooring
DIY Renovator Workshops: Engineered Wood flooring
DIY Renovator Workshops: Laminate flooring
DIY Renovator Workshops: Luxury Vinyl flooring
DIY Renovator Workshops: Bamboo flooring
Why Underlayment is Essential for Wood Flooring
Underlayment is the layer placed between the subfloor and your wood flooring. It provides several key benefits, including:
Moisture Protection
Prevents water from reaching the laminate, which can warp or damage the planks. This is particularly important in a basement or anywhere dampness and moisture might be present.
Sound Insulation
Reduces noise from footsteps, making the floor quieter.
Cushioning
Improves comfort and absorbs minor subfloor imperfections. Particularly important if you have small children.
Thermal Insulation
Adds a layer of warmth, particularly important over cold concrete subfloors.
Types of Underlayment for Wood Flooring
Foam Underlayment
Features
Lightweight and cost-effective, foam underlayment provides basic cushioning and soundproofing.
Best For
Smooth, flat plywood or OSB subfloors.
Moisture Barrier Options
Some foam underlayments include an attached vapor barrier for added moisture protection.
Limitations
Not suitable for high-moisture environments without an added moisture barrier.
Cork Underlayment
Features
Cork is a natural material that offers excellent sound insulation and a firm yet comfortable base.
Best For
Eco-conscious projects as cork is a natural and sustainable product or for noise-sensitive areas.
Moisture Barrier Options
Requires a separate vapor barrier when installed over concrete.
Limitations
Typically more expensive than foam underlayment.
Rubber Underlayment
Features
Dense and durable, rubber underlayment offers excellent noise reduction and resistance to mold and mildew.
Best For
Areas needing maximum sound insulation, such as multi-story homes or apartments.
Moisture Barrier Options
Often paired with a separate vapor barrier for concrete subfloors.
Limitations
Expensive and less common for residential wood flooring.
Felt Underlayment
Features
Made from recycled fibers, felt underlayment provides cushioning and sound insulation.
Best For
Over wood subfloors where soundproofing is needed.
Moisture Barrier Options
Not inherently waterproof, so a vapor barrier is required for concrete subfloors.
Limitations
Limited thermal insulation compared to other options.
Combination Underlayment
Typically, most underlayments on the market are a combination or hybrid of 2 or most of the underlayments identified above. This measure you can easily find an option that fits all your needs instead of having to sacrifice on any one particular benefit. Most underlayment options you will find come with a plastic vapour barrier attached.
Best For
DIY homeowners seeking an all-in-one solution.
Features
Combines moisture protection, soundproofing, and cushioning into a single product.
Benefits
Simplifies installation by eliminating the need for additional layers.
Limitations
Higher upfront cost compared to basic foam underlayments.
Choosing the Right Underlayment for Wood Flooring
Subfloor Type
Concrete Subfloor
Choose an underlayment with a built-in vapor barrier or pair it with a separate moisture barrier to prevent damage from ground moisture.
Wood Subfloor
Moisture protection is less critical, so focus on soundproofing and cushioning.
Room Type
Basements
Prioritize moisture protection and thermal insulation.
Living Areas
Soundproofing and comfort should be the main considerations.
Kitchens/Bathrooms
Use a moisture-resistant underlayment due to the potential for spills and humidity.
Noise Reduction
Multi-Story Homes
Cork or rubber underlayment is ideal for minimizing sound transmission between floors.
Ground-Level Rooms
Basic soundproofing from foam or combination underlayment may suffice.
Budget
Foam underlayment is the most affordable option, while cork, rubber, and combination underlayments are premium choices offering additional benefits.
SureReno’s Installation Tips for Underlayment
- Check the Manufacturer’s Recommendations: Ensure the underlayment is compatible with your specific wood flooring. Most manufacturers will have a recommended underlayment pairing for their product.
- Prepare the Subfloor: Clean and level the subfloor before installation.
- Roll Out the Underlayment: Lay it flat with the moisture barrier side facing down (if applicable). Allow it to acclimate to the room temperature and humidity for 24 hours before installation.
- Trim and Tape: Cut the underlayment to fit and tape the seams securely to prevent movement.
- Avoid Overlapping Layers: Use a single layer of underlayment to avoid instability in the flooring.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping a Moisture Barrier: Always use a vapor barrier on concrete subfloors to prevent moisture damage.
- Using Incompatible Underlayment: Some laminate floors come with pre-attached underlayment; adding another layer can void warranties.
- Failing to Secure Seams: Unsecured seams can cause underlayment to shift during installation.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wood flooring underlayment for your DIY project is essential to ensure a successful installation and long-lasting performance. By considering factors such as subfloor type, room conditions, and budget, you can select the best option for your project.
Use SureReno’s app for detailed guidance tailored to your specific needs, and start your wood flooring project with confidence.
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