Imagine walking on your beautiful new vinyl plank floors. They look great, but do they feel as good as they look? The secret to that amazing feel and sound often lies beneath the surface, in something called underlayment. Choosing the right underlayment for your vinyl plank flooring might seem like a small detail, but it’s a big deal!
Many people get stuck when it comes to picking the perfect underlayment. There are so many types, and it’s confusing to know which one will work best for your home. You might worry about noise, comfort, or even how long your floor will last. Picking the wrong one can lead to squeaky floors, cold feet, or even damage down the road.
But don’t worry! By the time you finish reading this, you’ll understand exactly what underlayment is and why it’s so important. We’ll break down the different kinds, what they do, and how to pick the best one for your specific needs. You’ll feel confident knowing you’re making the right choice for a floor that looks and feels amazing for years to come.
Our Top 5 Underlayment For Vinyl Plank Flooring Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Underlayment For Vinyl Plank Flooring Detailed Reviews
1. 360 Sq Ft Acoustical Underlayment with Vapor Barrier for Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your floors with this 360 Sq Ft Acoustical Underlayment, designed to give your luxury vinyl flooring the best support. It adds a layer of comfort and protection, making your home quieter and more durable. This underlayment is built to last and is good for the environment too.
What We Like:
- Works with many floor types like luxury vinyl, laminate, and engineered wood.
- It really cuts down on noise from walking and things dropping.
- Stays strong and flat even with heavy furniture and lots of walking.
- Protects your floor from moisture with a special wicking technology and a strong vapor barrier.
- Made from recycled materials and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, so it’s safe for your home’s air.
- Works well with radiant floor heating systems.
- You can use it even if your flooring already has a pad attached.
- Proudly made in the USA with eco-friendly materials.
- It’s light and easy to cut, making installation simple for DIYers.
- Covers a large area of 360 sq. ft., perfect for big projects.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for many floors, it’s specifically recommended for flooring 4mm or thicker.
This underlayment offers excellent sound dampening and moisture protection for a beautiful and long-lasting floor. It’s a smart choice for enhancing your home’s comfort and value.
2. FLOORLOT BlueStep Underlayment with Moisture Barrier for Laminate and Wood Floors
Rating: 8.9/10
The FLOORLOT BlueStep Underlayment with Moisture Barrier is a fantastic choice for anyone installing laminate, engineered wood, or solid hardwood floors. It’s designed to make your installation smoother and your floors last longer. This underlayment comes in a convenient 200 sq. ft. roll, making it easy to cover your project area.
What We Like:
- It has a built-in moisture barrier. This stops water from the subfloor from damaging your new floors. You don’t need to buy separate plastic sheeting.
- It helps reduce noise. Footsteps sound quieter. It also makes your floating floors sound less hollow.
- Installation is a breeze. The underlayment rolls out easily. Connecting the seams is simple with the included tape.
- It adds comfort underfoot. The cushioned foam smooths out small bumps in your subfloor. It also helps keep your room warmer and quieter.
- It works with many floor types. You can use it for laminate, engineered wood, and solid hardwood.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 200 sq. ft. roll size might not be enough for very large projects, requiring multiple purchases.
- While it offers standard sound absorption, those seeking premium soundproofing might need a thicker, specialized underlayment.
This underlayment is a solid, all-in-one solution for protecting your floors and improving comfort. It simplifies installation and provides essential features for a great finished floor.
3. QuietWalk LV 300 – Premium Underlayment for Luxury Vinyl
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your home’s comfort and durability with the QuietWalk LV 300, a top-tier underlayment designed for luxury vinyl, laminate, and engineered wood flooring. This 300 sq. ft. roll provides a solid foundation for your floors, offering superior sound reduction and moisture protection.
What We Like:
- Works with many floor types like LVP, LVT, SPC, WPC, and rigid core floors (4mm+).
- It makes your home quieter by absorbing sound. This is great for big rooms.
- It stays strong even with heavy furniture or lots of walking.
- It protects your floor from moisture with a special DriWick technology and a 6-mil vapor barrier.
- It’s made from recycled materials and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning it’s safe for your home.
- It works with radiant heat systems for cozy warmth.
- You can use it even if your flooring already has a pad attached.
- It’s made right here in the USA with sustainable materials.
- It’s lightweight and easy to cut, making installation simple for DIYers.
- This roll covers 300 sq. ft., which is enough for large rooms or your whole house.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it works with many floors, very thin flooring might not be compatible.
- The 6-mil vapor barrier is good, but for extremely damp basements, an additional vapor barrier might be recommended.
The QuietWalk LV 300 is an excellent choice for enhancing the lifespan and comfort of your new flooring. It offers peace of mind with its robust protective features and eco-friendly design.
4. AMERIQUE 400SQFT 4TH Generation Blue 1.5MM Thick Flooring Underlayment Padding 3-in-1 Heavy Duty Foam with Tape & Vapor Barrier
Rating: 9.1/10
This AMERIQUE 400SQFT 4TH Generation Blue 1.5MM Thick Flooring Underlayment Padding offers a fantastic solution for your flooring projects. It’s a heavy-duty foam pad that acts as three essential layers in one: an underlayment, a sound reducer, and a moisture barrier. Its 1.5mm thickness provides a solid foundation for your new floors, while the advanced “anti-crush technology” ensures it stays strong and supportive for years to come. This means your floors will feel great and look good for a long time.
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1 product: underlayment, sound reduction, and vapor barrier all in one.
- The 1.5mm thickness is good for many types of flooring.
- “Anti-crush technology” makes it very durable.
- It greatly reduces noise, making your home quieter.
- It offers excellent moisture protection, keeping your floors safe from spills and dampness.
- Installation is super easy thanks to the self-sticking tape.
- The 400 sqft coverage is a good amount for most rooms.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s a good thickness, some very heavy flooring might benefit from a thicker underlayment.
- The “blue” color is a matter of preference and doesn’t affect performance.
Overall, this AMERIQUE underlayment is a smart and practical choice for enhancing your flooring. It simplifies installation while delivering excellent protection and comfort.
5. 3in1 Vapor Barrier Flooring Underlayment w/Overlap and pre-Attached Tape Strip – Bestlaminate- 2mm – 500sq.ft (Bundle 5 Rolls Each 100 sg.ft.)
Rating: 8.6/10
Protect your new floors with the Bestlaminate 3-in-1 Vapor Barrier Flooring Underlayment. This underlayment is 2mm thick. It acts as a vapor barrier, keeping moisture out. It also provides a cushion for your floors. The bundle includes five rolls, each covering 100 square feet, for a total of 500 square feet. This is enough for a good-sized room. It’s easy to install because it has a pre-attached tape strip. This makes sealing the seams simple. You can use it on both wood and cement subfloors. Bestlaminate also cares about the environment. They ship their underlayment in recyclable bags.
What We Like:
- It stops moisture from getting to your floors.
- The pre-attached tape makes joining the rolls easy.
- It works on wood and cement subfloors.
- The bundle gives you plenty of material for most rooms.
- The company uses eco-friendly packaging.
What Could Be Improved:
- For very large projects, you might need more than one bundle.
- The 2mm thickness might not offer as much cushioning as thicker options.
This underlayment offers great protection and is simple to put down. It’s a solid choice for homeowners looking to safeguard their flooring investment.
Choosing the Best Underlayment for Your Vinyl Plank Flooring
Picking the right underlayment for your vinyl plank flooring is super important. It’s like the foundation for a house – it makes everything else work better and last longer. This guide will help you understand what to look for so you can make a smart choice.
Why You Need Underlayment for Vinyl Plank Flooring
Underlayment does a few key jobs. It gives your vinyl planks a smoother surface to lie on. It also helps block out noise, making your home quieter. Plus, it can add a bit more cushion under your feet, making your new floor feel comfier.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for underlayment, keep these features in mind:
- Thickness: Thicker underlayment usually means better cushioning and sound blocking. Most are between 1mm and 6mm.
- Moisture Barrier: This is a big one, especially for basements or bathrooms. A good moisture barrier stops water from getting to your subfloor and causing problems.
- Sound Insulation: If you live in an apartment or have kids running around, look for underlayment that really cuts down on noise.
- Thermal Insulation: Some underlayment can help keep your floors warmer in the winter.
- Ease of Installation: Most underlayment is easy to roll out and cut.
2. Important Materials
Underlayment comes in different materials, and each has its own pros and cons:
- Foam: This is a very common choice. It’s lightweight, affordable, and offers good cushioning. It’s often made from polyethylene or polyurethane.
- Cork: Cork is a natural material that’s great for sound absorption and offers a nice, firm feel. It’s also eco-friendly.
- Rubber: Rubber underlayment is excellent for soundproofing and offers superior cushioning. It’s a bit more expensive.
- Felt: Felt underlayment is known for its sound-dampening qualities. It’s a bit less common for vinyl plank but still a good option for noise reduction.
- Combination Materials: Some underlayment blends materials, like foam with a built-in moisture barrier, to give you the best of both worlds.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your underlayment can really make a difference:
What Makes it Better:
- Density: Denser underlayment is usually more durable and offers better support for your vinyl planks.
- Integrated Moisture Barrier: If your subfloor might get damp, an attached moisture barrier is a huge quality booster.
- High-Quality Materials: Underlayment made from premium foam, natural cork, or dense rubber tends to last longer and perform better.
What Makes it Lower Quality:
- Thinness: Very thin underlayment may not provide enough cushioning or sound blocking.
- Low Density: Cheap, low-density foam can compress easily, leading to a less stable floor over time.
- No Moisture Barrier: If moisture is a concern, choosing underlayment without a barrier can lead to problems down the road.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where you’re putting your new vinyl plank floor and how you’ll use the space.
- High-Traffic Areas: For busy hallways or living rooms, choose a dense and durable underlayment that can handle a lot of foot traffic.
- Bedrooms: In bedrooms, you might want extra cushioning and soundproofing for a quieter, more comfortable space.
- Basements and Bathrooms: These areas absolutely need an underlayment with a strong moisture barrier. This protects your floor from water damage.
- Apartments: If you’re in an apartment, sound reduction is probably a top priority. Look for underlayment specifically designed for soundproofing.
A good underlayment makes your vinyl plank floor feel better, sound better, and last longer. It’s a small investment that pays off big time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I really need underlayment for vinyl plank flooring?
A: Yes, it’s highly recommended! It improves comfort, sound, and protects your subfloor.
Q: What’s the best thickness for vinyl plank underlayment?
A: For most homes, 2mm to 4mm is a good balance of comfort and support. Thicker can be better for sound or cushioning.
Q: Can I use underlayment on concrete subfloors?
A: Absolutely! Concrete subfloors often need a moisture barrier, so choose an underlayment with one.
Q: Does underlayment help with moisture?
A: Yes, if it has a built-in moisture barrier. This is crucial for areas like basements.
Q: Is cork underlayment good for vinyl plank?
A: Yes, cork is excellent for sound dampening and provides a firm, comfortable feel.
Q: How do I know if I need a moisture barrier?
A: If your subfloor is concrete, or if you’re installing in a basement or bathroom, a moisture barrier is a must.
Q: Can I install vinyl plank directly over old flooring?
A: Usually not. You’ll need to remove the old flooring and install the underlayment on a clean, flat subfloor.
Q: Will thicker underlayment make my floor feel too soft?
A: It can, if it’s too thick or too soft. Choose a dense underlayment for good support.
Q: How much does underlayment cost?
A: Prices vary, but it’s generally quite affordable, ranging from $0.15 to $1.00 per square foot.
Q: Where can I buy underlayment for vinyl plank flooring?
A: You can find it at home improvement stores, flooring stores, and online retailers.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.