As with any decision you make regarding your home’s appearance and upkeep, you are investing in your home’s future. And in most cases, it is not going to be inexpensive.
At one time, vinyl flooring was not considered a sound investment for your home; however, technological advancements have helped remove this stigma. You always want to make the best-informed decision regardless of what type of purchase you are planning to make. Determining the best underlayment for your new vinyl plank flooring is no exception.
When determining the best underlayment for the vinyl plank flooring you plan to install in your home, there are several factors that need to be kept in mind to ensure you are making the right investment for your home’s future.
So, yeah. Vinyl? Not just for records anymore.
What Is the Purpose of Underlayment for Vinyl Plank Flooring?
If you require underlayment for a new vinyl plank flooring, there are three main reasons it will come in handy. Those reasons are to provide:
- Sound reduction when walking on the floor. This will be very important when you are installing your new vinyl plank flooring in an upstairs room.
- A protective moisture barrier between your subfloor and the new installation.
- Extra padding, which will help to keep the floor warmer (your toes will thank you)
Select the Right Underlayment for Your Subfloor Type
To make sure that you are opting for the right underlayment for your new vinyl plank flooring, you must make sure that you know the best kind to use on your type of subfloor.
Concrete
If your subfloor is concrete, a good underlayment is virtually a must-have before installing your new vinyl plank floor. Concrete is often going to allow moisture to collect, and this can cause mold, mildew, and your new floors to deteriorate faster than they usually would. It will need extra help in sound reduction, and it’s going to need some extra cushion provided for comfort.
Plywood
This type of subflooring is much less fussy than its concrete counterpart. It typically does not need a moisture barrier. If the sound and cushion things aren’t that important to you, then you could possibly go without an underlayment, simply installing your new vinyl plank floor directly onto it.
Existing Flooring
If you plan to install your vinyl plank flooring directly on top of your existing flooring, then you are dealing with an issue very similar to having a plywood subfloor. Depending on your preferences, again, an underlayment could possibly be skipped.
But should you really skip it? While, as mentioned above, you CAN sometimes go without an underlayment, it is an excellent way to ensure that your new vinyl plank flooring lasts as long as possible. So, can you skip it? Maybe. Should you skip it? Probably not.
So, What Type of Underlayment Goes Where?
The answer to this question that will always be correct is to go with the type of underlayment required by your vinyl plank flooring’s warranty. If there is a specification as to the type of underlayment that is to be installed for that particular manufacturer, if you do not follow their specifications, you will void your warranty. That is no bueno!
If there is no manufacturer’s specification, then your underlayment type will be determined by the type of subfloor and where the new flooring will be installed in your house.
Foam
Foam underlayment is an excellent option to use on top of plywood or existing flooring where you are not in great need of a moisture barrier. Its primary purpose is for sound dampening. That also makes it a viable option for floors installed on the second floor of a home.
2 In 1
2 in 1 underlayment is good to provide a moisture barrier and a little cushion for the floor. It works well for concrete or in the basement.
3 In 1
3 in 1 pretty much covers all three bases of underlayment; it provides a moisture barrier, sound barrier, and cushion. This is a great option for concrete, the basement, or the second floor, as well.
Cork
Cork is pretty much your one-stop shop for underlayment. It is suitable for moisture protection, sound protection, cushion, and it’s hypoallergenic. It is a good choice for just about anywhere in the house or for any type of subfloor.
Felt
Felt is another multi-purposed underlayment. It’s suitable for sound reduction, it’s good against mildew, and it provides a cushion, as well. It is highly recommended for areas prone to molds, like the basements or very humid areas.
My Vinyl Plank Flooring Has Underlayment Attached
If your vinyl plank flooring has underlayment attached, then additional underlayment is not necessary. In fact, adding more can cause the floor to have too much cushion, and that can cause your floors to wear down faster than they usually would.
Installing underlayment to vinyl plank flooring that already comes with underlayment could also be one of those times when you negate the manufacturer’s warranty.
One of luxury vinyl plank flooring’s most significant selling points is that it usually comes with underlayment, thus taking away that extra cost. However, as location (location, location) is everything, you need to ensure what type of underlayment that the vinyl plank flooring comes with, as it might not suit every room in your home.
An exception to this rule is if the luxury vinyl plank flooring clicks and locks, it can use an underlayment that functions as a vapor barrier like a vapor block film which isn’t quite an underlayment. As the name suggests, this is more of a barrier to protect from vapors, which can become moisture, causing problems in the long run.
You will need to choose a luxury vinyl plank flooring with the proper underlayment for that particular area where it will be installed to make sure you make a suitable long-term investment for your home.
It is also recommended that this type of vinyl plank flooring not be installed over any other existing floor.
How Much Does Underlayment Cost For My New Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Today, vinyl plank flooring is a common choice because it is attractive and takes on the look of hardwood flooring, but it is a fraction of the cost--say no more, friend. Even when you factor in the cost of adding an underlayment, it is still much less than the price of a wood floor.
A more expensive underlayment will add $.50 - $.60 per square foot to your project. A lower-end underlayment will add between $.10 - $.20 per square foot to your project. In contrast, this might not seem like a worthwhile expenditure for your project, especially if it is not completely necessary. But that would be a mistake and a total bummer. The proper underlayment can add additional life to your flooring.
How Do I Install Underlayment?
Installing the underlayment to your new vinyl plank flooring should be a straightforward process. Simply unroll the underlayment, which will have two distinct sides, and cut it to fit with a utility knife or similar tool. One side will have an adhesive, so simply peel off the adhesive backing and press it onto the subfloor. Trim, as necessary. Measure twice, cut once--good advice for home renovation and surgeons.
What Is the Final Word on Underlayment for My New Vinyl Plank Flooring?
While many of today’s luxury vinyl plank flooring comes equipped with underlayment and does not need it, there could be occasions when you do, and it is essential to know what type to purchase to serve what purpose in what part of your home.
The main reasons for underlayment are to provide: a moisture barrier between your subfloor and new flooring, a cushion that can also help with insulation, and a sound barrier.
If your underlayment is serving an upstairs room, you want to make sure to opt for one that provides plenty of sound protection. If it is going to be in the basement, its primary focus should be providing a moisture barrier to keep out mold and mildew.
One main thing that needs to be kept in mind when looking into underlayment is what the manufacturer of your new vinyl plank flooring has to say. Putting in the wrong type, not putting any in at all, or putting in underlayment when it is not called for can negate your manufacturer’s warranty on your new flooring, and that is not sound for your investment.
As with any home project, you need to make sure that before you install the underlayment for your new vinyl plank flooring, you have done your research into exactly what type is necessary for the job that will be performed in your house.
You want to make sure that you are making your money go as far as possible for you, your new flooring, and your home in general.
Sources:
Selecting the Best Underlayment for Vinyl Plank Flooring | The Saw Guy
8 thoughts on “10 Best underlayment for vinyl flooring | Tile.Space
Do You Put Underlayment Under Vinyl Plank Flooring? | Hunker
