Imagine this: you’ve picked out the perfect vinyl plank flooring. It looks amazing, and you can’t wait to see it in your home. But wait! Before you lay down those beautiful planks, there’s a secret weapon that can make all the difference: underlayment. Have you ever wondered why some floors feel soft and quiet, while others sound hollow and creaky? That’s often thanks to the underlayment hiding beneath.
Choosing the right underlayment for your vinyl plank flooring can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different types, and they all promise different benefits. It’s easy to get confused about which one is best for your specific needs. Will it help with noise? Will it make your floor feel more comfortable? Will it protect your investment? These are all important questions that can make the decision stressful.
But don’t worry! By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll be a vinyl plank underlayment expert. We’ll break down the different options, explain what they do, and help you figure out exactly what you need. You’ll learn how to choose an underlayment that makes your new floor feel fantastic, sound great, and last for years to come. So, let’s dive in and discover the unsung hero of your beautiful new vinyl plank floor!
Our Top 5 Underlayment For Vinyl Plank Flooring Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Underlayment For Vinyl Plank Flooring Detailed Reviews
1. ROBERTS 70-115 Moisture Barricade Underlayment Film
Rating: 9.4/10
Protecting your beautiful new floors starts with a solid foundation. The ROBERTS 70-115 Moisture Barricade Underlayment Film is a crucial step in ensuring your vinyl, laminate, SPC, or engineered wood flooring stays in top shape for years to come. This black, 6 mil. thick polyethylene film acts as a powerful vapor barrier, stopping moisture from reaching your subfloor and causing damage.
What We Like:
- It works great as a vapor barrier for many types of flooring.
- The 6 millimeter thickness is super strong and better than what is usually needed.
- The roll is large, covering a 10 foot by 12 foot area, which is 120 square feet in total.
- You can use it even if your laminate flooring already has padding attached.
- It comes with a special sticky strip to seal the seams and keep moisture out.
What Could Be Improved:
- The black color might show through very light-colored flooring if not laid perfectly.
- Some users might find it a bit stiff to work with on very uneven subfloors.
This underlayment film is a smart choice for any DIY flooring project. It provides excellent moisture protection and peace of mind.
2. 3in1 Vapor Barrier Flooring Underlayment w/Overlap and pre-Attached Tape Strip – Bestlaminate- 2mm – 500sq.ft (Bundle 5 Rolls Each 100 sg.ft.)
Rating: 8.9/10
The Bestlaminate 3in1 Vapor Barrier Flooring Underlayment is a smart choice for your next flooring project. This 2mm thick underlayment comes in a convenient 500 sq. ft. bundle, with five rolls of 100 sq. ft. each. It’s designed to protect your new floors from moisture. It works great on both wood and cement subfloors. Plus, it has a built-in vapor barrier and a pre-attached tape strip. This makes installation a breeze. You’ll save time and effort. The overlap feature ensures a secure, sealed connection between rolls. We also appreciate that Bestlaminate ships these bundles in eco-friendly, recyclable bags. This shows their commitment to protecting our planet.
What We Like:
- It offers excellent 3-in-1 protection: vapor barrier, sound dampening, and cushioning.
- The pre-attached tape strip and overlap make installation quick and easy.
- It’s suitable for both wood and cement subfloors.
- The 2mm thickness provides good support for your flooring.
- The eco-friendly packaging is a big plus for environmentally conscious buyers.
- The bundle offers great value for covering 500 sq. ft.
What Could Be Improved:
- For very large projects, you might need to purchase multiple bundles.
- While the 2mm thickness is good, some may prefer a thicker underlayment for extra soundproofing.
This underlayment simplifies your flooring installation while offering robust protection. It’s a practical and sustainable option for most homes.
3. AMERIQUE 400SQFT 4TH Generation Blue 1.5MM Thick Flooring Underlayment Padding 3-in-1 Heavy Duty Foam with Tape & Vapor Barrier
Rating: 8.5/10
Ready to give your floors a serious upgrade? The AMERIQUE 400SQFT 4th Generation Blue Underlayment Padding is here to help. This heavy-duty foam is designed to make your new flooring look and feel amazing. It’s a 3-in-1 solution, meaning it’s more than just padding. It also includes a vapor barrier to keep moisture out and built-in tape for super easy installation. Plus, its 1.5mm thickness is just right for most flooring types.
What We Like:
- Amazing Sound Control: This padding really cuts down on noise. You won’t hear as much foot traffic or things dropping.
- Moisture Shield: The vapor barrier protects your subfloor from spills and humidity. This helps prevent mold and keeps your floor looking good longer.
- Built Tough: The anti-crush technology means this foam won’t flatten out over time. It keeps its shape and supports your floor for years.
- Super Simple Setup: Installing this underlayment is a breeze. The self-sticking tape makes it quick and easy to connect the pieces. No messy glue needed!
- Great Value: You get a lot of coverage (400 sqft) for the price, and it does three jobs at once.
What Could Be Improved:
- Thickness Limit: While 1.5mm is good for many floors, some might need a thicker underlayment for extra cushioning or specific requirements.
- Color Visibility: The blue color is noticeable. If you’re working with very thin or translucent flooring, it might show through slightly.
This AMERIQUE underlayment is a smart choice for anyone looking for a durable, easy-to-install, and protective foundation for their new floors. It offers excellent performance and peace of mind.
4. Premium Floor Underlayment with Moisture Barrier – 200 sq ft Roll
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your floors with this Premium Floor Underlayment with Moisture Barrier. This 2-pack of 200 sq ft rolls provides a 3mm thick layer that quiets foot traffic noise and insulates your floors. It’s perfect for hardwood, laminate, and vinyl plank flooring.
What We Like:
- Covers Large Areas: Each roll is 200 sq ft and 3mm thick, giving you plenty of coverage and a good layer of protection.
- Excellent Moisture Protection: It has a built-in moisture barrier, so you don’t need a separate one. This keeps your subfloor safe from dampness.
- Superior Sound Absorption: It makes your floors quieter by reducing foot traffic noise and hollow sounds. It’s rated to meet HOA and condo rules and adds insulation.
- Easy Installation: The underlayment rolls out easily with pre-attached tape. Printed grid lines make measuring and cutting simple.
- Wide Compatibility: This underlayment works with floating laminate, engineered wood, and vinyl plank/luxury vinyl tile flooring (7mm thick or more). It can also be used with solid hardwood if the manufacturer allows it.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Hardwood Use: It can only be used with solid hardwood if the flooring manufacturer specifically allows underlayment.
- Vinyl/LVT Thickness Requirement: Vinyl plank and luxury vinyl tile flooring must be 7mm thick or more for this underlayment to work.
This underlayment is a great choice for improving the comfort and protection of your new floors. It makes installation easier and your home quieter.
5. FLOORLOT GoldMax Premium Floor Underlayment – 200 sqft Roll – 3mm Thick – with Moisture Barrier
Rating: 8.7/10
The FLOORLOT GoldMax Premium Floor Underlayment is a fantastic choice for anyone installing new flooring. This 200 sqft roll is 3mm thick and includes a built-in moisture barrier, making your new floors last longer and sound better. It’s designed to work with laminate, engineered wood, and solid hardwood floors, offering great protection and comfort.
What We Like:
- It provides excellent moisture protection for your floors. A special film blocks moisture from the subfloor, so you don’t need extra layers.
- This underlayment greatly reduces noise. It quiets down foot traffic sounds and gets rid of that hollow sound floating floors can make. It’s even rated for condo associations!
- Installation is simple. The roll is easy to unroll, and you connect the seams with the included tape. Helpful grid lines are printed on it, making cutting quick and accurate.
- It’s the right thickness at 3mm, offering a good balance of cushioning and stability.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the roll size is good for many projects, larger jobs might require multiple rolls, which could add to the overall cost.
- The 3mm thickness is great, but some might prefer a thicker option for even more cushioning or soundproofing.
Overall, the FLOORLOT GoldMax underlayment offers excellent value and performance. It makes installing floors easier and improves the comfort and longevity of your new flooring.
Choosing the Right Underlayment for Your Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring is a fantastic choice for many homes. It’s durable, water-resistant, and looks great. But to get the best performance and comfort from your new floors, you need the right underlayment. Think of underlayment as the foundation for your foundation – it makes a big difference!
Why Underlayment Matters
Underlayment does a few important jobs. It cushions your steps, making the floor feel softer and quieter. It also helps to level out minor imperfections in your subfloor. This prevents your vinyl planks from shifting or creaking over time. Some underlayments even offer extra moisture protection.
Key Features to Look For
1. Thickness
Underlayment comes in different thicknesses. Thicker underlayment usually provides more cushioning and sound dampening. However, very thick underlayment might not be ideal for all vinyl plank floors. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific vinyl planks.
2. Moisture Barrier
If you’re installing vinyl plank flooring in a basement or a room prone to moisture, a built-in moisture barrier is essential. This layer stops water from seeping through to your subfloor, which can cause damage and mold.
3. Sound Insulation
Do you have noisy upstairs neighbors or want to reduce the sound of footsteps in your home? Look for underlayment that specifically boasts sound-dampening qualities. This can make a huge difference in the overall peace of your home.
4. Durability and Compression Strength
Your underlayment needs to be strong enough to support your vinyl planks without compressing too much. High compression strength means the underlayment will hold its shape and support your floor for years to come.
Important Materials
Foam Underlayment
This is a very common and affordable option. Foam underlayment is lightweight and easy to install. It offers good cushioning and some moisture resistance, depending on the type of foam.
Cork Underlayment
Cork is a natural and eco-friendly material. It’s known for its excellent sound insulation and thermal properties. Cork underlayment also provides good cushioning and can help level out minor subfloor imperfections.
Felt Underlayment
Felt underlayment is made from recycled materials. It’s a good option for sound dampening and can offer some moisture resistance. It’s also quite durable.
Rubber Underlayment
Rubber underlayment is very durable and offers excellent cushioning and sound reduction. It’s a great choice for high-traffic areas and can be particularly good at absorbing impact.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes it Better?
- Integrated Moisture Barrier: This is crucial for areas with potential moisture.
- High Density: Denser underlayment is more durable and offers better support.
- Good Compression Strength: Prevents the floor from feeling soft or spongy.
- Excellent Sound Dampening: For a quieter home.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Like cork or recycled rubber.
What Makes it Worse?
- Too Thin: Offers little cushioning or sound reduction.
- Low Density: Will compress easily and not support the floor well.
- No Moisture Barrier: Risky in damp areas.
- Poor Quality Foam: Can break down over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
For Busy Families
If you have kids and pets, you’ll appreciate underlayment that offers good cushioning and is easy to clean. Sound dampening is also a big plus to keep the noise down.
For Basements and Bathrooms
In these areas, a high-quality moisture barrier is non-negotiable. It protects your investment from water damage.
For Apartments and Condos
Sound insulation is often a top priority. Choosing an underlayment that reduces impact noise will make your living space more enjoyable and considerate of neighbors.
For DIYers
Look for underlayment that is easy to cut and install. Many foam and felt options are very user-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I really need underlayment for vinyl plank flooring?
A: Yes, it’s highly recommended. Underlayment improves comfort, reduces noise, and can protect your floor from moisture and subfloor imperfections.
Q: Can I use any underlayment with vinyl plank flooring?
A: Not always. Always check the vinyl plank manufacturer’s recommendations. Some vinyl planks have built-in underlayment, and others require specific types.
Q: How thick should my underlayment be?
A: The ideal thickness varies, but generally between 1mm and 6mm is common. Thicker isn’t always better; follow the vinyl plank manufacturer’s guide.
Q: What’s the best underlayment for a basement?
A: Look for underlayment with an integrated, high-quality moisture barrier. Cork or dense foam with a vapor barrier are good choices.
Q: Will underlayment make my floor feel softer?
A: Yes, thicker and denser underlayment provides more cushioning, making your floor feel softer underfoot.
Q: How does underlayment help with noise?
A: It acts as a sound buffer, absorbing impact noise from footsteps and reducing the transmission of sound between floors.
Q: Is cork underlayment a good choice?
A: Yes, cork is excellent for sound dampening, thermal insulation, and comfort. It’s also a sustainable option.
Q: Can I install vinyl plank flooring directly over concrete?
A: You can, but you’ll likely need an underlayment with a moisture barrier to prevent moisture from the concrete from damaging your floor.
Q: How do I know if my vinyl plank flooring already has underlayment?
A: Check the product packaging or description. Many newer vinyl planks come with attached underlayment on the back.
Q: Where can I buy underlayment for vinyl plank flooring?
A: You can find it at home improvement stores, flooring retailers, and online marketplaces.
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.
William has over three years of experience in building gazebos. He started AskGazebo.com to assist his clients.