Flooring Underlayment Types

Flooring types and the right underlayment for each.

Flooring underlayment types.

An important aspect of choosing an underlayment is the flooring surface. There are a variety of underlayment products to choose from which surprises many people. X 3 2 mm waterproof premium plus 10 in 1 underlayment for vinyl laminate engineered floors model 2200000227 303. Its purpose is to provide a smooth flat surface for the floor covering.

There is one key factor to consider before continuing with this discussion of underlayments. Standard this is usually a 1 8 inch thick foam absent of any attached moisture barrier. Vinyl planks require hard thin underlay because the product itself is softer. The basic types of floor underlayments include.

To keep moisture and mold away this underlayment is treated with microban and includes airguard technology to promote airflow with embedded polyshims that prevent compression and allow moisture vapor to escape. Consumers must use an underlayment approved by the hardwood floor manufacturer or any warranties may be voided. While vinyl flooring is known for its resiliency it would be a major mistake to overlook the underlayment. This is the finished visible flooring surface such as hardwood planks carpeting ceramic tile or vinyl.

Let s get into the details here with a list of the most common types of underlay used in flooring today. This is the layer that you see and walk on. The airguard 5 in 1 floor underlayment is an ideal option if you re shopping for floor underlayment for laminate. Just under the visible floor covering is a layer of some kind of material usually only about 1 4 or 1 2 inch thick.

We divide the list by the types of flooring so you can zoom in on the products suited to your project. Standard foam underlayment this is the most basic type of underlayment available it is best used on plywood or osb subfloors where moisture is not a factor. Resilient floors such as linoleum rubber or fiber composite surfaces and fully adhered carpet require an especially smooth underlayment because any flaws beneath nail pops splinters and cracks have an increased visibility. While underlayment for vinyl planks may be used under hardwood and laminate the reverse is not true.

One thing is certain with underlayment and vinyl plank flooring though and that s the fact that when it s recommended it must be thin and it must be dense. Eco cork foam 300 sq. There are essentially four types of underlayments.