So you went with luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring? Now you’re likely wondering if you need underlayment. Some people say you need it, while others say it’s a waste of money. Online forums have conflicting advice and product packaging is often unclear. What’s the truth?
You can find out for yourself by reviewing your subfloor condition, the type of vinyl plank you’ve chosen and what you’re trying to achieve. Sometimes, underlayment is necessary. Other times, it’s optional and occasionally, it can do more harm than good. Let’s clear up the confusion so you can make the right decision for your specific situation.
Understanding What Underlayment Actually Does
Before we talk about if you need it, let’s discuss what underlayment does. It’s not just padding that goes under your floors.
Underlayment creates a moisture barrier between your subfloor and flooring, preventing moisture from wicking up and causing damage. It also reduces sound so you won’t hear that hollow “click-clack” sound when you walk across your floating vinyl floors. Having underlayment also offers minor subfloor leveling, smoothing out small imperfections that could telegraph through your flooring. Some underlayment adds cushioning underfoot, making your floors more comfortable to walk and stand on.
At Carpet To Go Flooring, many of our customers ask us if underlayment is worth the cost. While the answer isn’t always cut and dry, we can discuss it during your consultation.
When You Need Underlayment
Sometimes, you need underlayment, no questions asked. It’s not optional in the following situations:
- Installing Over Concrete: Since concrete naturally contains moisture, it can damage flooring over time. A moisture barrier underlayment protects your vinyl plank from moisture vapor transmission.
- Manufacturer Requirements: Some flooring products require underlayment to maintain warranty coverage. Check your flooring’s installation instructions and if underlayment is mandatory, skipping it voids your warranty.
- Severe Subfloor Imperfections: While vinyl plank is more forgiving flooring than some of its counterparts, significant dips, bumps or unevenness will show through and cause planks to shift or gap. Underlayment resolves minor irregularities.
- Sound Reduction Needs: If you’re installing upstairs or in a condo or apartment with noise concerns, acoustic underlayment effectively reduces sound transmission to rooms below.
Underlayment has several benefits. However, in some cases, it’s optional, but that doesn’t mean it’s not beneficial.
When Underlayment is Optional (But Often Beneficial)
Many vinyl plank products have a pre-attached underlayment on the back. In these cases, products come ready to install without the need for additional underlayment. However, if you choose to add additional underlayment, you can benefit from improved sound dampening, better comfort underfoot and an extra moisture barrier for peace of mind.
Installing over a wood subfloor? In this case, underlayment isn’t always necessary for moisture protection. That said, it can still reduce sound and improve comfort.
If you’re debating if underlayment makes sense for your project, schedule a free consultation with our flooring retailers. We’ll assess your subfloor, discuss your priorities and recommend the most cost-effective solution.
When You Shouldn’t Use Underlayment
Sometimes, underlayment causes more problems than it solves. In these cases, underlayment doesn’t make sense:
- Glue-Down Installations: When gluing vinyl plank directly to the subfloor, underlayment interferes with the adhesive bond. Never use underlayment with glue-down methods.
- Pre-Attached Underlayment: If your vinyl plank has thick underlayment already attached, adding more can create too much cushion. It can cause planks to shift, buckle or develop gaps at the locking mechanisms.
- Over Existing Flooring: Installing vinyl over existing floors already provides enough cushion. Adding underlayment can make the floor too soft and unstable.
Underlayment isn’t always beneficial and that’s okay. Knowing whether you should use it or not before installing new flooring is essential.
Choosing the Right Type of Underlayment
You’ve gone back and forth between it for a while now. If underlayment is the right option for you, look into the different types:
- Standard Underlayment: Take advantage of basic cushioning and minor sound reduction at an affordable price. It’s best for residential installations over wood subfloors.
- Moisture Barrier Underlayment: Equipped with a vapor barrier film, this underlayment is essential for concrete subfloors or areas with moisture concerns. Choose products rated for moisture vapor transmission.
- Acoustic Underlayment: Denser and specifically designed for sound reduction, use this underlayment for second-story installations, condos or anywhere noise is a concern.
- Combination Underlayment: Reap the benefits of a moisture barrier, sound dampening and cushioning in one product. While it may cost more, it does provide comprehensive protection.
The right underlayment can make or break your flooring. Shop around to find the one that suits your needs.
Making the Right Decision
Does vinyl plank need underlayment? There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. However, when you approach the Carpet To Go Flooring team, we can help decide based on if your vinyl has pre-attached underlayment, manufacturer warranty requirements, your priorities and budget.
Ready to decide if underlayment is right for you? Contact us to book a shop-at-home appointment or visit our:
Flooring Showroom in Charleston
