Underlayment: Do You Need It for Hardwood Floors?

There are few things more satisfying than giving your space a fresh update and seeing it come alive again. While taking down walls, installing new appliances, repainting, and replacing fixtures make a significant impact, brand new hardwood floors can create just as much—if not more—of a transformation.

Before you start laying down your chosen flooring, though, you need to consider underlayment. Is it necessary? What are the benefits? And what exactly is underlayment? We’re here to answer these questions and help you get the perfect hardwood floors you’ve been dreaming of.

What is Underlayment?

Underlayment is a thin layer of padding—usually foam, rubber, felt, or similar material—placed beneath hardwood floors. It serves multiple purposes, the biggest of which is moisture protection. The underlayment acts as a barrier between your subfloor and hardwood, potentially saving your investment from damage caused by moisture. This is particularly important in humid climates or homes with moisture-emitting concrete subfloors.

Underlayment also enhances comfort, insulation, noise reduction, and helps smooth out minor subfloor imperfections that could otherwise lead to issues.

Is Underlayment Actually Necessary?

While underlayment offers plenty of advantages, it’s not always a must-have for hardwood floors. The key to long-lasting, beautiful flooring starts with selecting the right hardwood for your needs. With various options available, from stains and grains to hardness levels, not every type of wood will be suitable for every situation.

For instance, a durable wood like hickory is perfect for active households with pets and children, while a softer wood like pine might not hold up as well. Even so, underlayment can only improve the overall quality of your floor—offering added stability, noise reduction, moisture protection, and comfort. So, while it might not be strictly necessary, we recommend using it if your budget allows.

Underlayment Material Options 

If you decide to go with underlayment, there are several material options to choose from:

• Felt – Popular for hardwood flooring, felt provides good protection against moisture and noise. It’s not the most cushioned option but works well when layered thicker. Felt is also eco-friendly, made from recycled materials. Our QuietWalk Plus underlayment is a popular choice for hardwoods, providing excellent performance in all categories.

• Rubber – For stronger soundproofing and insulation, rubber is a great choice. It’s durable and provides excellent protection, though it tends to be pricier. Our SoundBuffer offers an affordable rubber option with all the same benefits.

• Foam – Foam is a budget-friendly and easy-to-install option, providing decent cushioning and noise absorption. However, foam may lack durability over time, as the air bubbles within it can compress and lose effectiveness.

• Cork – Although less popular, cork is a solid alternative. It’s more expensive than rubber but offers excellent sound absorption and stability, plus it’s sustainable and has anti-microbial properties.