Why You Should Put Underlayment Under Your Vinyl Plank Flooring

Luxury vinyl plank flooring is a great option when replacing your current flooring. It comes in a variety of looks that mimic natural wood and even stone. Most LVP flooring is durable and does a good job defending against scratches, dents, and stains. And the technology is getting better and better everyday with new core materials and such for vinyl plank flooring. To get the most out of your LVP you will want to consider what is underneath the flooring. An underlayment provides the proper support to make sure your LVP makes it the long haul.

What is Luxury Vinyl Plank Underlayment?

To understand underlayment, you first need to understand floor structure. Starting from the bottom floors are made up of several parts including the joists, subfloor, underlayment, and the finished flooring material.

Underlayment sits between the subfloor and the finished floor covering. They can be made from a variety of materials like foam, cork, recycled fiber, and rubber.

Underlayment for luxury vinyl plank flooring is usually thinner and more dense than underlayment for laminate flooring; this is to provide proper support for the thinner planks and their floating locking systems.

How Do I Know If I Need Vinyl Plank Underlayment?

The best way to find out if you need underlayment for your new vinyl flooring is to look at the planks you’re planning on installing. If your planks already have a pad-attached underlayment, you most likely won’t need an underlayment. However, adding an extra underlayment will provide improved sound reduction, insulation, moisture protection, and longevity to the flooring.

On the other hand, for vinyl planks that don’t have a pad-attached underlayment, adding an underlayment is highly recommended.

What Kind of Vinyl Plank Underlayment Do I Need?

The subfloor and whether it is made of concrete, plywood, or an existing flooring material will determine the kind of underlayment you should use. Moreover, choose an underlayment that is thin and dense. Since vinyl plank are made polymer raw materials, they tend to be less rigid than wood based raw materials, many vinyl planks tend to be resilient in nature. Meaning they are more likely to conform to the subfloor imperfections. So choosing an underlayment that is between 1.0mm to 2.0mm is optimal. Likewise choosing a thin and more dense material like recycled fiber underlayment does help even out sub floor imperfections and offering a solid stable base for the planks to reside on. This gives the planks support while allowing noticed comfort when walked upon.

Concrete Subfloor

When installing over a concrete subfloor, moisture protection is paramount. Moisture in the form of vapor can migrate from beneath, and while unseen, this vapor can be harmful to planks that claim to be waterproof. Over time, the age old problems of warping, buckling, or delamination can often occur. Many flooring manufacturers are requiring a poly sheeting moisture barrier of 6mils thick to be laid directly down over concrete subfloors. Blocking or trapping the moisture is not managing the moisture properly. Allowing the slab moisture content to breathe is the best management to moisture beneath. Keeping the vapors in their truest form before they become droplets of water is the best way. Reach for a fiber or felt underlayment as the best choice and with an attached vapor barrier. These types of underlayments do a fantastic job of insulating the flooring from the cold concrete as well.

It will also provide shock absorption. This will help absorb the impacts of everyday foot traffic, making the flooring more comfortable.

Plywood Subfloor

There is no need for a moisture barrier when installing on plywood. However, you will want to look for an underlayment with sound reduction and feels comfortable. Often times, many materials have a built-in vapor barrier that can be used over wood subfloors. Again, choosing a good underlayment that absorbs impacts and airborne sound will help keep sound from traveling to other rooms, especially below. Keeping harmony within living environments are healthy.

Existing Flooring

Meaning, installing over existing tile, vinyl plank, or hardwood flooring. We always recommend removing existing flooring before installing vinyl plank flooring.

If you decide to install over existing floors anyways, we recommend adding an underlayment that will cover any potential imperfections from the previous flooring.

Benefits of Vinyl Plank Underlayment

Underlayment brings a variety of benefits to your new vinyl plank floors.

Sound Reduction

Nobody enjoys hearing each and every step in their home. A good underlayment can lessen impact noise from shifting furniture, dropped objects, and footfalls. A TV in the room above you is one source of airborne noise that can be reduced using underlayment. Overall, it contributes to a quieter, more tranquil home. Consider reading this article to learn more about underlayment sound ratings.

Moisture Protection

Some underlayment’s have a built-in moisture barrier which will protect your new laminate floors from moisture. For below-grade installations on a concrete subfloor, a vapor barrier is a necessity. Concrete subfloors are porous, which means the concrete subfloor will emit moisture over time. If unprotected, moisture can build up underneath your laminate flooring and cause warping of the planks.

Protection from Subfloor Imperfections

Creaky floors get old very fast. When you have a bump or dip in your subfloor, the uneven surface can cause vinyl planks click-lock-systems to become uneven. This will cause creaking or “popping” every time you walk over the floor. An underlayment can help fill in subfloor imperfections and leave your flooring a smooth surface to lay on.

Insulation for flooring

Felt underlayment’s do an exceptional job at insulating your flooring from the subfloor. This will keep your flooring warmer during the colder months of the year and result in you being more comfortable in your own home.

How Do I Install Vinyl Plank Underlayment?

For installation of click-together vinyl planks, including those with attached cushions, ensure the subfloor is clean and dry. Roll out the underlayment and flip it over so the film side is up and the felt side down to the subfloor. Seams need to be butted together flush. Do not overlap the pad. Remove the tape strip and secure the overlapping moisture barrier film. Seal seams with duct tape or quality strapping tape when cutting around obstacles or when the end of roll seams are butted together.

Plan ahead to ensure the underlayment seams run perpendicular to the long dimension of the planks. This will help eliminate any voids under the joints. There must be a minimum four-inch separation between seams of underlayment, and seams of finished flooring products. Install flooring according to the flooring manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Where Can I Buy Vinyl Plank Underlayment?

Here at MP Global Products, we’ve been creating recycled fiber underlayments since 1997. We have underlayments specifically designed for almost every type of flooring installation. Our two most popular underlayments for vinyl plank flooring are QuietWalk Luxury Vinyl and QuietBoard. We have this excellent product selector tool that can really help you get the right product that your flooring needs. Our products are sold nationwide in large home centers or local dealers.

If you have any questions about your flooring installation, please feel free to contact us or call at (888) 379-9695.