When embarking on a flooring project, it’s easy to focus on the visible materials, such as whether you want hardwood, tile, or laminate. However, an often overlooked yet important component is the underlayment. This layer is situated between the subfloor and the finished flooring, and it can greatly affect the floor’s performance, comfort, and longevity.

The Basics of Underlayment

Underlayment is a thin layer of material installed between the subfloor and the finished flooring. It serves multiple purposes, including providing a smoother installation surface, enhancing comfort underfoot, reducing noise, and improving thermal insulation. Sometimes, it is also referred to as "padding."

This barrier between your subfloor and finished flooring can be made of various materials, including rubber, foam, cork, fiber, or felt. It can be useful in virtually any room where you install flooring, including the kitchen, bathroom, living room, hallways, or bedrooms.

Why Install Underlayment?

Whether it’s for comfort, sound dampening, or your floor’s longevity, underlayment serves many purposes.

Enhances Flooring Performance

1. Moisture Protection

One of the biggest benefits of underlayment is that it acts as a moisture barrier. This is especially important in areas prone to humidity or potential moisture exposure, such as basements or kitchens. By preventing moisture from seeping into the flooring material, underlayment helps maintain the integrity and durability of your floors.  

2. Sound Insulation

Underlayment significantly reduces noise transmission, both within the room and to adjacent spaces. This is particularly beneficial in multi-story homes or condominiums, where footfall noise can be disruptive, or in homes with children and pets. Materials like cork and foam are known for their excellent sound-dampening properties.  

3. Thermal Insulation

Certain underlayment materials provide thermal insulation, helping to maintain a consistent temperature within the room. This can increase energy efficiency and create a more comfortable living environment. Cork and rubber underlayments, in particular, are effective at providing insulation due to their density and air-trapping properties.

Enhances Comfort

1. Cushioning Effect

Walking or standing on hard flooring surfaces for extended periods can lead to discomfort. Underlayment adds a layer of cushioning, making the floor softer and more comfortable underfoot. This is especially beneficial in areas where people spend a lot of time standing, such as the kitchen.  

2. Even Surface

Underlayment helps smooth out minor imperfections in the subfloor, providing a more even surface for installing the finished flooring. This not only makes the installation process easier but also ensures that the flooring wears evenly over time.  

Types of Underlayment

Choosing the right underlayment depends on the type of flooring being installed and the specific needs of your space. Here are some common types:

• Foam Underlayment: Ideal for laminate and floating wood floors, foam provides decent noise reduction, comfort, and insulation properties.  

• Cork Underlayment: Cork is known for its excellent sound insulation and thermal properties. It is suitable for various flooring types, including hardwood and laminate.  

• Rubber Underlayment: Highly durable and offering superior sound insulation, rubber is often used under hardwood, laminate, and tile floors.  

Turn to PT Floors for Your Flooring Needs

While we love helping customers choose stunning new flooring for their homes, we know that what lies beneath that visible flooring is just as important. Incorporating the appropriate underlayment into your flooring project enhances performance, comfort, and longevity. At PT Floors, we are committed to helping you select the best underlayment to meet your specific needs, ensuring that your new floors provide beauty and functionality for years to come.