Best Underlayment For Hardwood Floors (2024 Update)
Installing new hardwood floors can transform the look and feel of any room. But a quality installation depends on choosing the right underlayment. This provides a smooth, stable base and helps reduce noise. When selecting underlayment for hardwood flooring, there are a few key factors to consider.
Thickness matters. A thicker underlayment can better smooth out small imperfections in the subfloor. Underlayment thickness is measured in mills. A good minimum thickness for hardwood is 2 or 3 mm. But depending on your needs, a thicker option from 5 to 10 mm may work better.
You’ll also want an underlayment with adequate indentation resistance. This rating measures the material’s durability and ability to withstand pressure and weight over time. Look for an underlayment with an indentation resistance of at least 175 psi. Higher ratings up to 300 psi provide maximum durability.
Underlayment also affects sound transmission. To reduce noise transfer between floors, look for options with high IIC (impact insulation class) and STC (sound transmission class) ratings. The best sound insulation comes from materials like recycled rubber.
By considering these key factors – thickness, indentation resistance, and sound insulation – you can choose the right underlayment for a flawless hardwood floor that will look beautiful for years. What questions do you still have about selecting the perfect underlayment? Let us know in the comments below!
10 Best Underlayment For Hardwood Floors
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Soundproofing and moisture protection for luxury vinyl tiles and planks with a self-sealing overlap system.
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This product is ideal for providing soundproofing, extra cushioning, and moisture resistance to floors during installation.
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This product is ideal for use as flooring underlayment, vapor barrier padding, and has an IIC 65 rating.
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This product is ideal for use as a natural sound insulation barrier under laminate, vinyl, LVT, LVP hardwood floors.
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It is an underlayment for wood floor installation, offering 750 square feet of coverage, and is made of waxed paper.
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This product is ideal for providing a moisture barrier and sound reduction for underlayment in flooring installations.
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Ideal for use as flooring underlayment that provides cushioning, vapor barrier and sound reduction for a total area of 600 sq.ft.
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8
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It is an ideal premium floor underlayment for moisture and sound reduction, suitable for hardwood, laminate, LVT, and vinyl plank flooring.
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This product is ideal for providing underlayment padding, vapor barrier, and heavy-duty foam for flooring installations.
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10
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This product is ideal for providing quiet, heavy-duty underlayment padding with tape and vapor barrier for flooring in large spaces.
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1. Soundstep Lv: Acoustic Moisture Barrier & Luxury Tile.
This flooring underlayment is designed to provide exceptional support and protection for luxury vinyl and multilayer flooring. It effectively absorbs unwanted noise and prevents it from traveling to other rooms, creating a more peaceful and comfortable living environment.
In addition to its noise-reducing properties, this underlayment also protects your overlying flooring investment from harmful moisture. It fully covers the subfloor to prevent elevated PH levels found in concrete from migrating to the seams of your overlying floors. This added protection ensures the longevity of your flooring investment.
This flooring underlayment has been tested and proven to have an IIC (Impact Sound Transmission Test) rating of 70 and an STC (Sound Transmission Loss Test) rating of 62. These ratings demonstrate its ability to effectively reduce impact noise and airborne sound transmission.
Furthermore, this underlayment has a Delta IIC rating of 22, indicating its superior ability to reduce impact noise from sources such as footsteps and dropped objects.
2. Silent Shield Underlayment: Heavy Duty & Vapor Barrier
The AMERIQUE 3.2MM 5th Generation EXTREME QUIET Super Heavy Duty Felt 3-In-1 Underlayment Padding With Tape & Vapor Barrier is the perfect solution for those looking to enhance their flooring experience. This product comes in a roll of 100SQFT and is designed to provide excellent support and cushioning for your floors.
One of the standout features of this underlayment padding is its high-density, super heavy duty felt material. This material is not only extremely durable but also provides excellent sound absorption, making it the perfect choice for those living in multi-level buildings or high-traffic areas.
The AMERIQUE 3.2MM 5th Generation EXTREME QUIET Super Heavy Duty Felt 3-In-1 Underlayment Padding is also designed to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh environments, making it an ideal choice for those living in areas with varying weather conditions.
Additionally, this underlayment padding comes with a tape and vapor barrier, making it easy to install and ensuring that your floors remain protected from moisture and other potential damages.
For a limited time, customers can take advantage of a special promotion when purchasing this product.
3. Bestlaminate's Silver Shield: Ultimate 3in1 Floor Protection
This flooring roll is an ideal option for those looking for a reliable, versatile, and easy-to-install flooring solution. With a price per 100 sq.ft roll, this flooring roll offers excellent value for money by providing a long-lasting and durable flooring option.
Made with a 3-in-1 construction, this flooring roll is designed to provide superior sound reduction and insulation while offering excellent moisture protection. With an IIC 65 rating, this flooring roll effectively reduces sound transmission, making it perfect for residential and commercial spaces alike.
The 2mm thickness of this flooring roll provides excellent cushioning and support, making it a comfortable option for walking and standing for extended periods. The pre-attached tape and overlap make installation quick and straightforward, while the construction makes it suitable for wood and cement subfloors.
This flooring roll is an excellent option for those who prefer laminate and engineered floating floors. The design of this flooring roll is specifically tailored to offer excellent support and stability for floating floors, ensuring that the floor stays in place and looks great for years to come.
In addition to its excellent features, this flooring roll comes with fast and free FedEx Ground shipping, making it a hassle-free option for those who want a high-quality flooring option without the wait.
4. Silentbase Wood Underlayment: Perfect Flooring Soundproofing Solution
The underlayment is an excellent addition to any living space as it enhances the comfort of the room, provides the highest rated sound proofing, and enhances safety. It has been tested and certified in the US after passing the strictest acoustic tests, including a 6” concrete slab without ceiling assembly, which guarantees optimal sound proofing.
The underlayment is made of pure wood fiber material, without any glue additives, which makes it a natural product. It is easy to handle and install using commonly available household tools. The high compression strength of the underlayment protects the "click-lock" system of floors, ensuring that the floor will not squeak, preventing a "springy" effect when walking, and increasing the floor's longevity.
Additionally, the underlayment features "Vapor Open" technology, which prevents the accumulation of moisture under the floor. As a natural and porous material, it can absorb 20% of its weight in water, preventing a minor leak from spreading. This makes it a natural microclimate regulator, helping to maintain a healthy living environment.
Another significant benefit of the underlayment is its absence of VOC and other poisonous emissions. This makes the living space safer and more valuable. The underlayment is a natural product made of pure wood fiber material, without any glue additives, making it a safe and eco-friendly choice.
5. Waxed Wood Floor Underlayment Roll
This 3 ft. x 250 ft. roll of Kraft paper is a high-quality, heavy-duty product designed for professional use. With a weight of 30-lbs., this paper is durable and reliable, providing superior performance during installation.
This Kraft paper is specifically intended to be used between wood floors and subfloors in order to ease installation and minimize squeaks. It works by allowing boards to slide into place, making the entire installation process much smoother and more efficient.
Whether you're a professional contractor or a homeowner tackling a DIY project, this Kraft paper is an essential part of any wood flooring installation. Its high-quality construction ensures that it will hold up under even the most rigorous conditions, providing a stable and secure base for your new wood flooring.
It's important to note that this Kraft paper is intended for use in above grade installations where moisture is not a concern. If you're installing wood flooring in a below-grade area or in a location where moisture is present, different materials may be required.
6. Floormuffler Ultra Seal Underlayment 100sf
The acoustic and moisture protection provided by this product is truly superior, making it an excellent choice for both residential and commercial floor installations. With an IIC rating of up to 74 decibels and a ΔIIC rating of up to 25 decibels, this product offers top-of-the-line acoustic protection against unwanted noise. Additionally, it boasts an STC rating of up to 73 decibels, further ensuring that any sound stays where it should.
But that's not all – this product also provides superior moisture protection, with a rating of just 0.3 pounds of moisture per 1000 square feet over a 24-hour period. This means that you can trust it to keep your floors safe and dry in even the most challenging environments.
7. Amerique 3-In-1 Premium Flooring Underlayment – Royal Blue.
The AMERIQUE Premium 3mm Thick Flooring Underlayment Padding with Tape and Vapor Barrier 3-in-1 Heavy Duty Foam (600Sf total, 200Sf/roll) is a high-quality product that provides excellent protection against mold and moisture. Made with 3mm closed foam technology, it effectively reduces sound and offers great performance and long life thanks to its anti-crush technology.
This underlayment padding is perfect for wood, bamboo, and laminate floors and features a self-adhesive strip for easy installation. The product comes in a pack of three with a total area of 600 square feet, with each roll covering 200 square feet. The royal blue color adds a touch of elegance to your flooring.
The AMERIQUE Premium 3mm Thick Flooring Underlayment Padding with Tape and Vapor Barrier 3-in-1 Heavy Duty Foam also features a vapor barrier that protects your floors from moisture and keeps them in top condition for longer. The product is non-allergenic, making it safe for use in all kinds of environments.
Installation is easy with the overlap and adhesive strip, allowing you to quickly and conveniently lay down the underlayment padding. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional, this product is perfect for you.
8. Dricore Certiguard Moisture Barrier For Flooring
DRICORE offers a top-tier flooring solution with their hardwood underlayment, CERTIGUARD. Designed for use under hard surface finished flooring, this premium underlayment boasts a variety of benefits that make it the perfect choice for creating a comfortable living space for your family.
One of the key features of CERTIGUARD is its ability to act as a moisture barrier, thermal break, and sound reducer all at once. Made with high-density plastic, this underlayment can support up to 6,600 pounds per square foot, making it incredibly durable and able to withstand heavy foot traffic. It is also 100% waterproof, ensuring that your floors are protected from any water damage.
Designed with innovative Air Gap Technology, CERTIGUARD also ensures that your floors are protected against moisture damage year-round. Concrete floors release moisture continuously, and if trapped, it can cause damage to the floors. However, CERTIGUARD's multiple raised structures promote positive airflow beneath finished floors, preventing any moisture from getting trapped.
The low profile of CERTIGUARD, measuring at 5/16" (0.8 cm), maximizes headroom and covers minor floor variations. This also ensures superior in-room noise reduction, making it perfect for any living space.
CERTIGUARD's unique construction holds pressure without becoming "foamy," ensuring that there is no squeaking at the floor joints. It is also incredibly easy to install, thanks to its convenient overlapping design that holds the roll taut under your floors while eliminating the need to tape the sides.
DRICORE is so confident in their product that they offer a 25-year limited warranty on their premium underlayment. CERTIGUARD is perfect for laminates, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), and engineered hardwood, making it a versatile choice for any flooring project.
9. 3-In-1 Heavy Duty Flooring Padding – Amerique
The AMERIQUE Premium 3mm Thick Flooring Underlayment Padding with Tape & Vapor Barrier 3 in 1 Heavy Duty Foam (400SF Total, 200SF/Roll) is a high-quality underlayment designed to provide superior protection against mold and moisture. With a non-allergenic construction, this underlayment offers a safe and healthy flooring solution.
Equipped with 3mm closed foam technology, this underlayment delivers excellent sound reduction, making it perfect for wood, bamboo, and laminate floors. Additionally, it features anti-crush technology, ensuring its long-lasting performance and durability.
This underlayment is incredibly easy to install, thanks to its self-adhesive strip. Simply peel and stick the strip onto the floor for a hassle-free installation process. Each roll covers 200 square feet, providing a total of 400 square feet of coverage for your flooring needs.
The AMERIQUE Premium 3mm Thick Flooring Underlayment Padding also comes with a vapor barrier, which helps prevent moisture from seeping through your floors. This feature ensures your floors stay in pristine condition, even in high-moisture areas.
This underlayment is available in a convenient pack of two, providing a total coverage of 400 square feet. Its silver chrome finish adds a sleek and modern touch to your flooring, making it an ideal choice for both residential and commercial spaces.
10. Super Quiet 3-In-1 Underlayment: Amerique Premium 200sqft
The AMERIQUE premium 3mm thick flooring underlayment padding with tape provides exceptional protection against mold and moisture. The non-allergenic material ensures that it is safe to use in any environment. The underlayment padding is designed with 3mm closed foam technology that reduces sound and provides excellent insulation. The anti-crush technology ensures that it performs well under heavy traffic and usage.
This underlayment padding is perfect for use with wood, bamboo, and laminate floors. It comes with a self-adhesive strip that makes installation quick and easy. The padding covers an area of 200 square feet, making it an ideal choice for larger flooring projects.
Installation is made even easier with the overlap and adhesive strip. It ensures that the padding stays in place and does not shift during installation. This feature ensures that the underlayment padding provides a smooth and level surface for your new flooring.
The AMERIQUE premium 3mm thick flooring underlayment padding with tape is a versatile and durable product that is perfect for any flooring project. The easy installation process and self-adhesive strip make it a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. With one roll covering 200 square feet, this underlayment padding provides excellent value for money.
Best Underlayment For Hardwood Floors FAQs
Can underlayment increase the lifespan of hardwood flooring?
Yes, underlayment can increase the lifespan of hardwood flooring. Underlayment is a thin layer of material that is placed between the subfloor and the hardwood flooring. It serves as a cushioning agent that helps to absorb the impact of footsteps and other activities that take place on the floor. This can help to reduce the wear and tear on the hardwood flooring, which can ultimately increase its lifespan.
Underlayment can also help to reduce the amount of moisture that penetrates the hardwood flooring. This is important because moisture can cause the hardwood flooring to warp, swell, or rot, which can significantly reduce its lifespan. By placing an underlayment that has moisture-blocking properties, you can protect your hardwood flooring from water damage and extend its lifespan.
Overall, underlayment is a valuable investment for anyone who wants to protect their hardwood flooring and increase its lifespan. It provides extra cushioning, reduces moisture penetration, and can help to prevent damage from heavy foot traffic or other sources of wear and tear.
Can underlayment prevent moisture damage to hardwood flooring?
Yes, underlayment can prevent moisture damage to hardwood flooring. Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of hardwood flooring and can cause it to warp, buckle, or rot. Underlayment acts as a barrier between the subfloor and the hardwood flooring, preventing moisture from seeping through and causing damage.
Underlayment can also serve as a sound barrier, reducing noise transmission between floors. It can also provide added insulation, making the room more energy-efficient and comfortable to walk on.
When choosing underlayment for your hardwood flooring, make sure to select a product that is specifically designed for this purpose and that meets the manufacturer's recommendations. The type of underlayment you choose will depend on factors such as the subfloor material, the type of hardwood flooring, and the installation method.
In summary, underlayment can be an effective way to prevent moisture damage to hardwood flooring, as well as provide soundproofing and insulation benefits.
How do you choose the right underlayment for your hardwood floors?
Choosing the right underlayment for your hardwood floors is crucial to ensure that your flooring is protected and lasts for a long time. There are several factors to consider when selecting an underlayment. The first factor to consider is the type of hardwood floor you have. Some hardwood floors require a specific type of underlayment, so it's best to check with the manufacturer's recommendations.
The second factor to consider is the subfloor you have. If you have a concrete subfloor, you'll need an underlayment that can act as a moisture barrier. If you have a wooden subfloor, you'll need an underlayment that can level the surface and provide cushioning.
The third factor to consider is the soundproofing properties of the underlayment. If you live in an apartment or a shared space, you'll want an underlayment that can reduce noise transmission between floors.
Finally, you'll want to consider the cost of the underlayment. Underlayment prices can vary greatly, so you'll want to find a balance between cost and quality.
In summary, when choosing an underlayment for your hardwood floors, consider the type of hardwood floor you have, the subfloor, the soundproofing properties, and the cost. By taking these factors into account, you can select the right underlayment that will protect your flooring and provide a comfortable walking surface.
How does underlayment affect the installation process of hardwood floors?
Underlayment plays a crucial role in the installation process of hardwood floors. It is a layer of material that is installed between the subfloor and hardwood flooring, providing a smooth and stable surface for the hardwood to rest on. The underlayment helps in reducing the noise levels, providing a cushioning effect, and preventing any moisture from seeping through the subfloor.
When it comes to hardwood flooring installation, it is essential to choose the right type of underlayment to ensure a successful and long-lasting installation. Different types of underlayment are available in the market, such as foam, cork, felt, and rubber. Each type has its own advantages, and the selection depends on various factors such as the subfloor type, the type of hardwood being installed, and the desired level of sound insulation.
An appropriate underlayment will ensure that the hardwood flooring is installed correctly and that it has the required support to remain stable and even. It also helps in reducing the chances of any damage caused by moisture, which can result in warping or cupping of the hardwood. Therefore, it is essential to choose the appropriate underlayment that complements the hardwood flooring and provides optimum support for a long-lasting installation.
How much does underlayment for hardwood flooring cost?
The cost of underlayment for hardwood flooring can vary depending on the quality and type of underlayment you choose. Typically, you can expect to pay between $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot for standard foam underlayment. If you opt for a high-quality underlayment that offers additional benefits such as moisture protection or soundproofing, the cost can be higher.
Other factors that can impact the cost of underlayment include the size of the area you are covering, the type of hardwood flooring you are installing, and any additional installation costs that may be required. For example, if your subfloor is damaged or uneven, you may need to pay for additional leveling or repair work before installing the underlayment.
Ultimately, the cost of underlayment for your hardwood flooring project will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It's important to research different options and get quotes from multiple suppliers to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.
What are the benefits of using underlayment for hardwood floors?
Underlayment is an essential material to consider when installing hardwood floors. It provides numerous benefits that help to ensure a successful installation and long-lasting performance. Firstly, underlayment helps to reduce noise transmission by absorbing impact and reducing sound transfer between floors. This can be particularly useful in multi-story buildings or apartments where noise transfer can be a problem. Additionally, underlayment acts as a moisture barrier, preventing water from seeping into the hardwood floorboards and causing damage. It also helps to even out minor irregularities in the subfloor, creating a smooth and level surface for the hardwood to be installed on. Underlayment also provides thermal insulation, helping to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs. Finally, underlayment can help to extend the lifespan of the hardwood floors by protecting them from wear and tear caused by foot traffic and other daily use. Overall, using underlayment for hardwood floors is a wise investment that can provide numerous benefits and ensure long-lasting performance.
What are the different types of underlayment available for hardwood flooring?
There are several types of underlayment available for hardwood flooring, each with its own unique features and benefits. One popular option is felt underlayment, which is made from recycled fibers and provides a cushioned layer between the subfloor and hardwood flooring. Another option is foam underlayment, which is typically made from polyethylene and offers excellent sound insulation and moisture resistance.
Some other types of underlayment include cork, rubber, and plywood. Cork underlayment is a natural and sustainable choice that provides thermal insulation and sound reduction. Rubber underlayment is a durable and long-lasting option that offers excellent impact resistance and sound absorption. Plywood underlayment is a sturdy and stable choice that can provide additional support and protection for the hardwood flooring.
Ultimately, the best type of underlayment will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the flooring project. It's important to carefully consider factors such as moisture levels, sound insulation, and subfloor conditions when choosing an underlayment for hardwood flooring.
What is the best underlayment for hardwood floors?
When it comes to choosing the best underlayment for hardwood floors, there are a few factors to consider. The first thing to look for is a material that provides a good moisture barrier to prevent any potential damage from water or moisture. Some of the most popular options for underlayment material include felt, cork, and foam.
Felt is a traditional option that has been used for many years. It's a durable material that is easy to install and provides a good moisture barrier. Cork is another popular option that is environmentally friendly and provides good insulation. It also has the added benefit of being resistant to mold and mildew. Foam is a newer option that is becoming increasingly popular. It's lightweight, easy to install, and provides excellent moisture resistance.
Ultimately, the best underlayment for your hardwood floors will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It's important to do your research and consider factors such as moisture resistance, insulation, and ease of installation before making a decision.
What is the best underlayment for soundproofing hardwood floors?
When it comes to soundproofing hardwood floors, the most effective underlayment is one that can reduce impact noise and airborne sound. One of the best underlayment options for soundproofing hardwood floors is the cork underlayment. It is a natural material that offers excellent sound absorption properties. Cork underlayment is also a good option for those who are looking for an eco-friendly solution. It is made from the bark of the cork oak tree, which is renewable and sustainable.
Another option for soundproofing hardwood floors is the acoustic foam underlayment. This underlayment is made from a dense foam material that is designed to absorb sound waves. It is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a cost-effective solution.
Finally, the rubber underlayment is another popular option for soundproofing hardwood floors. It is a durable material that can withstand heavy foot traffic. Rubber underlayment is also an excellent choice for those who are looking for a moisture-resistant solution.
In conclusion, the best underlayment for soundproofing hardwood floors is one that can effectively reduce impact noise and airborne sound. Cork, acoustic foam, and rubber underlayment are all excellent options to consider.
Why is underlayment important for hardwood flooring?
Underlayment is an essential element when it comes to hardwood flooring installation. It provides a cushioning effect between the subfloor and the hardwood flooring, which helps to absorb any moisture and prevents damage to the hardwood. Additionally, underlayment helps to reduce noise, as hardwood flooring can be quite loud when walked upon. The underlayment also acts as a barrier to prevent any potential moisture from seeping up from the subfloor and damaging the hardwood flooring. This is particularly important in areas of the home where there is high humidity or moisture, such as in basements or bathrooms. Furthermore, underlayment provides a smooth and level surface for the hardwood flooring to be installed on, which ensures a consistent and professional appearance. In conclusion, underlayment is an important investment for any hardwood flooring installation, as it can help to prolong the life of the flooring and ensure a successful and durable installation.
