Underlay for vinyl flooring

Underlay for Vinyl Flooring – What You Need to Know Before You Install

Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for modern homes and commercial spaces due to its durability, affordability, and wide range of designs. However, to ensure optimal performance and comfort, it's essential to pair it with the right underlay for vinyl flooring. The right underlay not only improves the feel of the floor underfoot but also enhances acoustic insulation, levels out minor subfloor imperfections, and extends the life of your vinyl.

Why Use an Underlay for Vinyl Flooring?

Although some types of vinyl come with a pre-attached underlay, many require a separate one to achieve the best results. A dedicated vinyl flooring underlay provides a smooth, stable surface that helps prevent movement, reduces sound transmission (especially in apartments or multi-story buildings), and offers extra softness underfoot. Most importantly, it can protect the flooring from damage caused by minor subfloor irregularities.

Key Benefits of Underlay for Vinyl:

• Improved Comfort: Adds a soft, cushioned feel to hard vinyl flooring.

• Noise Reduction: Helps absorb sound, making your home quieter.

• Moisture Barrier: Essential for installations over concrete or in humid areas like kitchens or basements.

• Thermal Insulation: Retains warmth and contributes to a more energy-efficient environment.

• Subfloor Smoothing: Evens out small imperfections for a better-looking and longer-lasting floor.

Which Underlay Materials Are Best for Vinyl?

Vinyl flooring requires a specific type of underlay—typically thin, dense, and with a low TOG rating if used with underfloor heating. Popular options include:

• High-density foam underlays – Designed to support vinyl without compressing or affecting joint stability.

• Felt-backed underlays – Offer excellent sound insulation and comfort.

• Underlays with integrated moisture barriers – Ideal for use over concrete or in damp-prone rooms.

• Specialist vinyl underlays – Tailored for click vinyl and LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile), ensuring compatibility and warranty protection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using underlays meant for carpet or laminate, which are too thick or soft for vinyl and can cause joint damage or floor instability.

• Skipping the underlay entirely on uneven subfloors.

• Failing to use a moisture barrier when installing over concrete.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right underlay for vinyl flooring is a small but crucial step in your installation process. It ensures your floor performs well, feels better, and lasts longer. Whether you’re laying LVT, SPC, or click vinyl planks, always opt for an underlay that’s specifically designed for vinyl flooring—compatible, moisture-resistant, and supportive.

Make the most of your vinyl floors with a professional-quality underlay that delivers on comfort, performance, and protection.