Can I Install Laminate Flooring Without Underlayment?

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Is it necessary to use underlayment with laminate flooring? In short, indeed. While technically possible to install laminate flooring minus underlayment, it’s a highly ill-advised choice. Underlayment serves as a protective cushion that dampens footstep sounds, creates a moisture barrier, and offers insulation. When laying laminate flooring to preserve an existing hardwood floor, underlayment shields the hardwood from moisture and accidental scratches. If you’re looking to refurbish old, valuable wood in the future, a quality underlayment is indispensable. So, do you truly need to buy underlayment for a DIY laminate flooring project? No. While feasible to lay laminate without it, doing so is imprudent. Expect your floor to be loud, cold, and vulnerable to moisture damage.

Opt for Laminate Flooring with Attached Underlayment

There are laminate flooring options that come with underlayment pre-attached to the planks' underside. This is the only scenario where forgoing an additional underlayment is acceptable. If you prefer to skip the hassle of installing underlayment separately, look for such laminate flooring types. Refrain from adding extra underlayment with these, as it could cause the interlocking structure to become unstable due to excessive movement. For installations in moisture-prone areas like basements, ensure you use a vapor barrier without any cushioning.

Understanding Underlayment

Underlayment is typically a closed-cell foam made from plastic. Other materials such as cork and felt are also available, each suitable for various applications. Often sold in rolls of three-foot width and 100 square feet in area, underlayment might also come in easily installable foldable sheets. Thicknesses vary to meet different protection needs. For those on a budget, basic foam underlayment suffices, but thicker options offer better noise reduction and insulation. A thick underlayment also helps mask any subfloor imperfections, preventing them from affecting the finished laminate floor. We suggest using at least a 6mm thick underlayment, based on project specifics. Invest in the highest quality underlayment you can afford.

The Role of Underlayment in Moisture Protection

Underlayment acts as a buffer between floating laminate and the subfloor. While laminate is somewhat moisture-resistant, quick cleanup of spills is crucial to prevent damage. This barrier chiefly protects the subfloor. Without underlayment, significant spills seeping into the subfloor can cause swelling and uneven surfaces, and persistent moisture can even lead to rot, posing serious danger. Stepping on rotten flooring can result in severe accidents. Thus, using underlayment is a critical safety measure. Do not skimp on this essential component merely to save a few dollars.

Special Considerations for Moisture-Prone Areas

In high-moisture environments like basements, a vapor barrier should complement the underlayment. Laminate flooring in such areas needs protection from underground moisture, which could otherwise lead to ruin. If the laminate comes with integrated underlayment, avoid vapor barriers with additional padding. While dual-function underlayment and vapor barriers exist, we recommend against them. Instead, opt for high-quality individual materials for each purpose.

Is Carpet Padding a Suitable Substitute for Underlayment?

Absolutely not. Carpet padding isn't compatible with laminate flooring and won’t provide the necessary protection against moisture, noise, or cold. Using it complicates laminate installation. Avoid using carpet padding outside of carpet installations, where it accumulates pet dander, dust, and mites. If your subfloor is flawless, and you can tolerate a chillier, noisier floor in a low-moisture room, you might skip the underlayment. However, we strongly advise against it, as floor conditions and seasons change. If budget constraints force your hand, consider low-cost vinyl floating floors. If you’re deterred by the extra step of installing underlayment, opt for laminate with attached underlayment.