JustAnswer
justanswer.com › home-improvement › p038l-going-install-new-laminate-flooring-living.html
Laminate Flooring Installation: Do You Need Underlayment? FAQ
May 16, 2024 - Hi, I'm planning to install new laminate flooring in my living room. The previous floor didn't have an attached pad, so there was underlayment foam rolled over it, which is still in good condition. However, the actual floor got damaged from furniture. I purchased laminate flooring that recommends underlayment for better acoustic performance and comfort.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/homeimprovement › laminate floor with attached underlayment or without? pros vs cons?
r/HomeImprovement on Reddit: Laminate floor with attached underlayment or without? Pros vs cons?
July 5, 2021 -
For DIY projects (as a beginner), is it recommended to purchase laminate floor with the attached underlayment or without it? Any specific pros and cons I should know about?
Thanks!
Top answer 1 of 4
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Here is a key to successful laminate flooring : use only material that is at least 10 mm, not including any underlay. Avoid 7 and 8 mm products entirely. 12 mm ( not including any attached underlay) is even better, but 10 mm not including underlay us minimum! It’s andy better to find narrower planks , less than 5” . Narrow thick planks are not nearly as prone to cupping, which occurs in cheap laminate.
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I would just go by the price and quality of laminate. Laying down underlayment is just unrolling plastic on the floor and maybe taping it down(so it doesnt roll back) So very little impact.
Do I need a separate moisture barrier for basement laminate flooring - Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Learn more about Teams ... I am going to install laminate flooring (without attached padding) on the concrete floor in my basement. More on diy.stackexchange.com
Laminate floors (planks): Attached vs unattached underlayment?
It's a problem if you're concerned ... to the floor below (like in a condo with IIC requirements) or are relying on the separate pad to also function as a moisture barrier (not a good idea IMO, 6- mil poly is cheap). It's not as easy anymore to find laminate or floating LVP without pad attached, ... More on garagejournal.com
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Laminate floor with attached underlayment or without? Pros vs cons?
Here is a key to successful laminate flooring : use only material that is at least 10 mm, not including any underlay. Avoid 7 and 8 mm products entirely. 12 mm ( not including any attached underlay) is even better, but 10 mm not including underlay us minimum! It’s andy better to find narrower planks , less than 5” . Narrow thick planks are not nearly as prone to cupping, which occurs in cheap laminate. More on reddit.com
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July 5, 2021Opinions on laying underlayment for Laminate with Pre-attached pad?
Additional underlayment is not generally approved under attached backing floors. Generally cause too much deflection. Was the floor flat within the manufacturer specs (1/8” in 6’ circle)? And was ample expansion left around all fixed objects? If you call the manufacturer for a warranty claim and they find any spot that isn’t flat to that spec your warranty is voided. The flatness spec is nearly unattainable in most situations, even by professionals. It’s very rare for a manufacturer of flooring to do a warranty claim they almost always can find something in the installations instructions to get them out of claims. More on reddit.com
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January 25, 2023Videos
15:47
Before You Buy Laminate - Complete Guide To Laminate Flooring for ...
00:54
When to use underlayment for laminate flooring - YouTube
02:11
Floor Pad - Pre-attached, Not Attached, or Not Even Needed? - YouTube
15:33
If Your Vinyl Plank has Attached Pad | Do You NEED More Pad? - YouTube
06:04
Installation of DuoLoc laminate with attached pad (English) - YouTube
36:29
Installing Laminate Flooring for BEGINNERS | Full DIY Guide - YouTube
Directflooring
directflooringliquidators.com › post › laminate-flooring-padding
Tips for Choosing the Right Underlying for Laminate Flooring
April 4, 2020 - People mostly prefer laminate wood flooring with padding because it gives a soft feeling of the floor and wood is a natural material that is extra breathable and you will be able to walk on the floor bear feet without hurting them.
Michigancarpetandflooring
michigancarpetandflooring.net › blog › articles › why-do-i-need-underlayment-for-laminate-floors-in-commerce-charter-twp-mi
Why Do I Need Underlayment For Laminate Floors in Commerce Charter Twp, MI
June 12, 2025 - Even if your laminate flooring comes with a pre-attached pad, additional underlayment can help improve comfort, performance, and protection:
Address 465, 48390, Haggerty Rd Commerce Charter Twp
MP Global Products
mpglobalproducts.com › home › laminate flooring with attached underlayment: pros and cons
Laminate Flooring With Attached Underlayment: Pros and Cons
June 10, 2025 - More time to figure out what ... for many homeowners. But depending on your specific needs, a separate underlayment might offer better long-term performance....
The Spruce
thespruce.com › best-underlayment-laminate-flooring-4111149
Laminate Flooring: With Pad vs. Without
August 9, 2022 - Here are some factors to consider about installing laminate flooring with separate padding: It's inexpensive: It is usually cheaper to buy laminate flooring without attached underlayment because you have the ability to price out all your separate ...
Stories Flooring
storiesflooring.co.uk › blogs › care-installation › do-you-need-underlay-for-laminate-flooring
Do You Need Underlay for Laminate Flooring?
July 7, 2025 - If the subfloor lacks these features, ... floor underfoot. If you install a laminate floor without underlayment on a weak or uneven subfloor, it can damage the laminate floor and create safety hazards....
MP Global Products
mpglobalproducts.com › home › when underlayment is not necessary for laminate flooring
When Underlayment is Not Necessary for Laminate Flooring
June 4, 2025 - You do get a little more convenience with having attached pad, but underlayment is easy to install.” · A separate underlayment will still provide plenty of benefits for anyone who is already set on pad-attached laminate flooring.
Quora
quora.com › How-important-is-underlayment-for-laminate-flooring
How important is underlayment for laminate flooring? - Quora
You could install laminate with no underlayment on above grade floors without much consequence. The floor will still perform as intended but will likely make more noise as you walk on it as it clacks against the wood ...
FM Pro Remodeling
fmproremodel.com › can-i-install-laminate-flooring-without-underlayment
Can I Install Laminate Flooring Without Underlayment?
November 29, 2022 - It is possible to lay laminate flooring without underlayment, but it is a terrible idea. This protective layer of padding mutes the sound of walking on the flooring, creates a moisture barrier for the floor or subfloor beneath it, and insulates.
SWISS KRONO
swisskrono.com › swiss krono usa › company › swiss krono usa › the learning center › planning › why you should put underlayment under your laminate floor
Why You Should Put Underlayment Under Your Laminate Floor
Underlayment does two things that are critical to a successful laminate flooring installation:1. Underlayment takes out any minor deviations in the subfloor.2. Underlayment delivers superior acoustical performance.If your laminate flooring planks already have an underlayment pad attached do not use additional underlayment because doing so will void your Swiss Krono warranty.
Bestlaminate Blog
bestlaminate.com › home › laminate flooring › laminate flooring buying › choosing
The Ultimate Guide to Laminate Flooring Underlayment
August 13, 2024 - We’ll talk more about sound ratings below. If your laminate flooring already has underlayment attached, you would not use another underlayment. Adding extra padding will put stress ...
The Virtual Pinball Forums
vpforums.org › index.php
How to Choose Underlayment For Your Laminate Floor: A Complete Guide - Pinball Discussion Forum - VPForums.org
October 10, 2025 - Installing laminate hardwood flooring can give your home an elegant, high-end look without the hefty price tag. However, in order to achieve professional results that last, it is important to install a quality underlayment beneath the laminate. Underlayment serves several key purposes: it absorbs sound, shields against moisture, and provides thermal insulation.
floorMuffler
floormuffler.com › should-i-use-an-underlayment-with-attached-pad-flooring
Should I Use Underlayment with Attached Pad Flooring?
April 2, 2025 - Increased wear and tear: Not using underlayment with attached pad flooring can result in a lack of durability. Without this layer, you may face costly repairs to fix the moisture-related challenges like warping or buckling, that underlayment ...
JustAnswer
justanswer.com › home-improvement › jhgyk-need-install-padding-laminate-floor.html
Do I Need Padding Under Laminate Flooring? Expert Q&A Guide
When installing laminate flooring over glued-down engineered hardwood on a slab, padding or underlayment is recommended to reduce noise, provide cushioning, and help with minor subfloor imperfections.
Vsisi
en.vsisi.rs › floor-experts › laminate-flooring-with-pad
Laminate flooring with pad for quicker and simple installation
Padded laminate flooring is more economic investment comparing to separate purchase of underlayment. It also saves time which you would spend choosing and looking for suitable underlayment.
Top answer 1 of 2
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After doing a bit more research the answer appears to be "it depends on the product."
Some pads are designed to also be a moisture barrier and some are not so read the product specifications.
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I'm not a fan of moisture barriers in basements but it likely would be a good thing under the floor. That said, it all depends on the flooring. The flooring will tell you exactly what you need to install it.
Personally, in a basement, I'd definitely add at least the pad...not so much for sound suppression (which is nice) but just to have a small thermal barrier between the cold concrete.
The Garage Journal
garagejournal.com › forums › the garage › flooring
Laminate floors (planks): Attached vs unattached underlayment? | The Garage Journal
December 9, 2018 - It's a problem if you're concerned about sound transmission to the floor below (like in a condo with IIC requirements) or are relying on the separate pad to also function as a moisture barrier (not a good idea IMO, 6- mil poly is cheap). It's not as easy anymore to find laminate or floating LVP without pad attached, seems like most products have cork or foam on the back.
Lowe's
lowes.com › home › diy projects & ideas › buying guides › flooring
The Complete Guide to Floor Underlayment
July 14, 2025 - Underlayment provides strong support for your flooring and reduces noise. Certain types also protect your floor from moisture that may arise from damp subfloors. Without underlayment, your flooring could warp, become damp or develop mildew.
Allfloorstradecentre
allfloorstradecentre.co.uk › home › do you need underlay for laminate flooring? everything you need to know!
Do you need underlay for laminate flooring? Everything ...
July 20, 2023 - As for the common question of “How much underlay do I need for laminate flooring?, you can refer to this comprehensive guide. As we’ve said, underlay is crucial in maintaining the structure and stability of your flooring. Without underlay, your laminate flooring, a floating surface, won’t be able to float.