I'm about to buy some vinyl plank flooring with PVC backing to install myself. The salesperson insisted I'll need to spend $250 on their foam pad because the vinyl floors (which we're installing over beaten parquet hardwood floors) will be loud without the pad.

But another salesperson (who seemed more handy) at that same place said the padding makes the vinyl move too much and noise isn't an issue.

I'm leaning against getting the padding.

Any advice? Anybody installed vinyl flooring with or without the padding?

We are getting quotes/bids for contractors to install LVP throughout our house.

We have purchased a Mohawk brand vinyl plank with 1mm padding attached (6MM total)

One of the quotes today said we needed to have an underlayment under and they lay it standard with all LVP.

I’ve read you do not want/need one under LVP with a padding attached

This contractor also mentioned tearing out very thin laminate (running throughout house) to make it even with removed 12x12 carpet area. Everyone else suggested leaving it and raising the carpeted area up if absolutely necessary.

I had 4 quotes so far and this is the only company that mentioned it.

One guy mentioned putting a primer down on our lower level, as it’s exposed concrete foundation in 1 room, which made sense to act as a barrier from any moisture that may come up.

We are also getting split on contractors recommending putting LVP on stairs and others saying absolutely not to do it.

So what is the consensus on these things? I want to have someone who knows what they’re doing, but not someone who is trying to do extra unnecessary things to pad their bid.

Edit: the wear layer of the LVP is 12 mil.