Reddit
reddit.com › r/homeimprovement › do i need padding under vinyl plank flooring?
r/HomeImprovement on Reddit: Do I need padding under vinyl plank flooring?
November 16, 2016 -
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?
Top answer 1 of 5
7
Yes. I've done it with and without. I regret the without. Every floor imperfection comes through. Unless you are working with a pristine floor with absolutely no imperfections, go with foam. Also, it is significantly louder. Vinyl flooring doesn't always sit on the floor on every square foot as it is floating, and not tied down. If you get a spot that bows up even 1mm, your eyes can't tell there is a bow, bit you can hear it slap your subfloor or cement.
2 of 5
2
Good question, I am about to do the same thing you are and would like to know as well. I don't know how big your kitchen is but I have been asking around to just get a general ballpark on how much people are spending on the planks.
The Home Depot
homedepot.com › flooring › flooring supplies › surface prep › underlayment
Vinyl - Underlayment - The Home Depot
Vinyl · Laminate · Engineered Hardwood · Bamboo · Wood · Solid Hardwood · Cork · Prep & Protection · Tile · Carpet · Concrete · Cement · Ceramic · Linoleum · Stone · VCT · Gym Floor · Subway · Trim · Sound absorbing · Moisture resistant ·
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What are the shipping options for Underlayment?
All Underlayment can be shipped to you at home.
homedepot.com
homedepot.com › flooring › flooring supplies › surface prep › underlayment
Vinyl - Underlayment - The Home Depot
What's the best-rated product in Underlayment?
The best-rated product in Underlayment is the Goof Proof Waterproofing Sheet Membrane Underlayment Outside Corner.
homedepot.com
homedepot.com › flooring › flooring supplies › surface prep › underlayment
Vinyl - Underlayment - The Home Depot
What's the cheapest option available within Underlayment?
Check out our lowest priced option within Underlayment, the Goof Proof Waterproofing Sheet Membrane Underlayment Outside Corner by Goof Proof Shower.
homedepot.com
homedepot.com › flooring › flooring supplies › surface prep › underlayment
Vinyl - Underlayment - The Home Depot
Dura Undercushions
duracushion.com › dura undercushions › flooring knowledge hub › do you need underlayment for vinyl flooring with an attached pad?
Do You Need Underlayment for Vinyl Flooring With an Attached Pad? – Dura Undercushions
February 20, 2024 - Incorporating Dura Undercushions' rubber underlayment beneath your vinyl flooring, even with an attached pad, can be straightforward. Ensure the subfloor is clean, level, and dry before installation.
DIY Home Improvement
diychatroom.com › home › forums › home improvement › flooring
Underlayment for padded vinyl flooring | DIY Home Improvement Forum
Consider too much padding will make a spongy floor. If life proof is anything like pergo the padding helps cut back on noise. If life proof is meant to breath underneath I wouldn’t do it on concrete. It may trap any moisture.
National Floors Direct
nationalfloorsdirect.com › learn › articles › do-i-need-underlayment-for-luxury-vinyl-flooring
Do I need underlayment for luxury vinyl flooring?
January 22, 2025 - Let’s look at the most common scenarios: Concrete subfloors: Concrete is hard and unforgiving. If you’re installing luxury vinyl flooring over concrete, underlayment can provide a layer of comfort and help with minor imperfections.
Floor City
floorcity.com › home › flooring expert › flooring expert
Underlayment for Vinyl Flooring: The Only Guide You Need | Floor City
August 5, 2019 - If you’re laying the LVP over an existing cushion-backed vinyl floor or a below-grade tile floor, you won’t need to use an underlayment. However, you’ll want to use one in every other application, including covering existing hardwood floors, uncushioned vinyl flooring, and concrete floors.
Houzz
houzz.com › discussions › 6061991 › underlayment-for-vinyl-plank-flooring
Underlayment for Vinyl Plank Flooring
I am looking at installing some vinyl plank flooring over a concrete slab in my single story house near Phoenix, AZ. The flooring I am looking at is the MSI Prescott Series which comes with an attached 1mm IXPE pad. But, since it is going over concrete, I will still need to lay a vapor barrier ...
Dura Undercushions
duracushion.com › dura undercushions › flooring knowledge hub › why underlayment is essential beneath your vinyl plank flooring
Do You Need Underlayment for Vinyl Plank Flooring? | Dura Undercushions
February 28, 2024 - Do You Need Underlayment for Vinyl Plank Flooring? Even though some LVP products have underlayment already installed, adding more underlayment can have even more advantages, like better comfort, moisture protection, and sound insulation. It is particularly advised when: There are a few minor flaws in the current subfloor. We want more sound insulation. Protection from moisture is essential, especially over concrete subfloors.
MP Global Products
mpglobalproducts.com › home › how to install underlayment for vinyl plank flooring
How to install underlayment for vinyl plank flooring
All wood and concrete subfloors must be flat within 1/8″ over a 6′ span, or 3/16″ over a 10′ span. All areas must be checked prior to installation. ... QuietWalk Luxury Vinyl Underlayment be used over any subfloor approved by the finished ...
Published July 22, 2025
Reef2Reef
reef2reef.com › home › forums › general aquarium discussion › do it yourself (diy)
Vinyl flooring question | Reef2Reef
January 4, 2024 - You do not need "extra" underlayment, ... padding. If it's going over concrete it will most likely require a layer of 6 mil black plastic for a moisture barrier....
Panel Town
paneltown.com › home › the right underlayment for vinyl flooring makes all the difference
The Right Underlayment for Vinyl Flooring Makes All the Difference - Panel Town & Floors
If your vinyl flooring has a pad attached, you can install it directly over the concrete subfloor.
Published October 15, 2024
Walmart
walmart.com › home improvement
Vinyl Floor Underlayment
$6000current price $60.00Akona Self-Leveling Floor Underlayment - Vinyl, Concrete, Tile, Hardwood, and More, 50 sq. ft. of Coverage (50 Pound, 1) ... MP Global Products SoundBuffer 100 sq ft Underlayment for Luxury Vinyl Tile and Plank Flooring ...
Bestlaminate Blog
bestlaminate.com › home › vinyl flooring
Do I Need Underlayment to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring?
August 13, 2024 - By preventing ground moisture from seeping through the concrete, this added layer ensures long-term floor protection. Vinyl plank flooring with pre-attached underlayment has become a very popular option due to its convenience and ease of installation. Most of our Bestlaminate vinyl plank floors come with premium pre-attached underlayment, making installation quick and easy. Browse our collection here. Vinyl plank flooring without pre-attached underlayment does not come with padding...
Bestlaminate.com
bestlaminate.com › home › accessories › underlayment
Shop Premium LVP Underlayment at Bestlaminate
Use the Room Calculator to determine how much vinyl underlayment you’ll need for your project! Protect against subfloor moisture: Install vinyl confidently in basements, offices, or utility rooms over concrete subfloor without worrying about ...
Jung Tile & Granite
jungtile.com › what-to-put-under-vinyl-flooring
What To Put Under Vinyl Flooring: An All-Inclusive Guide
June 19, 2025 - However, if your vinyl flooring doesn’t have a pad-attached underlayment, adding one is highly recommended. This is especially true for rooms with concrete or wooden subfloors, where an underlayment can significantly improve comfort, acoustic performance, and moisture prevention.
Word of Mouth Floors
wordofmouthfloors.com › en-us › blogs › flooring › vinyl-flooring-does-it-need-underlayment
Vinyl Flooring: Does It Need Underlayment?– Word of Mouth Floors
April 13, 2023 - In all other applications, however, you should use one, such as covering existing hardwood floors, vinyl flooring without cushion, and concrete floors. In addition, if your vinyl flooring has an underlayment installed, you do not require an underlayment; however, a vapor barrier may be necessary. The best underlayment for vinyl flooring is determined by a number of factors, some of which may not be obvious at first glance.
Décosurfaces
decosurfaces.com › en › blog › article › 127-choose-underlayment-vinyl-flooring-concrete-installation.html
What Underlayment To Choose for Vinyl Flooring on Concrete?
Providing thermal insulation: poorly insulated concrete conducts cold, especially in winter. Underlayment can improve the room's thermal insulation. In terms of materials, you have a lot of options. Some are made from recycled fibres or polyurethane, while others use foam rubber or granules, often made from recycled tires. There are also wool felt underlayments. Not all underlayments are created equal, especially for vinyl. This flooring often needs denser underlayment than hardwood or laminate.
Stack Exchange
diy.stackexchange.com › questions › 280115 › vinyl-sheet-flooring-underlayment
moisture - Vinyl Sheet Flooring -- Underlayment? - Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Is there something out there that I can lay down, such as this rubber layment: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Leggett-Platt-100-sq-ft-Premium-1-3-mm-Flooring-Underlayment/1002799344 -- will the vinyl sheet flooring stick to this with adhesive? Sounds silly when I type it out, but, want to make sure before I go and purchase everything · Seems like for the vinyl peel and stick planks you'd need an underlayment.
Bestlaminate.com
bestlaminate.com › home › vinyl › features
Vinyl Plank Flooring with Attached Underlayment
This floor is in stock and ready to ship from our warehouse within 1 to 3 business days. Special Price $1.86 / sqft Regular Price $2.19 / sqft ... No more products for this category. ... Vinyl is already a popular flooring choice, but now you can find vinyl flooring with attached underlayment for added comfort!
MP Global Products
mpglobalproducts.com › home › why you should put underlayment under your vinyl plank flooring
Why You Should Put Underlayment Under Your Vinyl Plank Flooring
However, adding an extra underlayment will provide improved sound reduction, insulation, moisture protection, and longevity to the flooring. On the other hand, for vinyl planks that don’t have a pad-attached underlayment, adding an underlayment is highly recommended. The subfloor and whether it is made of concrete, plywood, or an existing flooring material will determine the kind of underlayment you should use.
Published July 22, 2025