Author, Written by: P. Hirani (Wood flooring Expert)
Underlay might not be the star of your flooring project, but it plays a vital role in comfort, performance, and durability. Choosing the right underlay can improve acoustics, provide insulation, and protect your floor from wear.
Here’s a guide to help you pick the perfect underlay for your wood or vinyl flooring—and why it matters more than you think.
1. Why Underlay Matters 🎯
The underlay is the layer between your subfloor and flooring. Its job is to:
✔ Absorb sound and reduce noise
✔ Smooth out minor subfloor imperfections
✔ Provide thermal insulation
✔ Prevent moisture damage (if needed)
✔ Enhance comfort underfoot
🛠️ Note: Some vinyl or laminate flooring comes with built-in underlay—check before buying more!
2. Underlay for Wood Flooring (Engineered or Solid) 🪵
Wood floors expand and contract, so your underlay needs to support movement and resist moisture.
✔ Foam underlay with vapour barrier: A great all-rounder for wood, especially in ground-floor installations
✔ Cork underlay: Natural, sustainable, and excellent for sound insulation
✔ Rubber underlay: Denser and ideal for high-traffic or multi-storey homes
✔ Fibreboard panels: Good for levelling slightly uneven subfloors
💡 Pro tip: Look for underlays with acoustic ratings (measured in dB) if noise control is a concern.
3. Underlay for Vinyl or LVT Flooring 💧
Vinyl floors are thinner and more flexible, so they require firm, low-compression underlay. Not all vinyl floors need extra underlay—especially if they already include it.
✔ SPC and rigid-core vinyl: Usually don’t need additional underlay—just a level subfloor
✔ Click-lock LVT (without built-in underlay): Use a thin, high-density foam or rubber underlay
✔ Glue-down vinyl: Usually installed directly onto the subfloor—no underlay required
⚠️ Important: Check manufacturer requirements—using the wrong underlay may void the warranty.
4. Consider Subfloor Conditions 🔍
The type and condition of your subfloor also guide your underlay choice.
✔ Concrete subfloors: Need a moisture barrier to prevent damp rising
✔ Wood subfloors: Generally more forgiving, but may benefit from acoustic underlay
✔ Uneven subfloors: May need levelling compound before underlay
📏 Level check: No more than a 3mm gap under a 1m straight edge is usually acceptable.
5. Bonus Features to Consider 🌟
Some underlays come with added benefits:
✔ Thermal insulation – Great for energy savings and underfloor heating
✔ Soundproofing layers – Ideal for flats, upper-storey rooms, or nurseries
✔ Antimicrobial coatings – Help reduce mould or allergens in humid areas
💡 Installing underfloor heating? Use underlay specifically rated for thermal conductivity.
The Right Underlay = A Better Floor
Choosing the right underlay sets the stage for a smoother install and longer-lasting flooring. Whether you’re going for wood’s natural elegance or vinyl’s everyday practicality, the right base layer ensures your floor performs as beautifully as it looks.
✨ Not sure which underlay works with your flooring type? We’re here to help you match materials, features, and budgets—floor by floor.
About Author:
Peter H. is a flooring product expert who knows all about different types of flooring materials. He shares his knowledge in blogs to help readers make the best choices for their spaces.