What Is Underlayment?
Underlayment is a thin layer of material placed between your subfloor and laminate flooring. It can be made of foam, cork, or rubber, and each type has its own unique advantages. It cushions your floor, helps with sound reduction, and provides a moisture barrier.
Benefits of Using Underlayment
- Improved comfort: Underlayment adds cushioning that makes laminate floors more comfortable underfoot.
- Noise reduction: It minimizes sound when walking, especially in upstairs rooms.
- Moisture protection: It prevents moisture from damaging your laminate flooring from below.
- Surface leveling: It helps smooth out minor subfloor imperfections for a better overall finish.
Laminate Flooring Installation and Underlayment
When installing laminate flooring, underlayment is often necessary for a proper floating floor system. Laminate planks are not glued or nailed down; they rest on top of the underlayment and click together. This system relies on a smooth, even base to function correctly.
How to Install Laminate Flooring with Underlayment
Start by cleaning the subfloor thoroughly. Then roll out the underlayment, covering the entire area without overlapping. Seal seams with appropriate tape. Once the underlayment is down, you can begin installing laminate flooring row by row, locking the planks together.
Do All Laminate Floors Need Underlayment?
Some laminate flooring products come with pre-attached underlayment. However, in many cases, a separate layer is still beneficial, especially if your subfloor is concrete or you're dealing with uneven surfaces.
Set a Strong Foundation for Beautiful Floors
Frankful Flooring LLC offers professional laminate floor installation services in Sparks NV, Carson City NV, Reno NV, Incline Village NV, and Verdi NV. We’ll help you choose the right underlayment and install laminate flooring that lasts for years. Visit our showrooms or contact us to start your next project with confidence.


