This not only ensures a beautiful finish but also enhances the longevity and durability of your floors. When it comes to laminate flooring, there are a few underlay options best suited to specific circumstances.

Today, Beesley and Fildes will walk through the most common underlay for laminate flooring and when to choose each one.

Why is Underlay Important for Laminate Flooring?

Underlay prevents damage to the laminate boards by acting as a barrier between the subfloor.

This works by absorbing pressure from foot traffic, reducing the risk of dents or holes in your floor. Not only does this reduce wear and tear, but its cushioning design also adds a soft underfoot effect.

Underlay also adds an extra layer of insulation, trapping heat indoors for a more comfortable home. In areas where moisture is a concern, a moisture-resistant underlay can prevent the laminate from warping or swelling from dampness.

If you live in a multi-story home, placing a high-quality underlay underneath your laminate can reduce noise transmission between floors. This is because it acts as a sound barrier, absorbing noise like footsteps or moving furniture.

Types of Underlay for Laminate Flooring

There are a variety of underlay options available for laminate flooring.

However, we’ve narrowed it down to the top three options for your home:

Foam Underlay

Foam underlay is a popular choice for laminate flooring.

Not only is it affordable and easy to install, but it provides a great level of underfoot comfort, perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere.

While foam underlay offers some sound insulation, it’s best used for rooms where noise isn’t a major concern.

Best used for: Low-traffic areas, such as bedrooms or lounge areas.

Fibreboard Underlay

Made from compressed wood fibres, fibreboard is the perfect eco-friendly option for eco-conscious homeowners.

Why not reduce your carbon footprint whilst enhancing your comfort? Fibreboard offers excellent thermal insulation, keeping your home warm during the winter and cool in the summer.

This also offers great acoustic insulation, absorbing impact noise and reducing sound transmission throughout your home.

Best used for: Rooms where noise reduction is essential, such as living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens.

Rubber Underlay

Known for its durability and long-lasting performance, rubber underlay is perfect for high-traffic areas in your home (or commercial building).

This type of underlay is highly effective at absorbing sound, minimising disruption. It's ideal for homes and is also a top choice for apartments with noisy neighbours.

Rubber underlay is a fantastic option for spaces like utility rooms and basements where moisture may be a problem. Its moisture-resistant properties help to prevent mould and extend the lifespan of your laminate floors.

Best used for: Offices to increase productivity or bathrooms, kitchens, and moisture-prone areas.

Key Considerations When Choosing Underlay

So, now that you’ve got three choices to consider, how exactly do you narrow it down to just one?

Below, we’ve listed the key aspects to consider when choosing the right underlay for your project.

Subfloor type

Concrete subfloors: Look for an underlay with a damp-proof membrane (DPM) to protect your flooring from mould and warping.
Wooden subfloors: Aim for the subfloor with the best soundproofing and insulation. Uneven subfloors will benefit from a thicker underlay like fibreboard.
Tile subfloors: Tile is a hard and cold surface, so choose an underlay with soft cushioning and great thermal insulation.

Noise Reduction

Impact noise: Acoustic underlays, often constructed of rubber or a combination of materials, are intended to minimise the transmission of footsteps and impact sounds.
Airborne noise: Underlay with thicker soundproofing layers can block voices or music from other floors.

Budget Considerations

Affordable options: Foam underlay is the most budget-friendly option for laminate floors.
Mid-range options: For those with a slightly bigger budget, fibreboard and certain rubber underlays are often mid-priced.
Premium underlays: Rubber and combination underlays are high-quality options, offering the best possible performance for moisture resistance, thermal insulation, and soundproofing.

Browse Laminate Flooring at Beesley’s

Are you ready to get started on your laminate flooring project?

If so, Beesley and Fildes offer a stunning range of high-quality laminate floors in a range of colours, styles, and finishes. There’s something for every budget.