If you’re getting ready to install your new flooring, you’ve probably heard conflicting advice about underlayment. Is it optional or essential? What’s the truth? In short, yes, you need underlayment for laminate flooring. Skipping it can lead to noise problems, reduced comfort, moisture damage and in many cases, voided warranties.
Let’s find out why underlayment matters and what Buffalo homeowners need to know before installing laminate floors.
Underlayment is a thin layer of padding installed between your subfloor and laminate planks. At first glance, you might think you don’t need it. However, it directly impacts your floor’s performance and longevity. Here’s how:
Moisture Protection: Underlayment is a moisture barrier that prevents humidity from reaching your concrete subfloors and damaging your laminate. In Buffalo, humidity levels fluctuate through the seasons, making underlayment essential for preventing warping and mold growth.
Sound Dampening: Laminate is installed as a floating floor, it’s not attached to the subfloor. Without underlayment, every footstep creates a hollow, echoing sound. Quality underlayment dramatically reduces noise, making your home quieter and more comfortable.
Cushioning and Comfort: Underlayment offers cushioning that makes laminate more comfortable to walk on. It also helps the floor feel more stable and less “bouncy” underfoot.
Subfloor Imperfection Smoothing: Even minor subfloor issues can make laminate planks flex and fail at the locking joints. Underlayment helps bridge small imperfections, helping your floors last longer.
At our flooring shop in Buffalo, we’ve been installing flooring in Buffalo homes for over 90 years so we know what happens when homeowners skip underlayment. The short-term savings aren’t worth the long-term problems.
Not all underlayment is created equal. The right choice comes down to your subfloor type, location in your home and specific needs. Here are your options:
Standard Underlayment: Choose this affordable option for basic cushioning and sound reduction. It’s ideal for upper-level rooms where moisture isn’t a concern.
Combination Foam with Moisture Barrier: Featuring a plastic film layer for vapor protection, it’s ideal for concrete subfloors and on-grade installations throughout Buffalo homes.
Cork Underlayment: Benefit from superior sound damping and natural antimicrobial properties. It costs more, but is worth it for condos, apartments or homes where noise reduction is a top priority.
Rubber Underlayment: Take advantage of this premium option for maximum sound reduction and cushioning. It’s ideal for busy spaces or homes where comfort and quiet come first.
Professional installers consider your situation and recommend the right underlayment. At Tontine Carpet One, our installation teams understand this and help you choose the proper underlayment for your subfloor and location within your home.
Generally, underlayment adds $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot to your project cost. Skipping it can lead to more expensive problems including:
Voided Warranties: Most manufacturers won’t honor warranty claims without proper underlayment.
Premature Failure: Laminate locking systems fail faster without cushioning.
Moisture Damage: Water vapor can result in warping, bubbling and mold growth.
Reduced Comfort: Laminate feels hard and unforgiving without padding.
Spending a couple hundred dollars on quality underlayment upfront can save you thousands down the road. It’s one of the smartest decisions you can make when installing laminate floors.
Installing underlayment correctly is essential. Seams should overlap properly, moisture barriers should extend up walls and the underlayment must lay flat without wrinkles or gaps.
When you choose Tontine Carpet One for your laminate flooring project, our experienced installation teams take care of everything. From choosing the right underlayment to installing it to manufacturer specifications, we do it. Our team serves West Seneca, Orchard Park, Hamburg and communities throughout the Buffalo area. Every installation is backed by our exclusive Beautiful Guarantee®.
Projects are generally scheduled within 1-3 weeks. In-home consultations with immediate estimates are also available.
Skipping underlayment isn’t worth it. Laminate flooring needs it to thrive, which is why you should also avoid choosing the wrong type. The experienced team at Tontine Carpet One is here to help. We will be your underlayment guide so you end up with laminate floors that perform beautifully for decades to come.
Ready to choose the right underlayment for your laminate flooring? Visit our West Seneca showroom or contact us today!