The Secret to Installing Laminate Flooring: What Underlayment Should You Use?
The Secret to Installing Laminate Flooring: What Underlayment Should You Use?
When it comes to installing a new floor, it’s essential to choose the right underlayment. The right underlayment can make all the difference in the look, feel and longevity of your laminate flooring, and it’s important to know the best type to use before you begin the installation process.
What is Underlayment?
Underlayment is a material that’s placed between your subfloor and your laminate flooring. It’s designed to provide cushioning and insulation, and to absorb some of the sound of foot traffic. It also provides a smooth, even surface for your laminate flooring and helps to level out any minor imperfections in the subfloor.
Types of Underlayment
There are three main types of underlayment for laminate flooring: foam, cork and felt. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Foam Underlayment
Foam underlayment is the most common type of underlayment for laminate flooring. It’s made of polyethylene foam, which is a lightweight and flexible material. Foam underlayment is relatively inexpensive, easy to install and provides excellent cushioning and insulation. However, it doesn’t provide much sound absorption and can’t be used on uneven surfaces.
Cork Underlayment
Cork underlayment is made of cork granules and provides excellent cushioning, insulation and sound absorption. It’s also eco-friendly and can be used on both even and uneven surfaces. The downside is that it’s more expensive than foam underlayment and can be difficult to install.
Felt Underlayment
Felt underlayment is made of recycled plastic fibers and provides good cushioning and insulation. It’s also relatively inexpensive and easy to install. The downside is that it doesn’t provide much sound absorption and can be damaged by moisture.
Which Underlayment Should You Choose?
The type of underlayment you choose will depend on your budget and the type of flooring you’re installing. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, foam underlayment is your best bet. If you’re looking for something with better sound absorption and cushioning, cork underlayment is a good choice. And if you’re looking for something that’s easy to install and provides good cushioning, felt underlayment is a good option.
How to Install Laminate Flooring with Underlayment
Once you’ve chosen your underlayment, you’re ready to begin the installation process. Installing laminate flooring with underlayment is relatively easy and can be done in a few simple steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Subfloor
Before you begin installing your laminate flooring, you’ll need to make sure that the subfloor is clean, dry and level. If there are any defects in the subfloor, such as cracks or bumps, you’ll need to repair them before you begin.
Step 2: Lay the Underlayment
Once the subfloor is ready, you can begin laying the underlayment. Start at one corner of the room and unroll the underlayment, making sure that it’s aligned with the walls and that there are no wrinkles or gaps.
Step 3: Install the Laminate Flooring
Once the underlayment is in place, you’re ready to begin installing the laminate flooring. Start at one corner of the room and begin laying the planks, making sure that they’re aligned with the walls and that there are no gaps or overlaps.
Conclusion
Installing laminate flooring with underlayment is a relatively easy process, but it’s important to choose the right type of underlayment for your needs. Foam, cork and felt underlayment all have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to do your research before you begin the installation process. For more information on laminate flooring installation, visit Millinews.
