When Underlayment is Not Necessary for Laminate Flooring

Re-doing your flooring is a big undertaking, especially for large rooms or your entire home. It takes a considerable amount of time, dedication, and, of course, cash, making it imperative that you follow the old adage (both figuratively and literally, depending on your flooring choice) to cut once and measure twice. Often neither cheap nor easy, you should get exactly the floor you what you want and do it right the first time, saving you from having to do it all over again just a couple of years down the road. This is why it is important to know when underlayment is not necessary for laminate flooring.

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For laminate flooring, opting for underlayment is typically encouraged. After all, you really do get several benefits from using the specialized padding. Extra stability and support, noise reduction, cushioning, improved plank laying, and locking system support ' all good things if you want your floor to last (and generally be at its best). But what people don't tell you is that there are a few situations where you can get by without using underlayment. Here are the main ones where underlayment is more a nicety than a true necessity.

Subfloors are in Good Shape

Out of all the items on this list, this is perhaps one of the best reasons to skimp on the underlayment. Why? Well, underlayment is handy for a lot of things, but it's most crucial for stability. Not including houses that are pretty newly developed or were made with exceptionally great materials/attention to detail, most of our subfloors aren't flawless. They'll usually have minor imperfections and slight variations, which can seriously affect the smoothness of any flooring laid over them and impact the connection between the laminate planks. 

That's bad regardless but can only lead to more issues as the seasons and years pass by. Underlayment's used to nix these before they ever happen as it provides a perfect, solid base for your flooring, free from dents, rips, and the wear of time. A nice dense felt underlayment like QuietWalk is excellent for covering subfloor imperfections. But if you don't have these or the others factors mentioned next to contend with, underlayment may be optional for you.

Moisture Won't Be a Problem

Subfloor conditions will significantly impact whether laminate underlayment is essential or not. There are other factors to consider, too, however. Moisture is especially important among these. Underlayment is basically a must-have for areas that tend to be wetter and more prone to humidity because this also increases the amount of moisture in your subfloors. Without underlayment to add a layer between these damp subfloors and the surface flooring, your laminate can quickly become wet, warped, and mildewy, harming its overall integrity. Moisture over time can also break down floor adhesive which causes the floor to start warping.

Not everyone lives in a particularly humid environment, though. Places like Arizona, Nevada, and Utah are significantly drier and hotter with ground that reflects that, meaning that moisture is unlikely to be any major concern. Happen to be among the lucky ranks who live here? Underlayment won't be nearly as necessary to keep your laminate looking and functioning at its absolute best.

You Don't Mind a Little Noise

Protection from subfloor imperfections and moisture are both two primary reasons underlayment is a smart choice. But it does have its other perks, too. For example, since it functions as padding between surface and subfloors, much of the noise you'd expect is absorbed, helping the pitter-patter of little (or sometimes not-so-little paws and the loud running of growing rugrats come down to a much more manageable volume. This makes the stuff ideal for busy growing families. Kids and pets can run around, parents can do all their laundry and work, and guests can come and go as needed without serious disturbance.

Yet, that's not a major bonus for everyone. Some folks have less foot traffic in the house or simply tolerate it better. In these cases, underlayment is definitely way less attractive, and that's totally fair. We wouldn't recommend passing on it just because of this, but if you're already checking off other points we're talking about, you're pretty safe to spend your hard-earned cash elsewhere.

Budget is a Big Concern

While on the subject of cash, we'd be remiss not to talk about budget influence here. As we've fully admitted, using underlayment brings plenty of benefits to your flooring project. However, it comes at a cost ' i.e., though less than flooring, it is an added expense. Laminate and underlayment are mid-cost ranged flooring combos available these days, adding up to a higher price tag than you might be looking for. Some people doing reno might be willing and able to eat those additional costs, but what if you're already on a tight budget? You could skip it or consider a more affordable foam underlayment.  

Underlayment will get you the best results possible, but as with any project, you must have your priorities sorted out and constantly keep them in mind as you move forward. What's most critical to you? Do you need to keep your immediate costs down but are okay potentially spending down the line for repairs? Are you good on money right now and need to ensure future replacement won't be needed? Is comfort and sound reduction the main focus, or are you willing to pass on it for easy, cheaper installation? How much are you ready to spend, anyways? Answer these honestly, balance your priorities, and the question of laminate underlayment or not will be easy as can be. 

With that being said, if you don't have all three requirements listed above, underlayment is still highly recommended. Moisture issues and uneven subfloors can result in laminate floor failure, costing you far more in repair costs than installing an underlayment. 

Underlayment Comes Pre-Attached

Although there are pad-attached laminate planks out there, you may feel like you're getting a better deal, but the cost of the attached underlayment is worked into the floor price and quality. 

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Here is a segment from the carpet captain's blog, 'Laminate Underlayment Guide'. 'Since underlayment is an important part of the installation, I usually like my underlayment separate just because I can be more choosy on the type and specifications. You do get a little more convenience with having attached pad, but underlayment is easy to install.'

A separate underlayment will still provide plenty of benefits for anyone who is already set on pad-attached laminate flooring. QuietWalk's compression resistance exceeds the requirement for pre-attached flooring that is greater than 29 psi @50% per ASTM D. The high compression resistance assures that the underlayment will not contribute to floor decoupling.

Conclusion

Underlayment's great, but if you're lucky enough to have a dry climate, spotless subfloors, and little need for noise control, it isn't a necessity. If you have all the optimal conditions and don't want to spend the extra money for additional benefits, you might as well just lay down your laminate without it. You'll save on material expenses. This can be helpful in the short term, but the floor's longevity will be an added risk. If you're like most of us, you won't have the fortunate circumstances to skip underlayment. Don't worry, we got you covered; our underlayment selector tool will help you find the perfect underlayment for your laminate flooring!

Laminated parquet is one of the most demanding products on the market for installation in the living room, living room, hallway, even in the kitchen, bathroom and closet. Along with the many advantages, such as low cost, good looks, easy installation and after-sales support, it also boasts durability.

However, there are factors that can very quickly pave the way for major challenges. Under the influence of heavy traffic, the presence of pets, lack of attention when moving furniture and high humidity, the flooring is susceptible to damage. Dents, scratches, yellowing, and others are beginning to appear. There are some basic and additional protections to reduce the likelihood of such damage.

3 ways to protect laminated parquet

Protection with pads and rugs

Attach protective pads to the furniture ' furniture is one of the main causes of damage to the flooring. Moving them from one place to another, without lifting, creates a condition for the appearance of long lines. Experts advise attaching protection pads to their feet to avoid unpleasant scrubbing or scratches, as daily tables, chairs, and stools are moving in the room and other rooms.

You have a choice of the type of material to put underneath ' plastic, rebate, carpet, and more. You will not find it difficult to find them because they are available in almost any store where flooring is available. The best option is to glue the protective pads with glue from the side that will be to the furniture. This allows for easy displacement, without worrying about moving the shields. You are probably aware that they wear out with time and need to be replaced.

Put carpets or rugs on the laminate

Carpets in this case will play a role not only as a beautiful accessory in your room but also as a safety shield against to damage your floor. Put them in strategic places such as heavy pedestrian traffic, under the feet of heavier furniture, which can cause scratching or scratching on the surface as well as in places where they can not be in contact with humidity or water.

For even more comfort when you step on them, put extra rubber pads under the carpets. Thus, even in areas with great movement, they will not slip. Keep in mind that larger mats will cost you so expensive, so you have to figure out what protection to choose

Place bedding in front of the doors

You probably noticed beautiful and interesting bedding in the homes of relatives and friends that give a different look to the entire interior. They have a dual function here ' visual and protective. If, with the entry, all passers-by step directly onto the laminate, this may be a problem.

Dirt, small pebbles, or grains of sand that will cause scratches may have been loosened on the shoes. Such 'welcome' pads can save the floor from damage and extend its life. Immediately after entering your home, everyone will wear their shoes. You can use this trick and other places you think is at risk. It is generally advisable not to walk with shoes inside, so you can make a personal ban on the whole family. This way the floor will be protected and will always be cleaner

Replace the plastic wheels with rubber

It may sound a little crazy and too engaging, but replacing the wheels of frequently moving furniture will save you from replacing the floor in the whole room. Chairs are the ones that move most often, though not everyone can change. Do it mostly with heavier and massive chairs, like office chairs you use for desks.

Children love to walk around the premises with them ' it is like a game. Keep in mind that if you do not take precautions at the moment, this game will cost you a replacement with new flooring. Buying rubber wheels will also not make you harder ' but look for soft ones.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Foam Back Vinyl Flooring. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.