How Do I Install Underlayment For Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners because it is durable, affordable, and easy to install. However, it is important to install underlayment beneath the laminate flooring in order to protect the flooring and to improve its performance.

Underlayment is a thin layer of material that is placed between the subfloor and the laminate flooring. It serves several purposes, including:

Protecting the laminate flooring from moisture and damage
Reducing noise from footsteps and other impacts
Improving the thermal insulation of the floor

There are several different types of underlayment available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common types of underlayment include:

Foam underlayment: Foam underlayment is the most common type of underlayment used for laminate flooring. It is made from a variety of materials, including polyethylene, polyurethane, and rubber. Foam underlayment is affordable, easy to install, and provides good sound absorption.
Cork underlayment: Cork underlayment is made from natural cork, which is a renewable resource. Cork underlayment is more expensive than foam underlayment, but it is also more durable and provides better sound and thermal insulation.
Rubber underlayment: Rubber underlayment is made from recycled rubber tires. It is the most durable type of underlayment, but it is also the most expensive. Rubber underlayment provides excellent sound and thermal insulation.

Once you have chosen the type of underlayment you want to use, you can begin the installation process.

Prepare the subfloor: The first step is to prepare the subfloor by making sure that it is clean, level, and dry. If the subfloor is not level, you may need to use a self-leveling compound to level it out.
Roll out the underlayment: Once the subfloor is prepared, you can begin rolling out the underlayment. Start at one corner of the room and roll out the underlayment in rows, overlapping the seams by at least 2 inches.
Tape the seams: Use duct tape to tape the seams of the underlayment together. This will help to prevent the underlayment from shifting or moving.
Install the laminate flooring: Once the underlayment is installed, you can begin installing the laminate flooring.

By following these steps, you can install underlayment for laminate flooring quickly and easily.