Your flooring is only as reliable as its underlayment, the material between the floor and the subfloor. This product is designed to absorb sound, block moisture, fix any spots where the subfloor isn’t perfectly even, and support the flooring itself. 

Different types of underlayment are better for different surfaces, so it’s important to know which one meets your needs. Installing the right underlayment could save you money on maintenance and repairs.

The Best Underlayment for Different Flooring Types

Wood Flooring

Felt is the most popular underlayment choice for hardwood floors. It’s easy to install, reasonably affordable, and effective at blocking moisture from below. That said, if you live in a particularly humid area, you should also consider installing a separate moisture barrier for complete protection. Felt can't always block substantial amounts of moisture, leaving the underside of your flooring vulnerable to damage. Cork and rubber underlayment are viable alternatives to felt when installing hardwood.

Tile Flooring

The underlayment for tile has a difficult job. On the one hand, it needs to offer reliable support—if it doesn’t, the grout between the tiles could break when stepped on. On the other hand, it also needs to have some degree of flexibility, so it can expand and contract with weather and temperature changes. Cement board underlayment is the most common choice, but some prefer DITRA uncoupling membrane. This material is more expensive than cement board, but it’s also a stronger moisture barrier.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate is already regarded as a budget-friendly substitute for hardwood. It’s also easier to pair with an affordable underlayment. Foam is the most common choice—in fact, some laminate flooring comes with it pre-installed. Some homeowners may prefer cork acoustical underlayment in high-traffic areas to soften the sound of footsteps.

No matter how beautiful your flooring looks, it’s what you don’t see that ensures it stays in good shape. To find out more about selecting the right underlayment, ask the professionals at Parker Floor Covering in Hamilton, OH, for advice. Visit them online to learn about their services, or call (513) 863-6767.