Flooring Underlayment Types

With certain types of flooring the underlayment can be just as important as the floor itself.

Flooring underlayment types.

There are various types of tile underlayment but all serve to smooth out uneven spots in a subfloor and create an unbending layer that prevents the floor from flexing underfoot. An important aspect of choosing an underlayment is the flooring surface. This is the finished visible flooring surface such as hardwood planks carpeting ceramic tile or vinyl. Wear layers and topcoats can protect the surface of your floor but underlay adds a layer of protection to the bottom of your boards or tiles.

This is the layer that you see and walk on. There are essentially four types of underlayments. Vinyl planks require hard thin underlay because the product itself is softer. There is one key factor to consider before continuing with this discussion of underlayments.

We divide the list by the types of flooring so you can zoom in on the products suited to your project. The airguard 5 in 1 floor underlayment is an ideal option if you re shopping for floor underlayment for laminate. Its purpose is to provide a smooth flat surface for the floor covering. Resilient floors such as linoleum rubber or fiber composite surfaces and fully adhered carpet require an especially smooth underlayment because any flaws beneath nail pops splinters and cracks have an increased visibility.

Just under the visible floor covering is a layer of some kind of material usually only about 1 4 or 1 2 inch thick. Standard this is usually a 1 8 inch thick foam absent of any attached moisture barrier. There are a variety of underlayment products to choose from which surprises many people. Let s get into the details here with a list of the most common types of underlay used in flooring today.

Consumers must use an underlayment approved by the hardwood floor manufacturer or any warranties may be voided. To keep moisture and mold away this underlayment is treated with microban and includes airguard technology to promote airflow with embedded polyshims that prevent compression and allow moisture vapor to escape. While underlayment for vinyl planks may be used under hardwood and laminate the reverse is not true. Flooring types and the right underlayment for each.

While vinyl flooring is known for its resiliency it would be a major mistake to overlook the underlayment. Standard foam underlayment this is the most basic type of underlayment available it is best used on plywood or osb subfloors where moisture is not a factor. Eco cork foam 300 sq.