Best Underlayment for Laminate Flooring

If you are going through the process of laminate flooring installation, you might hear the occasional naysayer telling you that underlayment isn’t necessary, especially if the subfloor is smooth and even, and that you can easily save a few bucks on labor and material. 

However, just like with hardwood flooring underlayment, this advice isn’t going to do you any favors in the long run.

Even though laminate flooring is widely recognized for its durability and cost-effectiveness, it still has its own set of requirements, primarily because it is a floating floor that relies on proper installation for stability and longevity.

That’s why it’s very important to understand what are the risks of skipping underlayment and whether it is even worth the trade-off when you compare the price of quality laminate underlayment with the value it offers.

So, if you are installing laminate, it’s advisable not to cut corners here because you stand to gain a lot with a quality laminate underlayment:

• It makes the subfloor more even. This helps the laminate installation go smoothly.
• It protects against moisture. This is very important if you put laminate over concrete or in damp areas.
• It makes the floor quieter. You won’t hear as much noise when people walk on it.
• It makes the floor more comfortable. The laminate will feel softer and nicer to walk on.

So, while laminate flooring may not have the exact same environmental needs as hardwood, it’s right up there in terms of the importance of underlayment. In fact, the majority of laminate installations call for underlayment, especially if you’re laying it over a hard surface like concrete or an existing floor (like hardwood or tile). Even if your laminate has a built-in underlayment, you may still want to add extra layers in specific situations, such as in basements or rooms prone to moisture.

Now that we’ve established underlayment as a must-have, let’s dive into what you should look for in underlayment for laminate flooring.

What to Look for in Laminate Underlayment

When you choose an underlayment for laminate, you should think about these important factors:

1. Moisture protection: This matters a lot if you put laminate over concrete or in areas that might get damp. The underlayment should have a vapor barrier. Look for a perm rating of 1.0 or less. A lower number means better protection.
2. Thickness: Most laminate underlayments are between 2mm and 5mm thick. Thicker ones (3mm and up) reduce sound better and feel softer. But you might not need a thick underlayment if your laminate already has a pad attached.
3. Sound reduction: Good underlayment reduces noise. For floors between levels, look for an IIC (Impact Insulation Class) rating of at least 50. A rating of 60 or higher is even better. Aim for an STC (Sound Transmission Class) of 50 or more for sound between rooms on the same level.
4. Heat insulation: If you live somewhere cold or have an unheated basement, you want underlayment that keeps heat in. Look for an R-value of 0.2 or higher.
5. Compression resistance: You need underlayment that keeps its shape over time. This is especially true in areas with heavy foot traffic or furniture. If that’s the case choose an underlayment with a compression resistance of 15 kPa or more.
6. Breathability: While you want to keep moisture out, a little airflow can help prevent mold. Some materials like cork or felt let a bit of air through, which can be good if you’re putting laminate over an existing floor or in areas that don’t get very damp.

Based on the above criteria, let’s examine the top 5 underlayments for laminate flooring in 2025.

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#1 Roberts AirGuard Premium Underlayment

Moisture Protection: With a 0.3 perm rating, this underlayment is well below the 1.0 standard and presents a worry-free option over concrete and damp areas.

Thickness: At 3mm, it offers a good balance of cushioning and insulation without significantly raising floor height.

Sound Reduction: Its IIC of 70 and STC of 66 exceed the recommended 50+, which should be more than enough to keep the noise between floors at acceptable levels.

Heat Insulation: An R-value of 0.5 surpasses the 0.2 minimum and provides much-needed warmth retention in colder climates.

Compression Resistance: Known for maintaining shape under heavy loads, it’s suitable for high-traffic areas and beneath weighty furniture.

Breathability: As is the case with any underlayment with low air permeability, it increases moisture protection but limits the air circulation and escape of any trapped moisture.

With excellent moisture protection and sound reduction, Roberts AirGuard Premium Underlayment is ideal for installations over concrete or multi-story buildings. It has a good balance of thickness, insulation, and compression resistance. Its only drawback is low permeability, which is a common trade-off for underlayments with strong moisture barriers.

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#2 First Step 630-Square Foot Roll Underlayment

Moisture Protection: Even though First Step features a vapor barrier, its moisture protection doesn’t quite reach the levels of AirGuard. However, with a perm rating under 1.0, it should be more than enough for most residential applications. 

Thickness: At 3mm, this underlayment balances comfort and floor height and is suitable for standard installations.

Sound Reduction: It offers an IIC of 65 and an STC of 60, which greatly reduces impact noise and sound transfer.

Heat Insulation: An R-value of 0.4 provides decent heat retention.

Compression Resistance: It has strong durability, though heavy furniture might show slight signs of compression over time.

Breathability: Since it has lower perm rating, it offers moderate breathability, which can be ideal for rooms with less moisture exposure.

Overall, The First Step underlayment is a reliable option for everyday laminate installations. It’s not the most moisture-resistant, but it performs well and won’t cause you any problems in most residential spaces.

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#3 QuietWalk Laminate Flooring Underlayment

Moisture Protection: QuietWalk has a built-in vapor barrier and provides moderate levels of moisture resistance. With a perm rating just under 0.7, it suffices for most residential applications.

Thickness: This underlayment is 3mm thick, does a good job at balancing comfort and floor height, and suits standard installations.

Sound Reduction: QuietWalk, as its name suggests, features an impressive IIC of 71 and an STC of 66. With such high ratings, it greatly reduces impact noise and sound transfer, which make it top-tier choice for apartments and multi-story homes.

Heat Insulation: Its R-value of 0.58 provides good heat retention, making it one of the better options for colder environments.

Compression Resistance: QuietWalk is very durable, and It holds up pretty well under furniture and heavy foot traffic. It might not be the first choice for commercial areas with very heavy items on it, but it’s more than durable enough for regular residential use.

Breathability: The lower perm rating results in moderate breathability. This suits rooms with less moisture exposure. Cork or felt options would offer more airflow.

Overall, QuietWalk is a strong all-around performer. It especially excels in soundproofing and insulation. Its moderate breathability works for most situations, but it may not be ideal in very humid areas.

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#4 Cork Underlayment with Vapor Barrier

Moisture Protection: Cork doesn’t block moisture well on its own, but this does not present much of a problem if paired with a vapor barrier (perm rating under 0.5). Cork+vapor barrier might be a pricier combo compared to other underlayments, but it provides good moisture protection.

Thickness: Cork is available in various thicknesses, but a standard 3mm cork underlayment is a good all-rounder for laminate.

Sound Reduction: Offers an IIC of around 60 and STC of 55-60.

Heat Insulation: Cork is a natural insulator with an R-value of 0.5 or more.

Compression Resistance: Durable and able to retain its shape under pressure, though not as firm as synthetic options.

Breathability: Cork’s natural perm rating of 2-3 makes it a good choice for installations that require airflow.

Cork is universally recognized as an excellent material for underlayment and you are likely to find it recommended regardless of the floor you are installing. It’s an eco-friendly, sustainable option that provides excellent soundproofing and warmth. However, if you’re installing it in a moisture-prone area, you’ll need to add a vapor barrier.

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#5 Floorlot Gold Laminate Flooring Underlayment

Moisture Protection: With a vapor barrier and perm rating below 0.7, it works well in damp conditions.

Thickness: Typically around 2mm, so it’s a bit thinner but still provides good cushioning.

Sound Reduction: It boasts an IIC of 67 and an STC of 65, making it a solid option for reducing noise between floors.

Heat Insulation: Its R-value is around 0.5, providing good heat retention.

Compression Resistance: Offers strong compression resistance, but specifics vary by product.

Breathability: It is not highly breathable, but its vapor barrier adds peace of mind for moisture protection.

Floorlot Gold is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a thinner underlayment with solid performance, especially for noise and moisture control.

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Conclusion

As we already established, choosing the best underlayment for laminate flooring provides several very important benefits for your floor’s long-term performance and comfort. 

Despite the presence of attached underlayment on some laminate products, it’s not uncommon to find that an additional layer is necessary, especially over concrete or hard surfaces. While it may seem like additional expense and labor, 100 ft of underlayment is actually only around $30-$50 for 100ft, which in contrast is only about 5-10% of the total average laminate price for the same area.

This small investment can make not so small improvements in sound reduction, moisture protection, and overall comfort levels. 

Also, keep in mind that your choice should be guided by your specific needs, such as soundproofing or heat insulation. In the end you probably won’t go wrong with any of the insulations provided on our list, but you got to think carefully if you want to make the most out of your specific needs and circumstances.