Underlayment for Vinyl Flooring: Everything You Need To Know

When it comes to flooring, especially the kind that’s meant to last, like Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), there’s more to it than just picking out a style and color that you like. There’s a layer beneath it all, quite literally, that deserves a bit more attention – the underlayment. It’s not the most glamorous part of your floor, but it’s very important nonetheless.

Think of underlayment as the foundation for your LVP. It’s not just there to take up space; it has a job to do. From helping with noise reduction to keeping moisture at bay, the right underlayment can make a significant difference in how your floor performs day in and day out.

In this guide, we’re going to walk through the ins and outs of underlayment for vinyl flooring. We’ll cover why it’s important, what could happen if you skip it, the benefits it brings to the table, the different types available, and how to choose the right one for your situation.

What is LVP Flooring Underlayment?

Underlayment, in the simplest terms, is a layer of material placed between the subfloor (that’s the original floor beneath, whatever it might be) and your LVP flooring. This layer isn’t just filler; it serves multiple important functions.

First off, underlayment acts as a barrier. It helps smooth out minor bumps and imperfections in the subfloor, giving your LVP a flat, stable base. Anyone who’s ever walked on a floor that feels uneven or ‘soft’ in places knows how important this can be.

But it’s not just about stability. Underlayment can also be a protector against moisture. Depending on the material, it can help prevent moisture from the subfloor from damaging your LVP. This is especially important to consider in areas prone to dampness, like basements.

Then there’s the comfort factor. Underlayment can add a bit of cushioning, making your LVP flooring more comfortable to walk on. And if you’re concerned about noise — either from footsteps on the floor above or echoes in a large room — the right underlayment can significantly reduce sound transmission.

Underlayment for LVP flooring isn’t something to overlook. It’s the foundation that supports, protects, and enhances the performance and longevity of your flooring. Like any good foundation, it’s essential to get it right.

Why is Underlayment Important?

You might wonder if underlayment is just an optional add-on or if it’s genuinely important for your LVP floors. Well, it turns out that underlayment is pretty essential, and here’s why.

Moisture Protection

First and foremost, underlayment can serve as a crucial moisture barrier. Especially in areas prone to dampness, like basements, the right underlayment can prevent moisture from seeping up and damaging your LVP. It’s like an insurance policy against water damage, which can save you a lot of headaches (and money) down the line.

Smooths Subfloor Imperfections

No subfloor is perfectly level or smooth, and those little imperfections can affect how your LVP lays and performs. Underlayment helps to even out these minor bumps and dips, ensuring your LVP fits snugly and looks flawless.

Sound Reduction

In multi-story homes or buildings, the sound of footsteps can be a nuisance. Underlayment significantly reduces noise, making each step quieter and helping to contain sound within a room. It’s about creating a peaceful environment as much as it is about flooring.

Comfort and Warmth

Underlayment adds a layer of cushioning that makes walking on LVP more comfortable.

Beyond just making your floors feel more comfortable underfoot, underlayment can also offer a degree of thermal insulation. This means your floors can retain heat better during colder months, contributing to a warmer, more energy-efficient home.

Longevity and Durability

By providing a stable base, underlayment can extend the life of your LVP flooring. It helps to distribute weight and reduce wear, keeping your floors looking good for longer.

In essence, underlayment isn’t just an optional extra; it’s a vital component that adds a lot to the performance, durability, and comfort of your LVP flooring. Skipping it might save a bit upfront, but the potential long-term costs and issues could far outweigh those initial savings.

Can You Just Skip Placing Underlayment?

While underlayment is highly recommended for the reasons we previously explored (moisture protection, noise reduction, subfloor smoothing, etc.), there are a few instances where you might technically get away with skipping it. 

These include situations where your LVP has a pre-attached underlayment (check with the manufacturer), when the existing subfloor is flawlessly level and moisture-proof, or for strictly temporary flooring installations where long-term performance isn’t a concern.

However, it’s important to note that even if you’re installing LVP over an existing floor like hardwood or tile, underlayment can still be beneficial. While the original floor addresses moisture concerns, underlayment can improve sound dampening, smooth out any minor imperfections in the existing floor, and add a touch of cushioning for greater comfort.

Ultimately, the decision to skip underlayment involves weighing the immediate cost savings against the potential long-term issues it helps prevent. In most cases, underlayment remains a smart investment for a more durable, comfortable, and beautiful LVP floor.

Types of Underlayment and Applications for Each

Choosing the right underlayment goes beyond just picking a material. Understanding the nuances of each type and their suitability for specific situations is key. Here’s a deeper look at common options:

Foam underlayment:

• Description: This is the most common and budget-friendly category. Foam underlayment comes in varying thicknesses and densities. Basic foams offer some cushioning and noise reduction and can smooth out very minor subfloor imperfections. Certain foams incorporate a vapor barrier layer for extra moisture protection.
• Best for: General residential use, especially with plywood subfloors where major moisture concerns are unlikely. Choose denser foams for better performance. Thicker foams (3mm or more) can help mask slight imperfections but won’t fix truly uneven subfloors.

Plywood underlayment:

• Description: Plywood is a versatile option for both vinyl sheets and LVP. It creates a smooth, stable surface, particularly helpful on uneven subfloors. Choose a dedicated underlayment-grade plywood in various thicknesses.
• Best for: Correcting imperfections in existing subfloors before LVP installation. While adding cost, it can prevent issues later and is good insurance for the longevity of your floor.

Fiberboard underlayment:

• Description: A cost-effective option made from wood fibers and resins, providing moisture protection and smoothing minor flaws. Comes in various thicknesses.
• Best for: Budget projects where some subfloor correction is needed. Not suitable for high-moisture areas.

Cork underlayment:

• Description: A natural material derived from cork oak bark, cork is prized for excellent acoustic insulation. It also offers thermal insulation and is naturally resistant to mold and rot. Cork comes in rolls or sheets with varying thicknesses.
• Best for: Environments where noise suppression is crucial (apartments, multi-level homes, bedrooms). It is also ideal for basements or moisture-prone areas and for anyone seeking an eco-friendly underlayment option.

Rubber underlayment:

• Description: Rubber underlayment typically comes in rolls and boasts some of the best sound-deadening properties available. Its density provides excellent support for LVP. Rubber is also exceptionally resistant to moisture.
• Best for: High-traffic areas, commercial spaces, and rooms where ultimate sound control is vital (home theaters, music rooms). It is ideal for concrete subfloors where moisture protection is paramount. Note: rubber can have a slight odor initially that dissipates.

Felt underlayment:

• Description: Usually made from recycled fibers, felt is dense and offers significant cushioning and sound dampening. However, it’s less common than foam and can be more expensive.
• Best for: Areas where plushness underfoot is desired. It is well-suited for bedrooms or living rooms where impact noise reduction is important. Similar to cork, it’s a good choice for environmentally-focused individuals.

Combination underlayment:

• Description: These products merge different materials to address multiple needs. A common example is a foam layer with an integrated plastic vapor barrier for protection against moisture.
• Best for: When the benefits of two materials are needed. For instance, the cushioning of foam with the moisture barrier is crucial for concrete subfloors.

Application considerations:

• Subfloor: Concrete requires underlayments with excellent vapor barrier properties. Minor unevenness in any subfloor benefits from corrective underlayments (foam, cork).
• Moisture: Basements, kitchens, or humid climates demand underlayments with moisture resistance (rubber, cork, combination with vapor barrier).
• Sound: Apartments or rooms where minimizing noise is critical fare best with cork, rubber, or thick felt.
• Budget: Foam is most affordable, while rubber and cork tend to be the priciest options.

There’s no single “best” underlayment for every situation. The right choice hinges on a careful analysis of your subfloor, your surrounding environment, your priorities in terms of comfort and sound control, and your budget.

How Much Does Underlayment Cost?

When budgeting for your LVP flooring project, underlayment is a line item you don’t want to overlook. 

The cost can vary widely based on the type of underlayment, the materials used, and the specific features it offers. 

Here’s a general guide to help you understand what influences underlayment pricing and what you might expect to pay.

Factors influencing cost:

• Material: The type of material significantly affects the price. Basic foam underlayment is typically the most affordable, while premium options like cork and rubber come with a higher price tag due to their enhanced properties and benefits.
• Thickness and density: Generally, thicker and denser underlayments offer better sound insulation and comfort but also come at a higher cost.
• Additional features: Some underlayments come with extra features like built-in moisture barriers or antimicrobial properties, which can add to the cost.
• Brand and quality: As with most products, brand reputation and quality can influence price. Higher-end brands that offer extensive warranties or are known for superior performance may charge more.

General price ranges:

• Basic foam underlayment: Prices for basic foam underlayment can start as low as $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot, making it a budget-friendly option for many projects.
• Cork and rubber underlayment: More premium materials like cork and rubber can range from $0.50 to over $1.00 per square foot, reflecting their superior sound and moisture-blocking capabilities.
• Specialty underlayments: Prices can vary widely for underlayments that offer a combination of features or are made from unique materials. It’s not uncommon to see prices upwards of $1.50 per square foot for top-of-the-line products.

It’s important to remember that while the cost is a significant factor, it shouldn’t be the sole consideration. The right underlayment can really add to the longevity and performance of your LVP flooring and pretty much save you money and hassle in the long run.

When estimating the total cost of the underlayment, don’t forget to factor in a little extra for waste and any potential mistakes, especially if you’re planning to install it yourself.

Choosing the Right Underlayment for LVP

Choosing the right underlayment for your LVP flooring means balancing various needs. There’s no single perfect solution – the best choice depends on your subfloor, your flooring, and the room’s purpose. 

Let’s weigh the factors that matter and ensure your LVP installation delivers the comfort, performance, and longevity you expect.

Subfloor analysis:

• Moisture: Concrete subfloors, especially in basements or below-grade areas, are notorious for moisture issues. Select an underlayment with a true vapor barrier (6-mil polyethylene or equivalent). Look for a perm rating (the lower, the better for moisture resistance).
• Sound Transmission: Evaluate your need for soundproofing. If you’re installing LVP in a multi-story home, bedrooms, or over shared spaces, focus on underlayments with high STC (Sound Transmission Class) and IIC (Impact Insulation Class) ratings. Cork and rubber excel here.
• Subfloor Imperfections: Minor irregularities like dips or gaps can be addressed with thicker, denser underlayments. For severe unevenness, consider professional subfloor leveling before LVP installation.

Understanding your LVP:

• Attached Underlayment: Some LVPs come with pre-attached underlayments. Check its specifications – it might be sufficient unless you need a high-performance moisture barrier or exceptional soundproofing.
• Manufacturer warranties: Many LVP warranties are contingent on using the manufacturer’s recommended underlayment or one with specific properties. Failure to comply may void your warranty.
• Click-lock vs. glue-down: Click-lock LVP benefits from underlayments with slight compressibility, providing cushion at the joints. Glue-down LVP needs a very smooth, dimensionally stable underlayment.

Comfort, usage, and performance:

• Underfoot feel: Prioritize softness and warmth in bedrooms and living spaces. Foam and felt underlayments offer this, but trade some durability for comfort.
• Heavy traffic areas: For hallways, kitchens, or commercial settings, a denser, more resilient underlayment like cork or rubber is a wiser investment to prevent premature wear.
• Acoustic needs: If noise is a major concern, go beyond simple STC/IIC ratings. Consider a specialized acoustic underlayment designed to break up sound transmission by decoupling your floor from the subfloor.

Budgeting: the balance of cost and value:

While the cheapest underlayment might be tempting, it risks sacrificing durability and potentially your LVP warranty. Here’s how to strike the right balance:

• Prioritize needs: Focus your budget on the most crucial features for your space (moisture protection, soundproofing, longevity).
• Don’t underspec: Aim for the minimum thickness or performance ratings recommended for your LVP type and space.
• “Cost per year”: Calculate the cost of a higher-quality underlayment over the expected lifetime of your floor. Often, the small upfront investment protects your LVP for many more years.

A little research and careful consideration of your specific situation will guide you toward the best underlayment decision. This ensures your LVP floor looks beautiful and performs optimally for years to come!

Installing LVP Underlayment

When it comes to laying the groundwork for your LVP flooring, it’s very important to understand how to install underlayment properly. 

Let’s start with the general approach to installing underlayment for LVP flooring, then explore how this process might differ with specific types of vinyl flooring, such as click-lock and glue-down.

General Approach to Installing Underlayment

• Preparation: Begin with a clean, dry, and level subfloor. Any debris, nails, or significant unevenness can affect the underlayment and, ultimately, the LVP’s performance.
• Roll out: Most underlayments come in rolls and should be rolled out across the floor. Seams should be butted together closely without overlapping to avoid creating ridges under the LVP.
• Cutting and fitting: Use a utility knife to cut the underlayment to fit the room, including around obstacles like columns or doorways. Precision here ensures a smooth surface for the LVP.
• Securing underlayment: Depending on the type, underlayment may need to be taped at the seams, stapled down, or simply laid in place. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
• Moisture barrier: A separate moisture barrier might be required in addition to or as part of the underlayment in damp-prone areas. Ensure this layer is properly installed to protect your flooring.

Special Considerations for Click-Lock and Glue-Down Vinyl

• Click-Lock LVP: This floating floor system allows for a variety of underlayment options. The underlayment not only provides cushioning and sound dampening but also allows for a bit of ‘give,’ which is essential for the click-lock mechanism to function correctly. Be mindful of the thickness and compressibility of the underlayment to ensure it supports the locking system effectively.
• Glue-Down LVP: With glue-down installations, the approach to underlayment is more restrictive. Traditional underlayment might not be suitable as it can prevent the adhesive from bonding properly. Instead, look for specialized products designed for glue-down applications, such as thin, dense mats that provide some level of cushioning and sound dampening without interfering with the adhesive.

Adapting to Your Vinyl Type

• Pre-Attached Underlayment: If your LVP comes with pre-attached underlayment, the installation process might be streamlined, but ensure this built-in layer meets all your flooring needs.
• Compatibility: Always verify that your chosen underlayment is compatible with your specific type of LVP flooring, especially concerning the installation method and manufacturer’s warranty requirements.

Installing underlayment for LVP flooring starts with a general approach focused on creating a smooth, stable, and protected base. However, the specific type of LVP—be it click-lock or glue-down—may necessitate adjustments to this approach, ensuring the underlayment supports the unique requirements of your flooring choice.

Solid Ground for Your LVP Project

Despite being hidden from view, underlayment is a critical layer that supports and protects your LVP flooring, addressing issues like moisture, sound, and minor subfloor imperfections.

With various underlayment options available, selecting the right type based on your specific needs—such as moisture levels, sound insulation, and subfloor condition—is crucial.

While budget considerations are important, investing in a quality underlayment can save you from potential issues and expenses down the line. It’s about finding the right balance between cost and the benefits provided.

Choosing and installing the right underlayment for your LVP flooring might seem like just another step in the process, but it’s one that can have a lasting impact on your space. Whether you’re renovating a cozy room in your home or outfitting a high-traffic area in a commercial setting, taking the time to understand and invest in the proper underlayment will give you solid ground for a floor that looks great, feels comfortable underfoot, and stands up to the demands of daily life.