When you’re planning a laminate flooring installation, choosing the right underlay for laminate flooring is just as important as the floor itself. Underlay doesn’t just make fitting easier — it protects your laminate, improves comfort, and can even help reduce energy bills. Skip it (or pick the wrong type), and you could end up with noisy floors, damp problems, or damage to your laminate planks. Because underlay is often a separate purchase, it’s also worth factoring into your budget from the start.
What is underlay — and why does laminate flooring need it?
Underlay is a thin but vital layer that goes between your sub-floor and your laminate. Whether you’re laying floors in the living room, bedroom, or hallway, underlay makes sure your laminate flooring looks better and lasts longer.
Benefits of laminate underlay:
- Levels out imperfections – Smooths bumps and uneven patches in the sub-floor for a stable installation.
- Improves insulation – A good thermal underlay helps keep heat in and control energy costs.
- Reduces noise – Perfect for upstairs rooms or apartments, underlay cuts down the sound of footsteps.
- Protects against moisture – A vapour barrier underlay stops damp rising from below and damaging your laminate.
Why the sub-floor matters when choosing underlay
The type of sub-floor beneath your laminate flooring plays a big part in which underlay is best:
Concrete sub-floors – Concrete is porous and rarely perfectly smooth. A laminate underlay with a built-in vapour barrier is essential to stop damp and ensure a level surface. Without it, planks may bubble, lift, or develop mould underneath.
Wood sub-floors – Wood expands and contracts naturally. Underlay stabilises this movement and provides airflow to prevent mould or mildew. The right choice here protects both the wood and the laminate.
Flooring Revolution Pro tip: Don’t use carpet underlay under laminate. It’s too soft and spongy, which strains the plank joints and shortens the life of your floor.
Types of underlay for laminate flooring
Not sure which underlay is right for your room? Here are the most common options and when to use them:
- Standard foam underlay – Affordable and provides basic cushioning. Best for wooden sub-floors in dry rooms.
- Vapour barrier underlay – Adds vital moisture protection, making it the best choice for concrete sub-floors.Some are also suitable for underfloor heating.
- Combination underlay – Combines cushioning with moisture protection, offering versatility for most laminate installations.
- Cork underlay – Eco-friendly, excellent for noise reduction, and naturally resistant to mould thanks to its antimicrobial properties.
FAQs about laminate underlay
What thickness of underlay is best for laminate flooring? Laminate underlay is usually between 3–5mm thick. Thicker isn’t always better — too much cushioning can cause instability.
Which underlay works with underfloor heating? Look for underlay with a low tog rating. This allows heat to pass through efficiently while still protecting your floor.
Can I reuse old underlay under new laminate? No — old underlay won’t perform properly and may shorten the life of your new floor. Always replace underlay when installing new laminate.
Is carpet underlay suitable for laminate flooring? No. Carpet underlay is too soft, which will cause laminate planks to warp, flex, or break at the joints.
The bottom line
Underlay may be hidden beneath your laminate, but it does the hard work that keeps your floor looking and performing its best. From reducing noise and improving insulation to protecting against moisture, the right laminate flooring underlay makes all the difference.
At Flooring Revolution, we stock a wide range of high-quality underlays to suit every room and every budget — so you can shop smart, fit with confidence, and enjoy your new floor for years to come.
