When fitting new flooring, an underlay is crucial. A high-quality underlay not only enhances walking comfort but also contributes to the longevity of the floor. Specialist underlays offer additional features such as noise reduction and damp protection. With over 15 years of experience in the flooring industry, Wood and Beyond is perfectly positioned to highlight the best underlays in 2024, drawing on our own expertise and customer feedback.
Best Flooring Underlay – 5 Highest Rated in 2024
TimberTech Neo Underlay 3mm
The TimberTech Neo Underlay is a standout for those seeking both sustainability and performance. At 3mm thick, this heavyweight natural rubber underlay not only delivers an exceptional 23dB reduction in impact sound, enhancing the tranquility of any space but also offers superior moisture protection with its silver vapour barrier film. It’s particularly noteworthy for its eco-friendly credentials, being crafted from recycled car tyres. This underlay is an excellent choice for anyone looking to combine sound reduction, moisture protection, and environmental consideration in their flooring choice for 2024.
Floor Plus Underlay 2mm
The Floor Plus Underlay, at 2mm thickness, is engineered from extruded polystyrene (XPS), making it remarkably resilient under load and against moisture. Its optimal noise reduction and thermal insulation capabilities make it a top pick for a wide range of floating floors, including laminate and engineered boards. The ease and speed of installation are added benefits, making this underlay a practical choice for efficient, high-quality flooring solutions in 2024.
Underlay Supremo Silver 3mm
The Underlay Supremo Silver is a premium option that offers a significant 25dB improvement in impact sound, making it one of the quietest underlays on the market. Its 3mm thickness and durable composition ensure long-lasting performance and resistance to pressure, while the silver layer adds an extra level of moisture protection. Ideal for those prioritising sound insulation and durability in their flooring choices for 2024.
Acoustic Rubber Underlay 3mm By 10m
Designed for versatility, the Acoustic Rubber Underlay is suitable for both glue-down and floating installations. This 3mm thick underlay is made from recycled rubber and cork, offering excellent soundproofing capabilities with a 48dB reduction in noise levels. Its durability is enhanced by weather resistance, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of conditions. For those seeking an underlay that combines acoustic performance with environmental responsibility, this is a top contender for 2024.
Underlay Supremo Gold Silence 5mm
The Underlay Supremo Gold Silence represents the pinnacle of underlay technology with its 5mm thickness providing an unparalleled 27dB improvement in impact sound. Its superior heat conductivity resistance further adds to its appeal, making it an excellent choice for those seeking the ultimate in comfort and silence. The gold layer not only signifies its premium status but also enhances its moisture protection capabilities. For a luxurious, quiet, and comfortable flooring experience in 2024, the Supremo Gold Silence is unmatched.
Underlay Comparison
Feature | TimberTech Neo Underlay 3mm | Floor Plus Underlay 2mm | Underlay Supremo Silver 3mm | Acoustic Rubber Underlay 3mm | Underlay Supremo Gold Silence 5mm |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thickness | 3mm | 2mm | 3mm | 3mm | 5mm |
Material | Heavyweight natural rubber | Extruded polystyrene (XPS) | Varied | Recycled rubber & cork | Varied |
Sound Reduction | 23dB | Optimum noise reduction | 25dB | IIC 46, Ln,r,w = 48dB | 27dB |
Moisture Protection | Silver vapour barrier film | High resistance to moisture | Silver layer | Suitable for varying weather conditions, but no specific moisture barrier mentioned | Gold layer |
Eco-Friendliness | Made from recycled car tyres | – | – | Made from recycled materials | – |
Suitability | General flooring purposes with emphasis on sound reduction and moisture protection | All types of floating floors, recommended for laminate flooring and engineered boards | General flooring with a focus on sound insulation and durability | Glue down or floating fitting, with an emphasis on soundproofing | Flooring requiring high sound insulation and comfort |
Additional Features | – | Optimum thermal insulation, easy and fast installation | High pressure resistance | Weather resistance, suitable for a wide range of conditions | Superior heat conductivity resistance |
Roll Size & Coverage | 1m x 10m (10 sqm) | 16.50 sqm per roll | 1m x 10m (10 sqm) | 1m x 10m (10 sqm) | 1m x 8m (8 sqm) |
In conclusion, each of the five underlays reviewed by Wood and Beyond offers unique benefits tailored to different flooring needs, from sound reduction and moisture protection to eco-friendliness and ease of installation. After careful consideration, the top three choices for 2024, based on their standout features and overall performance, are:
- TimberTech Neo Underlay 3mm: This underlay is the top choice for those prioritising sound reduction and environmental sustainability. Its impressive 23dB noise reduction capability, combined with its eco-friendly composition from recycled car tyres, makes it an ideal choice for both residential and commercial spaces seeking quiet and green flooring solutions.
- Underlay Supremo Gold Silence 5mm: For unmatched sound insulation and comfort, the Supremo Gold Silence stands out. Its 5mm thickness provides a significant 27dB improvement in impact sound, making it the premium option for luxury installations where comfort and quiet are paramount.
- Acoustic Rubber Underlay 3mm: This underlay is highly recommended for its versatility and excellent soundproofing properties, with a 48dB reduction in noise levels. Made from recycled rubber and cork, it’s not only effective in reducing noise but also environmentally friendly, making it a great choice for a wide range of applications, including both glue-down and floating floors.
These flooring underlays represent the best in their categories for 2024, offering a blend of performance, sustainability, and comfort that is hard to beat. Whether you’re looking for the quietest possible environment, the greenest underlay option, or the ultimate in luxury and comfort, these selections are sure to meet your flooring needs.