Wood flooring underlay is a really important part of your wood flooring project. The ideal way to create the perfect laying surface for your new floor, a good quality underlay will not only make your floor easier to lay, it’ll keep it looking great longer too. Add to this, the thermal and noise insulation properties provided by a good quality flooring underlay and you really start to see how important it is to make the right choices.
There are various types of underlay intended for use with wood floors and the choice you make will depend on many things, but in any case, your wood flooring supplier will be able to guide you. Here are some of the different types available:
Foam underlay. Foam underlays are particularly lightweight and come in a variety of thicknesses as well as (most) offering some sort of moisture barrier. Suitable for most types of wood flooring, foam underlay is one of the most commonly used underlay options.
Damp-proof underlay. Although most underlays contain a small degree of damp proofing qualities, an actual damp-proof underlay will provide the ultimate protection against moisture passing from your sub floor to your wood floor. Particularly useful in basement projects, damp-proof underlays come in a range of gauges and your wood flooring supplier will help you choose the most suitable for your project.
Noise reducing underlay. If you live in a flat or apartment or are concerned about noise pollution within your own home, the best way to put your mind to rest is to invest in a soundproof underlay. Ranging from a relatively fine 2mm thickness, this option exists up to a thickness of over 5mm and can be used for all types of wood flooring.
Insulating underlay. Insulating underlay is a bit like duvets and comes with a Tog rating. Lightweight and particularly helpful when it comes to combatting cold and keeping your heating bills down, the side-effect of insulating underlay is that it will also help reduce noise and make your under foot experience more enjoyable.
Adhesive underlay. Adhesive underlays are specifically created for use with solid wood flooring. With a removable film, they are specifically intended to reduce the time taken to install your new floor.
Under floor heating underlay. As you’d expect, when you have under floor heating, it’s important not to reduce its effectiveness by choosing the wrong underlay. It is for this reason that there is a whole range of wood flooring underlays that are made to ensure maximum heat transfer at the same time as offering all the other benefits of a quality underlay.
Which underlay you choose will depend upon your own unique circumstances, and because you’re at the point of installing a new wood floor, it’s the ideal time to take advantage of the advice on offer from your wood flooring supplier.
If you’re ordering online, you’ll need to work out how much underlay to order. It may sound really obvious, but you’ll need to order the same amount of underlay as you have flooring. If you’re struggling to work out how much flooring and underlay you’ll need, this article will help at how to measure your room.
Underlay types compared
| Underlay Type | Description | Key Benefit | Best Used In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foam Underlay | Lightweight underlay offered in various thicknesses. Often includes a moisture barrier. Suitable for most types of wood flooring. | Versatility & moisture barrier | General use across most types of wood flooring |
| Damp-proof Underlay | Provides ultimate protection against moisture from the subfloor. Particularly useful for basement projects. Available in various gauges. | Moisture protection | Areas with potential moisture issues like basements |
| Noise Reducing Underlay | Ideal for reducing noise pollution within homes, especially flats or apartments. Available in thicknesses from 2mm to over 5mm. Suitable for all types of wood flooring. | Noise reduction | Apartments, flats, or areas where noise reduction is a priority |
| Insulating Underlay | Comes with a Tog rating and helps combat cold and reduce heating bills. Also reduces noise and enhances underfoot comfort. | Heat insulation | Cold areas, or places where thermal insulation is a priority |
| Adhesive Underlay | Specifically designed for use with solid wood flooring. Features a removable film to reduce installation time. | Ease of installation | Areas with solid wood flooring |
| Under Floor Heating Underlay | Ensures maximum heat transfer when used with underfloor heating systems. Offers all the other benefits of a quality underlay. | Maximum heat transfer | Areas with underfloor heating systems |
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FAQ
What is the purpose of wood flooring underlay?
Wood flooring underlay is an essential part of a wood flooring project. It creates an ideal laying surface for the new floor, making it easier to install and helping maintain its appearance over time. Additionally, a good quality underlay provides thermal and noise insulation.
What types of underlay are available for wood floors?
There are several types of underlay for wood floors including foam underlay, damp-proof underlay, noise reducing underlay, insulating underlay, adhesive underlay, and underlay specifically designed for under floor heating. The choice depends on the specific needs of your flooring project.
What is foam underlay?
Foam underlays are lightweight and come in a variety of thicknesses. They also often offer some level of moisture barrier. They are suitable for most types of wood flooring and are one of the most commonly used underlay options.
What are the benefits of insulating underlay?
Insulating underlay comes with a Tog rating, much like duvets. It is lightweight and can help combat cold and keep your heating bills down. Additionally, it will also help reduce noise and enhance underfoot comfort.
How do I know how much underlay to order?
You should order the same amount of underlay as you have flooring. This might sound obvious but it is an important consideration when ordering online.