Best Underlayments for Laminate Flooring on Concrete & Wood

Choosing the right underlayment for laminate flooring is an important step in ensuring your flooring performs well and lasts a long time. A good underlayment provides moisture protection, reduces noise, smooths out imperfections, and creates a comfortable surface. Below, we highlight some of the best underlayments available and describe their unique features. We’ll also cover installing underlayment on concrete and wood subfloors properly.

Why Do You Need Underlayment for Laminate Flooring?

Underlayment creates a foundation for laminate flooring and offers several important benefits:

1. Moisture Resistance:
   Moisture from the subfloor can damage laminate flooring over time. Underlayment with a vapor barrier helps protect the laminate from warping or swelling.

2. Noise Reduction:
   Laminate can produce a hollow or clicking sound when walked on. Underlayment absorbs sound to make the flooring quieter and more pleasant to use.

3. Smoother Installation:
   Subfloors are rarely perfect. Underlayment evens out minor imperfections, ensuring the laminate flooring sits flat and stays stable.

4. Thermal Insulation:
   Adding underlayment improves the comfort of the flooring by creating a layer of insulation, especially helpful for cold concrete floors.

5. Support for Locking Systems:
   Many laminate floors use interlocking mechanisms. Underlayments provide the right amount of support to keep the joints intact and prevent issues like buckling or separation.

What are the Best Underlayments for Laminate Flooring on Concrete and Wood?

Different underlayments suit different needs, so it’s important to choose one based on the type of subfloor, the environment, and your flooring material. Below are some of the top-rated options:

1. Apotec Underlayment

The Apotec Underlayment is a versatile option designed to address common flooring problems. Its slip-resistant surface ensures that your laminate flooring stays in position over time, even in high-traffic areas or on uneven subfloors. This product is dense yet thin, offering excellent support for locking systems without causing deflection, an issue that often arises with thicker underlayments.

One of its standout features is a built-in measuring grid, making precise cutting and fitting straightforward. Apotec also excels in soundproofing, with an impressive IIC (Impact Insulation Class) rating of 72 and an STC (Sound Transmission Class) rating of 66. This makes it ideal for reducing both impact and airborne sound. Additionally, it serves as a vapor barrier and can be used over radiant heating systems, making it a great choice for concrete and wood subfloors alike.

Best For:

• Concrete or wood subfloors.

• Homes with heavy furniture or high-traffic areas.

• Heated flooring systems.

2. Floorlot Shop Floors Delivered Underlayment

The Floorlot Shop Floors Delivered Underlayment is a practical and budget-friendly option. It includes a built-in vapor barrier, offering solid protection against moisture, which is especially beneficial for concrete installations. Its noise-reducing properties help to create a quieter environment, minimizing the hollow sound often associated with laminate floors.

This underlayment is easy to install, thanks to its peel-and-stick tape system, which eliminates the need for additional adhesives or tools. Covering 200 square feet per roll, it’s suitable for small to medium-sized areas. While affordable, it doesn’t compromise on performance, providing a smooth and secure foundation for laminate flooring.

Best For:

• Concrete and wood subfloors.

• Smaller projects (200 sq. ft. per roll).

3. First Step 630-Square-Foot Roll Underlayment

For larger projects, the First Step Underlayment is a reliable choice that provides extensive coverage of up to 630 square feet per roll. This product features a multi-layer design, including a styrofoam core for cushioning, which is sandwiched between plastic layers that act as a moisture barrier.

Its ability to smooth out minor subfloor imperfections makes it particularly useful for uneven surfaces. The First Step underlayment also reduces noise effectively, making it ideal for open-plan homes or multi-story buildings. An adhesive strip and overlapping film ensure a tight seal, adding an extra layer of moisture protection. This product works well with laminate and engineered hardwood floors.

Best For:

• Large areas with laminate or engineered hardwood flooring.

• Homes prone to moisture issues.

4. QuietWalk Underlayment

The QuietWalk Underlayment is a premium option for those who value soundproofing and eco-friendly materials. Made from recycled fibers, it absorbs impact noise and prevents sound from traveling to other rooms, making it an excellent choice for apartments or multi-level homes.

This underlayment includes an integrated vapor barrier to protect against moisture and is compatible with radiant heating systems, as it allows heat to pass through evenly. Its compression resistance ensures long-term support for click-together flooring systems. QuietWalk is an ideal choice for those who want durability, sustainability, and excellent soundproofing in one product.

Best For:

• Floating laminate, engineered hardwood, or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring.

• Multi-story buildings for noise reduction.

5. Bestlaminate 3-in-1 Vapor Barrier Underlayment

For large-scale flooring projects, the Bestlaminate 3-in-1 Vapor Barrier Underlayment offers an affordable solution. Each bundle includes 10 rolls, with each roll covering 100 square feet, for a total of 1,000 square feet. Its 3-in-1 design combines cushioning, noise reduction, and moisture protection in a single layer.

At 2mm thick, this underlayment provides just the right level of support while smoothing out minor imperfections in the subfloor. The pre-attached tape system ensures a secure seal between rolls, making installation quick and easy. It’s a cost-effective option for those who need to cover large areas without sacrificing quality.

Best For:

• Budget-conscious homeowners working on large projects.

• Residential spaces where moisture protection is critical.

6. Amerique 3mm Heavy-Duty Foam Underlayment

The Amerique 3mm Foam Underlayment offers heavy-duty performance with excellent noise reduction and cushioning. Its closed-cell foam construction acts as a strong moisture barrier, protecting laminate flooring from water damage and mold.

This underlayment includes anti-crush technology, which ensures it maintains its shape and performance even under heavy furniture or appliances. Pre-attached tape simplifies the installation process, while its bright blue color makes it easy to identify during installation. Amerique is particularly well-suited for wood and bamboo laminate flooring, offering durability and comfort.

Best For:

• Medium-sized areas (200 sq. ft. per roll).

• Wood and bamboo laminate flooring.

How to Install Underlayment for Laminate Flooring on Concrete?

Installing underlayment on concrete requires careful preparation to prevent moisture problems and ensure stability.

Step 1 - Clean the Subfloor: Remove all debris, dust, and grease from the concrete surface. Check for cracks or uneven spots and repair them if needed.

Step 2 - Check for Moisture: Use a moisture meter to assess the subfloor. If moisture levels are high, install a vapor barrier.

Step 3 - Lay Out the Underlayment: Roll out the underlayment across the floor. Ensure the vapor barrier side (if included) faces up. Overlap the edges slightly for full coverage.

Step 4 - Trim to Fit: Use a utility knife to cut the underlayment around obstacles like pipes or door frames.

Step 5 - Tape the Seams: Secure the seams with tape to keep the underlayment from shifting during the installation process.

Step 6 - Install the Laminate Flooring: Lay the laminate planks on top of the underlayment according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

How to Install Underlayment for Laminate Flooring on Wood?

Installing underlayment on wood subfloors requires a slightly different approach:

Step 1 - Inspect and Clean the Subfloor: Check the wood subfloor for loose boards, protruding nails, or uneven areas. Secure loose boards and sand down high spots. Vacuum or sweep the subfloor to remove debris.

Step  2 - Roll Out the Underlayment: Place the underlayment directly on the wood subfloor. Align it with the direction of the laminate flooring.

Step  3 - Trim and Fit: Use a utility knife to cut the underlayment around obstacles like vents or door frames.

Step 4 - Secure the Seams: Tape the seams to keep the underlayment in place and prevent movement during installation.

Step 5 - Lay the Laminate Flooring: Once the underlayment is secure, start laying the laminate flooring according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Note: Avoid nailing or stapling the underlayment, as this can damage the material. If moisture is a concern, opt for an underlayment with a vapor barrier to protect the flooring.