Flooring Underlayments: Complete Guide to Types, Benefits & Installation (2026)
Choosing the right flooring underlayment is one of the most important steps in any flooring project — yet it’s also one of the most overlooked. Underlayment affects everything from comfort and sound reduction to moisture protection and long‑term durability. Whether you’re installing vinyl plank, laminate, hardwood, carpet, or tile, the right underlayment ensures your floor performs the way it should.
This guide breaks down the different types of underlayments, when to use them, and how to choose the best option for your subfloor and flooring type.
What Is Flooring Underlayment?
Underlayment is a thin layer of material installed between your subfloor and your finished flooring. Its purpose is to:
- Improve comfort underfoot
- Reduce noise
- Add stability
- Provide moisture protection
- Smooth minor subfloor imperfections
- Improve insulation
Different flooring types require different underlayments, and choosing the wrong one can lead to squeaks, moisture issues, or even voided warranties.
Do You Always Need Underlayment?
Not always — but most flooring installations benefit from it.
You must use underlayment when:
- The manufacturer requires it
- You’re installing over concrete
- You need moisture protection
- You want sound reduction
- You’re installing floating floors (LVP, laminate, engineered hardwood)
You may not need underlayment when:
- Your flooring has attached padding
- You’re installing glue‑down flooring
- You’re installing nail‑down hardwood
When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Types of Flooring Underlayments
Below are the most common underlayment materials and when to use them.
1. Foam Underlayment
Best for: Laminate, engineered hardwood, floating floors
Not ideal for: High‑moisture areas unless paired with a vapor barrier
Foam is the most common and budget‑friendly underlayment. It provides basic cushioning and sound absorption.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Adds comfort
- Works well on wood subfloors
Cons:
- Minimal moisture protection
- Not suitable for uneven subfloors
2. Felt Underlayment
Best for: Engineered hardwood, laminate
Not ideal for: Vinyl plank flooring
Felt is thicker and denser than foam, offering better sound reduction and insulation.
Pros:
- Excellent sound absorption
- Adds warmth
- Durable
Cons:
- More expensive
- Too thick for many vinyl floors
3. Cork Underlayment
Best for: Condos, apartments, sound‑sensitive areas
Not ideal for: Moisture‑prone basements unless sealed
Cork is a natural, eco‑friendly underlayment known for its sound‑dampening properties.
Pros:
- Great for sound reduction
- Eco‑friendly
- Naturally resistant to mold
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Can crumble if exposed to moisture
4. Rubber Underlayment
Best for: Soundproofing, gyms, multi‑level homes
Not ideal for: Budget installations
Rubber is the premium choice for sound reduction and durability.
Pros:
- Best sound absorption
- Moisture‑resistant
- Long‑lasting
Cons:
- Expensive
- Overkill for many residential installs
5. Vapor Barrier Underlayment
Best for: Concrete subfloors, basements, moisture‑prone areas
A vapor barrier is a thin plastic layer that prevents moisture from migrating upward into your flooring.
Pros:
- Essential for concrete
- Protects against mold and swelling
- Often combined with foam
Cons:
- Not a substitute for proper moisture testing
6. Combination Underlayment (Foam + Vapor Barrier)
Best for: Vinyl plank, laminate, engineered hardwood over concrete
This is the most common underlayment for modern floating floors.
Pros:
- Moisture protection + cushioning
- Easy to install
- Works with most floating floors
Cons:
- Not suitable for glue‑down flooring
7. Plywood Underlayment
Best for: Vinyl sheet flooring, carpet, tile
Plywood underlayment creates a smooth, stable surface for flooring that requires a perfectly flat base.
Pros:
- Levels uneven subfloors
- Strong and stable
- Ideal for sheet vinyl
Cons:
- Adds height
- Requires fastening
8. Cement Board Underlayment
Best for: Tile flooring
Cement board provides a rigid, moisture‑resistant base for tile installations.
Pros:
- Prevents tile cracking
- Moisture‑resistant
- Extremely durable
Cons:
- Heavy
- Requires screws and thinset
Here’s a quick reference chart to make choosing easier.
| Flooring Type | Best Underlayment | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Plank (LVP/LVT) | Thin foam + vapor barrier | Thick foam, cork |
| Laminate | Foam, felt, combo underlayment | Cork in wet areas |
| Engineered Hardwood | Felt, foam | Cork on concrete |
| Tile | Cement board | Foam, cork |
| Carpet | Carpet padding | Hard underlayments |
| Sheet Vinyl | Plywood | Foam |
Underlayment for Concrete vs Wood Subfloors
Concrete Subfloors
You need:
- A vapor barrier
- A thin, firm underlayment
- Moisture testing before installation
Wood Subfloors
You need:
- Cushioning
- Sound reduction
- Minor leveling
Moisture is less of a concern unless the home has humidity issues.
How to Install Underlayment (Quick Guide)
- Clean and vacuum the subfloor
- Repair cracks or dips
- Roll out the underlayment
- Tape seams (if required)
- Trim edges
- Install flooring on top
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific flooring.
Common Underlayment Mistakes to Avoid
- Using thick underlayment under vinyl plank
- Skipping the vapor barrier on concrete
- Installing underlayment under flooring with attached padding
- Using soft underlayment under tile
- Ignoring subfloor moisture levels
These mistakes can lead to flooring failure, squeaks, or voided warranties.
Final Thoughts
Underlayment plays a crucial role in the performance, comfort, and longevity of your flooring. Choosing the right type depends on your flooring material, subfloor, moisture levels, and sound‑control needs. With the right underlayment, your floors will feel better, last longer, and perform the way they’re designed to.