{"id":1229,"date":"2023-05-10T18:29:40","date_gmt":"2023-05-10T18:29:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lxhausys.com\/us\/blog\/?p=1229"},"modified":"2024-04-23T12:29:05","modified_gmt":"2024-04-23T12:29:05","slug":"do-i-need-an-underlayment-for-vinyl-flooring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lxhausys.com\/us\/blog\/do-i-need-an-underlayment-for-vinyl-flooring\/","title":{"rendered":"Do I need an underlayment for vinyl flooring?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Vinyl
Vinyl Flooring Flooring Interior Design with H\u00b7FLOR <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n
When choosing vinyl flooring for your home, it\u2019s exciting to think about how the new look will transform your space. But it\u2019s also important to consider your subfloor, the surface underneath the flooring, to determine whether or not you need to install a vinyl flooring underlayment.\u00a0<\/div>\n
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The success and lasting beauty of a vinyl flooring installation depends largely on the condition of the subfloor. To look and perform at its best, vinyl should be laid on a flat, smooth, dry surface. If your subfloor is in rough shape or has a defined pattern, such as wood planks or heavily textured linoleum, a vinyl flooring underlayment may be necessary. Also, you may have specific needs in mind, such as sound, thermal comfort, or moisture control.\u00a0<\/div>\n
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\"Five
Five Vinyl Flooring Patterns and Layouts<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is an underlayment?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
As the word implies, underlayment is a material laid under your flooring, on top of your subfloors. Decorative flooring might be vinyl, carpet, hardwood, or tile, while subfloors typically consist of concrete or plywood, built to be structural rather than attractive. Underlayment can be made of any number of materials \u2014 including foam, cork, felt, wood, or cement board \u2014 designed for a variety of purposes.<\/div>\n
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Vinyl flooring underlayment is often used to smooth out or strengthen the subfloor. It can also be used to dampen sound, control moisture, regulate temperature, or add comfort underfoot. Some vinyl flooring even comes with underlayment already attached \u2014 usually cork or foam cushion.<\/div>\n
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Does vinyl flooring need an underlayment?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Vinyl
Vinyl flooring does not necessarily require underlayment<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n
Vinyl flooring does not necessarily require underlayment. If your subfloor or existing vinyl or linoleum floor is sturdy, flat, smooth, and dry, then sheet vinyl or LVT may be laid directly on top. However, be aware that imperfections or patterns in a subfloor can telegraph through sheet vinyl or flexible vinyl planks, becoming visible on the surface and eventually ruining the look of your new floor.<\/div>\n
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Solid core vinyl planks won\u2019t telegraph imperfections, but the subfloor still needs to be flat to ensure the locking system connects fully, and the planks don\u2019t rock or bow. If the subfloor is uneven, an underlayment is in order. Some subfloors, especially concrete, may require vinyl flooring with underlayment to act as a vapor barrier as well.<\/div>\n
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In the case of glue-down sheet vinyl, the flooring can adhere directly to a wood or concrete subfloor with no underlayment, but the subfloor must be dry, flat, and smooth for a good result.<\/div>\n
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Always consult your specific flooring product\u2019s instructions to determine if your subfloor or existing floor is adequate or if you need to install a vinyl flooring underlayment.<\/div>\n
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What kind of underlayment is best for vinyl flooring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve decided that you need an underlayment, the next step is to determine the best vinyl flooring underlayment to install. First, narrow down the options by focusing on those made for your particular subfloor and flooring type, then decide what additional features you need.<\/p>\n\n\n

Concrete Subfloor<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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You may need to smooth or level the concrete prior to vinly flooring installation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n
Concrete subfloors are the sturdiest, but they are also the hardest and coldest. If you plan to glue sheet vinyl to the subfloor, you won\u2019t need an underlayment, but you may need to smooth or level the concrete prior to installation. The concrete also must be dry and properly cured for a successful vinyl flooring installation.<\/div>\n
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For floating floors, like loose-lay vinyl sheet or rigid vinyl planks, a vinyl flooring underlayment may be required as a vapor barrier and can also add much-needed cushion and warmth underfoot. You may also want to look for an underlayment designed for moisture mitigation and insulation.\u00a0<\/div>\n
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Plywood Subfloor<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Does Plywood Subfloor need underlayment before installation of vinyl flooring?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n
Vinyl flooring can go over a plywood subfloor without a vinyl flooring underlayment as long as the substrate is sturdy, smooth, and flat. If your plywood subfloor is in poor condition, you may need a thin plywood underlayment to smooth the surface out.<\/div>\n
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Even if the subfloor is in perfect condition, however, you may consider an underlayment designed with sound absorption qualities, especially in a multi-level home.\u00a0<\/div>\n
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Existing Floor<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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For installation of rigid vinyl planks, a vinyl flooirng underlayment is not necessary<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n
New vinyl flooring can be laid over an existing floor in some cases, as long as the old flooring is permanently adhered to the subfloor \u2014not floating \u2014 and in good condition. Flooring experts recommend no more than one old layer of resilient flooring like vinyl or linoleum under your new vinyl flooring.<\/div>\n
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For sheet vinyl installation over textured resilient flooring or wood planks, a rigid layer of plywood underlayment will ensure the textured design or plank edges won\u2019t telegraph through to your new floor.<\/div>\n
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For installation of rigid vinyl planks, a vinyl flooring underlayment is not necessary, but may be helpful for noise control or additional comfort underfoot.\u00a0<\/div>\n
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How do I install underlayment for vinyl flooring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A few tips for install underlayment for vinyl flooring<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n
Before you begin installation of the underlayment, be sure you order enough. Don\u2019t forget about areas such as under a stove or refrigerator, and purchase 10% extra to account for cut waste.<\/div>\n
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Next, unless you are installing over an existing floor, remove any old flooring, padding, glue, staples, tacks, etc. Sweep and vacuum the subfloor and repair any damaged sections. If you are using rigid underlayment, you are ready to install.<\/div>\n
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For flexible underlayment, like foam or cork, under sheet vinyl, you will also need to ensure the subfloor is as smooth as possible. Sand down any high spots, fill low spots, and check that any nails or staples are flush.<\/div>\n
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Once the prep work is done, simply follow the underlayment manufacturer\u2019s instructions for installation. Here are a few tips:<\/div>\n
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