Can I lay laminate without underlay?
If you want to get the best performance and long-lasting quality from your laminate floor, you need to install it with an underlay.
Is laminate flooring underlay necessary?
Underlayment is not optional. If your laminate planks don't have it already attached, we recommend that you buy rolls of underlayment on which to install your laminate floor.
What happens if you don't use underlay?
Without underlayment to add a layer between these damp subfloors and the surface flooring, your laminate can quickly become wet, warped, and mildewy, harming its overall integrity. Moisture over time can also break down floor adhesive which causes the floor to start warping.
Can you lay laminate over vinyl without underlay?
For glue down vinyl, as long as the existing flooring is sturdy and in good condition, you can install laminate flooring on top. However, if there are any signs of peeling, gaps, or damage, it should not be used as a subfloor. An underlayment will still be needed over a glue down vinyl subfloor.
Does 12mm laminate need underlay?
Selecting the right underlayment for your 12mm laminate is crucial for optimal performance. The underlayment serves several functions, including providing a smooth surface for installation, acting as a moisture barrier, and offering additional sound and thermal insulation.
Is 12mm underlay too thick?
How Thick? A maximum of 12mm is recommended as working with gripper rod becomes difficult if any thicker, but rooms with heavy traffic will need a thinner denser underlay. The combination of thickness and density is all important as a thick underlay with a low density may not perform well.
Is 2mm underlay enough for laminate flooring?
Ideal for use in: Acoustic White 2mm Thick underlay is ideal for Wood or Laminate Floors where a simple but protective underlay is required.
Do I need underlay?
The type of fabric used on the bottom of the carpet strongly influences the need for a carpet underlay. If your carpet has a textile or latex backing , then an underlay is necessary in order to avoid uneven surfaces. Does your carpet have a felt or foam backing? Then there's no reason to consider a carpet underlay.
How long does laminate underlay last?
High-quality types of carpet underlay can last up to 25 years. Laminate and wood floors also last up to 25 years depending on the amount of footfall they experience. Crumb rubber outperforms all other types of underlayment in durability and it's made from 100% recycled materials, meaning it's environmentally friendly.
Is it OK to lay laminate over tile?
Yes, you can resurface tile flooring with laminate. It's a popular choice for homeowners looking to update their space without the hassle of removing existing tiles. The key is to ensure that the tile surface is clean, level, and in good condition.
Do all floating floors need underlayment?
The answer will vary depending on the material used for the floor and the way that the boards are constructed, but, as a general rule, both Laminate and Engineered Timber floating floors do need some form of underlay to have optimal functionality and longevity.
What flooring does not require underlayment?
In short, vinyl flooring itself can be completely self sustainable and does not require an underlayment to function properly. Another reason underlayments may be suggested for vinyl flooring is if the vinyl flooring type is thin. When the vinyl flooring is thin, it becomes a lot easier to flex and bend.
Is it OK to lay vinyl flooring over laminate flooring?
Condition of the laminate floor: Assess the current state of your laminate flooring. It can serve as a suitable base for vinyl tiles if it's in good condition with no significant damage. However, if it's uneven, damaged, or has excessive movement, you should consider removing it before installing the vinyl tiles.
Can I lay laminate on top of vinyl?
Yes, in many cases, it is possible to install laminate flooring over existing vinyl flooring. However, there are several important considerations and steps to follow to ensure a successful installation: Condition of the Existing Vinyl: The existing vinyl flooring must be in good condition.
Does waterproof laminate flooring need underlayment?
Some waterproof laminate floors have an underlay already attached, so you don't need to buy an underlayment for those. However, if it doesn't come pre-attached, you should purchase an underlayment to improve the durability, sound quality, and insulation.
Should I use 8mm or 12mm laminate?
8mm laminate definitely looks like the sweet spot for laminate thickness while 12mm is the go-to quality option for people looking for the closest thing to hardwood. Looking for laminate products? Browse our range of 8mm laminates and luxurious 12 mm laminates on the Parrys website.
Is 12mm laminate good quality?
If you are looking for a high-quality and long-lasting flooring option for your home or project, you might want to consider 12mm laminate flooring. This thickness of laminate offers excellent durability and stability, as well as a realistic and comfortable feel underfoot.
Is 12mm underlay good?
Any carpet underlay 11mm or over will offer unrivalled comfort underfoot, as well as superior insulating and noise reduction properties. These luxury products sit at the top end of the market in terms of price point, but you really do get what you pay for.
Is 10mm underlay any good?
At 10 mm it will offer good comfort underfoot as well as offering good sound insulation properties with 44db sound reduction as well as helping to insulate your home.
Is 10 mm underlay good?
This 10mm thick carpet underlay will make your new carpet feel much better and last longer. It will also improve the sound and heat insulation of your room. This 10mm Underlay is suitable for use in any domestic area. Including your lounge, stairs, bedrooms etc.
Is 11mm underlay good?
A good underlay prolongs the life of your new carpet by at least 40%. The 11mm Super High Performance Underlay has Extra High Density Plus and also has: Excellent comfort. Long Lasting performance.
Which underlay is best for laminate?
For most projects, our recommendation is Royale 7mm Professional Sonic Gold. Regarded as the 'gold standard', this is widely used by professionals and homeowners alike. Made from a unique high-density foam, it's a superior laminate underlay with an impressive range of qualities.
Can I use 6mm underlay for laminate flooring?
Royale Supreme Gold 6mm is a slight step up from Sonic Gold 5mm here and gives excellent sound insulation, heat insulation, has fantastic leveling qualities and a built-in Gold foil moisture membrane. This underlay will enhance any floor with comfort and warmth. Possibly the best underlay for wood or laminate flooring.
How many mm should underlay be?
10mm will provide comfort underfoot and stop noises, whereas 11mm and 12mm will provide a much more luxurious feel underfoot, offer warmth and reduce sounds from underneath more than the 10mm options. It is always best to go for thicker if you live in a cold home or are intended on investing in a premium carpet.
Should I use 3mm or 5mm laminate underlay?
We would recommend an underlay of 3 – 5mm for laminate flooring. It should be at least 3mm thick to provide comfort and ground levelling properties. But, it should be no more than 5mm thick. If it's any thicker, you could experience problems with the laminate's locking system.
What happens if you don t put underlayment under laminate flooring?
Separate Underlayment. Laminate flooring manufacturers typically recommend an underlayment. What happens if you don't put padding under laminate flooring is moisture coming through the subfloor can cause it to warp and mildew. And footsteps on the floor will be louder.
Is it worth paying more for underlay?
If you have a naturally cold subfloor such as concrete, or draughty floorboards the extra layer of insulation will make a significant difference - maybe even reducing the cost of your heating bills.
Does underlay make a difference?
Why is underlay important? Underlay isn't just crucial for comfort underfoot, but it also drastically helps maintain your carpet as well as providing extra protection against moisture. It is also a great shock absorber, meaning it's ideal for reducing noise from things like footsteps, voices or moving furniture.
What are the disadvantages of laminate flooring?
The main purpose of carpet underlay is to enhance underfoot comfort and improve insulation. Therefore, as a general rule of thumb – the thicker it is, the better.
Is thicker underlay better?
Most unfortunately, the answer is no, laminate floors are not waterproof (although certain brands falsely claim to be waterproof). However the vast majority of laminate floorboards are very water resistant, meaning they can last a significant time with water without absorbing moisture.
Are laminate floors waterproof?
Laminate flooring can be used immediately after installation. Laminate flooring can be installed over concrete, wood or carpet subfloor or other surfaces. Installation of good quality underlayment is highly recommended. Installing underlayment is easy but it has to be done precise to avoid any tears.
Can you put laminate over concrete?
As a rule of thumb, if your existing flooring is level and smooth, laminate can easily be laid over top.
Can I lay new laminate over old?
What are the problems with floating floors? Floating floors can be susceptible to moisture and humidity, which can cause warping or buckling. They also tend to be more prone to gaps between planks due to their lack of attachment.
Why do floating floors fail?
If you are trying to decide between the two, then for engineered wood flooring floating is usually the best option as you can install it quickly and don't have to worry about which glue to use and how long to wait for it to dry. If you are installing hardwood flooring then using glue may give you a more stable result.
Is floating floor better than glued?
Vinyl – the only flooring that doesn't require underlay
Due to its in-built cushioning, vinyl is capable of providing sufficient levels of thermal and sound insulation all on its own. Plus, it's already very soft and comfortable enough underfoot – therefore negating the need for an additional layer.
Does vinyl need underlay?
For glue down vinyl, as long as the existing flooring is sturdy and in good condition, you can install laminate flooring on top. However, if there are any signs of peeling, gaps, or damage, it should not be used as a subfloor. An underlayment will still be needed over a glue down vinyl subfloor.
Can you lay laminate over vinyl without underlay?
We always recommend removing existing flooring before installing vinyl plank flooring. If you decide to install over existing floors anyways, we recommend adding an underlayment that will cover any potential imperfections from the previous flooring.
Does vinyl laminate need underlay?
Is a vapour barrier necessary with all substrates? It's especially important to lay down a vapour barrier on mineral substrates such as concrete and screen, as they emit moisture. But installing a membrane is often also advisable on subfloors that look dry at first glance.
Does all laminate flooring need a vapor barrier?
Because the inner core of the material is made with wood or fiberboard that is susceptible to moisture damage, installations in any room with a floor drain or sump pump should be avoided. This also applies to bathrooms and laundry rooms; however, kitchen installation is more feasible.
Where should you not use laminate flooring?
For a long time, laminate flooring was considered more durable, but vinyl has been catching up. While laminate offers a strong protective wear layer, vinyl is much better at resisting dents and heavy drops, and vinyl wear layers keep getting better and better.
What holds up better laminate or vinyl flooring?
While costs are similar, the value of premium vinyl far exceeds that of laminate based on quality and value. Unlike laminate, premium vinyl is durable and stable, resistant to moisture and climate, and is easy to install and maintain. Laminate is restricted to light traffic and low moisture applications.
What is better luxury vinyl or laminate?
Although re-using your underlay may be appealing, using a carpet underlay with laminate flooring will cause problems in the long run. Carpet underlay is usually much thicker than laminate underlay. It's usually around 10mm thick, whereas laminate underlay is usually around 3mm thick.
Can you put underlay on top of laminate?
There are a few different types of plywood that can be used under laminate flooring, but the best type is usually 3/4-inch thick, exterior-grade plywood. This type of plywood is sturdy and dimensionally stable, meaning that it won't warp or shrink over time.
Can you lay laminate on top of plywood?
In short, vinyl flooring itself can be completely self sustainable and does not require an underlayment to function properly. Another reason underlayments may be suggested for vinyl flooring is if the vinyl flooring type is thin. When the vinyl flooring is thin, it becomes a lot easier to flex and bend.
Can you put underlayment over vinyl?
If you're laying the LVP over an existing cushion-backed vinyl floor or a below-grade tile floor, you won't need to use an underlayment.
What flooring does not require underlayment?
The type of fabric used on the bottom of the carpet strongly influences the need for a carpet underlay. If your carpet has a textile or latex backing , then an underlay is necessary in order to avoid uneven surfaces. Does your carpet have a felt or foam backing? Then there's no reason to consider a carpet underlay.
Do I need underlay?
Flooring underlayment is not always necessary, primarily when you are using a flooring that has its own underlayment padding such as . But underlayment can help with a wide variety of issues, such as sound control in a cement floor application or cold floors in a basement for example.
Does all flooring need underlayment?
Selecting the right underlayment for your 12mm laminate is crucial for optimal performance. The underlayment serves several functions, including providing a smooth surface for installation, acting as a moisture barrier, and offering additional sound and thermal insulation.
Does 12mm laminate need underlay?
If you have a larger budget to play with, your subfloor is uneven and you'd prefer a hardwood feel, 10mm to 12mm laminate flooring is recommended. You will rarely see 6mm boards available as this is the most basic and of little quality. A board of this thickness doesn't last very long, even with smooth subfloors.
Is 12mm laminate too thick?
8mm laminate definitely looks like the sweet spot for laminate thickness while 12mm is the go-to quality option for people looking for the closest thing to hardwood. Looking for laminate products? Browse our range of 8mm laminates and luxurious 12 mm laminates on the Parrys website.
Should I use 8mm or 12mm laminate?
Laminate ranges from 6-mm to 12-mm and, as a rule, it shouldn't be less than 8-mm. If, however, budget is an issue and if your subfloor is level and debris-free, you might be able to get away with 7-mm; keep in mind that subfloor imperfections can telegraph to the surface floor, so make sure it's okay.
Is 7mm laminate thick enough?
All areas of the home
A medium thickness foam underlay (9-10mm) will perform as well in your bedroom as it does on the stairs. Offering a balance of comfort, durability and insulation, these products are a Jack of all trades.
Is 10mm underlay enough?
Stairs need 9mm thickness or less
The most important thing to look out for when fitting underlayment on steps, is the thickness of the product. For it to go neatly round each step, you need to choose a 9mm thickness or less. That's because any thicker than 9mm, then it won't go over the steps neatly.
Is 12mm underlay too thick for stairs?
Most industry experts will recommend that when fitting underlay on stairs, the optimum thickness should be no more than 10mm.
Is 10mm underlay OK for stairs?
Between the 3.3tog and the 12mm thickness it makes a great choice for any homes that are naturally cold or get cold in the winter. Not only does the high tog rating keep the warmth in, but it will also keep the room cooler during the hottest Summer days.
Is 12mm underlay good?
We'd like to get one thing clear from the start – underlay thickness does matter. Getting it right can make a huge difference to the final look and feel of your new flooring, having a significant impact on its underfoot comfort, sound and heat insulation, and longevity.
Does thickness of underlay matter?
Ideally, your laminate flooring underlay will be 3-5mm thick. At least 3mm is recommended if you have an uneven floor, whereas thicker underlay will provide premium comfort underfoot.
Is 5mm underlay good?
Underlay isn't just crucial for comfort underfoot, but it also drastically helps maintain your carpet as well as providing extra protection against moisture. It is also a great shock absorber, meaning it's ideal for reducing noise from things like footsteps, voices or moving furniture.
Is it necessary to have an underlay?
Furthermore, if you are installing vinyl planks directly over a concrete floor, a waterproof underlayment is essential. If water is allowed to pass through concrete, a chemical reaction can occur and ruin the vinyl tile flooring.
What happens if you don t put underlayment under vinyl plank flooring?
The subfloor must be level before installing laminate flooring. If the subfloor is leveled, the laminate planks will not lay properly, causing uneven and unsightly floors. If the subfloor is not level, you can use a self-leveling compound to level it out.
Can I lay laminate on uneven floor?
In short, vinyl flooring itself can be completely self sustainable and does not require an underlayment to function properly. Another reason underlayments may be suggested for vinyl flooring is if the vinyl flooring type is thin. When the vinyl flooring is thin, it becomes a lot easier to flex and bend.