|
Resource Center
Dear Bob and Betsy,
I’ve heard that cork underlayment can be used under laminate flooring. I found a floor I really love, but it has underlayment already attached. Can I use cork underlayment under pre-attached underlayment?
-Holly A.
Dear Holly,
Laminate with attached padding (underlayment) can be confusing to many DIY installers. You read articles touting the importance of using underlayment for moisture control, noise reduction, and overall support. It’s natural to wonder what you should do to maximize your floors longevity when the underlayment comes pre-attached. We have compiled more information for you to help to decide what’s best for you. Cheers! Bob & Betsy
Most underlayment provides extra padding on a floor. Using cork underlayment under pre-attached underlayment poses the same risk as having two layers of underlayment. By adding unnecessary cushioning, you could actually be causing more harm to your floor than good. The added friction could cause the underlayment to wear down quickly and make your floors less stable over time, causing stress on the floating floor’s locking system joints.
There is an exception to this rule – a film vapor barrier.
If you are installing your laminate flooring with the pre-attached underlayment over a cement subfloor, you will want to use a vapor barrier. This type of underlayment does not have any additional padding, so it will not pose a risk to your laminate flooring.
We recommend using our Visqueen 6mil PE Vapor Block PE Film in these situations. You can be sure that no moisture or other damage will occur with this option under a pre-attached underlayment.
As you can see, there are many factors to take into consideration when installing your laminate flooring. From subfloors and underlayment, to the type of laminate flooring you buy, you must weigh everything equally to get the best results. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of our flooring experts for help. We’re here to make your installation as easy as possible.
Contact the Bestlaminate Flooring Experts today! Call us at 1-800-520-0961 or send us a quick message to get expert advice and answers.
We are here to help. Schedule a free consultation with our friendly experts or call us today at 1-800-520-0961.
Hello,
I’ve laid down Eco Cork Foam underlayment for which I was going to install laminate flooring (this is on basement concrete), however, I cannot get the cork underlayment to lay anywhere close to flat. The humps are significant and on all rolls and, as such, the laminate will also not lay flat. Any suggestions?
Thank you
Thanks for your question, Shawn! We would suggest contacting the manufacturer of the cork underlayment to see what they suggest. It’s possible you need to leave it out for multiple days to get it to settle. We would suggest waiting to install the laminate until you speak with the manufacturer as you do not want to void your flooring warranty if the cork causes issues with installation. If you have any other questions, please reach out to our customer service team!
Putting rigid core , waterproof flooring over existing tile. 1400sq.ft. I want this floor to be cushiony not hard on the feet. Any underlayment needed?
Is it going to be heat resistant? It says there is wood grain embossing in product.
It is Ambridge Bergamot waterproof flooring.
Hi Joanne, thanks for the question. Yes, you could add underlayment for a more cushioned feel under your feet. It should be able to withstand normal heat and be installed near a fireplace.
The flooring Ichose says features Wood Grain embossing. Is that better to use and what does that actually mean?
Hi Joanne, thanks for the question. This is a real wood texture on the surface. It has a texture and look of a hardwood, so it can look more “premium”.
We found a 7mm laminant floor that we like and want to install throughout our house. (1000sq.ft.) all concrete floor.
Should we consider a better more expensive/ quality underlayment w/vapor barrier, since the 7mm laminant is thinner?
Hi Mark, thanks for your question! You will want to get an underlayment with a vapor barrier since you are installing over concrete. You do not need to get the most expensive underlayment, but there are several options that will give you a nice cushion, sound reduction and vapor protection. Since your floor is only 7mm, we’d recommend staying with something at 2mm or 3mm. Here are some options for you to look at: https://www.bestlaminate.com/vapor-3-in-1-underlayment-silver-100-sq-ft-roll/; https://www.bestlaminate.com/roberts-super-felt-premium-underlayment-100sf-roll/ and https://www.bestlaminate.com/floor-muffler-ultraseal-2mm-underlayment/. If you have any other questions, let us know!