In most cases you will not want to use a vapor barrier type underlayment when installing laminates on a standard plywood subfloor because wood is a natural material that needs to breathe installing a vapor barrier over this can cause moisture to become.
Types of laminate flooring underlay.
Laminate is a floating floor so it requires a small expansion space around the perimeter of the room to allow for movement with changes in humidity.
But the hard laminate material doesn t lie directly onto that surface.
Laminate flooring is designed for quick and easy installation over almost any flat smooth floor surface.
Rubber is an overlooked underlayment in the flooring world and usually not on a homeowner s radars when they are considering installing laminate flooring.
It s actually the best type of underlayment for noise and solid rubber underlay can even surpass cork or fiber based materials in that regard.
The features you choose affect what type of underlayment you need if you need any and how well your flooring will stand up to moisture.
Beyond the laminate flooring design there are a few extra features that you can choose from when buying your laminate flooring.
A breathable foam type underlayment is generally used when installing laminate flooring over plywood or osb subfloors.
Laminate flooring underlayments can make a huge difference in your installation so it is important to know which flooring underlayment is best for your needs.