Flooring Underlay

Atkinson & Kirby flooring can be purchased through our trusted retailers located throughout the UK. Find your local retailer with our retailer locator here. 

For trade customers, you can purchase our flooring and flooring accessories directly here on our website, simply sign up for a trade account and once approved you will be able to shop. Sign up for a trade account here.

Yes, underlay is generally needed for wood flooring. Wood flooring benefits from underlay for several reasons such as: 

Moisture protection 

If you are installing laminate flooring over a concrete underlayment, it is crucial to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood. Without flooring, underlay wood flooring can become damaged and warp.

Reduce Noise

If wood flooring is laid without underlay, a hollow sound can be heard when walking on it. The installation of flooring underlay helps to soundproof, this is especially important in multi-story homes or apartments. 

Smoother walking experience

When underlay is laid beneath wood flooring a small amount of cushioning is provided making the floor feel softer underfoot. It can also act as a barrier and smooth out any imperfections in the subfloor to provide a more even surface. 

Thermal insulation 

By adding underlay under wood flooring it can help to keep the floor warmer in colder conditions, this is especially useful if you are installing laminate over concrete.

Yes, flooring underlay makes a significant difference, when installing flooring a range of different flooring types such as laminate, engineered wood and more. For most flooring types underlay is an essential part of the installation process. The key benefits include: 

• Moisture protection by preventing any water damage. 
• Soundproofing - underlay is effective at absorbing sound, reducing the noise of footsteps and impact. 
• Comfort and cushioning - underlay makes the floor feel softer and more comfortable to walk on. 
• Thermal insulation - not only does flooring underlay help keep floors warmer but it can also improve energy efficiency. 
• Subfloor imperfection correction - underlay can help smooth subfloor irregularities and provide a more even surface. 
• Prolong floor life, by reducing wear and tear as well as any damage from moisture.

Installing flooring underlay is a straightforward process, but it must be done correctly. We have outlined how to install flooring underlayment in simple steps below: 

1. Prepare the subfloor: Clean and level the subfloor, ensuring it is dry before moving on to the next step. 
2. Lay the first row of the flooring underlay: We recommend starting in a corner of the room, leaving a ¼ -inch gap from the wall. 
3. Secure seams: Use flooring underlayment tape or duct tape to secure the seams, without overlapping sheets. 
4. Continue laying: Smooth out the underlayment to remove any wrinkles as you work around the room. 
5. Trim around obstacles: Ensure the underlayment is flat and sealed as you cut around any room fittings 
6. Final checks: Make sure there are no visible overlaps or wrinkles in the flooring underlay 
7. Install flooring: You are now at the stage where you can proceed with laying your flooring.

The best underlay for flooring depends on your specific requirements for example are you looking for moisture protection, soundproofing or insulation? In summary, foam underlay with a vapour barrier is a versatile choice for moisture protection, as the vapour barrier prevents moisture from rising through the subfloor and damaging your flooring. While cork or felt underlay is ideal for soundproofing and comfort. If you need to combat an uneven subfloor surface, we recommend rubber underlay to be your best choice as it is durable and flexible. 

If you are looking for an all-in-one solution, we recommend using a combination foam underlay that provides a balance of moisture protection, soundproofing and comfort. This type of flooring underlay tends to include multiple layers to achieve the desired effect. 

We advise always checking the manufacturer’s guide to ensure specific flooring underlay types are compatible with your flooring. 

For more information on how to choose the best underlay for your wood flooring, read our underlay flooring guide.

Flooring underlay should be used when installing floating floors, like laminate flooring or engineered wood flooring, especially when being laid on top of concrete subfloors.