Underlayment Options
When you are using a floating flooring
product (whether it be wood, laminate, cork, or bamboo) you will need an underlayment. If you are going over a concrete subfloor you
will also need a vapor barrier (a 6mil plastic). You will lay down the vapor barrier if
necessary, tape the seams, then lay down your underlayment. There are multiple underlayments available,
and the higher end ones will absorb more sound and vibration and make your
floor sound more solid. This is true on
both wooden or concrete subfloors. Low
end underlayments will still cover your warranty but tend toward a more hollow
or "clicky/tap-dance" sound when you walk on your floor.
6mm Cork (A close second for Favorite
Category) $.97/sf
Natural cork underlay provide exceptional sound reduction capabilities in addition to insulation and
comfort underfoot. The cork is harvested from the bark of the Cork Oak tree
without harm to the tree. An environmentally friendly option for naturally
healthy living. Cork quiets both hardwood and laminate floors.
·
Environmentally
friendly option
·
Meets condo
requirements
·
Sound Performance: STC
52 - 66
3mm Cork
$.68/sf
Natural cork underlay provide exceptional sound reduction capabilities in addition to insulation and
comfort underfoot. The cork is harvested from the bark of the Cork Oak tree
without harm to the tree. An environmentally friendly option for naturally
healthy living. Cork quiets both hardwood and laminate floors.
·
Environmentally
friendly option
EVA with Vapor Barrier Film and seam tape $.69/sf
(our favorite)
EVA
has a 3mm thick rubber with an already attached vapor barrier. Amazing sound protection for same and lower
levels. Can use under both engineered wood
floors, laminate and cork floating floors.
Specifically for use with the floating floor installation method, Can be
used on concrete, wood, or plywood subfloors.
·
STC 73, IIC 72
·
Really high sound
ratings will be approved for all home/condo associations
Redux Underlayment $.50/sf
(our 2nd favorite)
Our
Redux underlayment reduces same room foot traffic noise as well as reduces
sound transmission to adjacent rooms and lower levels. Can use under both engineered wood
floors, laminate and cork floating floors.
Specifically for use with the floating floor installation method, Redux
provides a quieter surface by absorbing under floor vibration.2.5mm thickness
·
Mold and mildew
resistant as well as non allergenic
·
Sound Performance: STC
55
Royal Walker®
$.59/sf
A premium underlayment developed to reduce noise transmission
for use under both hardwood and laminate floors. The unique engineering of this
underlay allow it to interact with the floor system itself in a manner that
produces a sound similar to that of traditional wood flooring.
·
Exceeds recommended
moisture permeability ratings for installation over concrete slabs
·
Sound Performance: STC
53
Silver series 3 in 1 (Moderate) $.32/sf
The silver series 3 in 1 is a mid level
laminate and hardwood flooring underlay. The silver series offers moderate
sound absorption for laminate and hardwood flooring. The higher density 2mm
thick foam comes with an foil moisture barrier backing. No additional moisture
barrier is needed when using The Silver Series. This underlay is for use over
both wooden or concrete subfloors. The
foil on this underlayment also adds insulating properties.
2 in 1 Combo Foam Film (Low end) $.24/sf
The 2 in 1 Combo Foam Film is the standard
laminate floating floor underlay. The 2 in 1 Combo foam film
can also be used under solid or engineered real hardwood floors as well. The 2 in 1 is a
2mm thick foam with a pre-attached moisture barrier. This underlay can be used
over both wooden or concrete subfloors.
