How to Choose the Best Underlayment for Vinyl Plank Flooring

Explore the Best Underlayment Options for Vinyl Plank Flooring

When installing vinyl plank flooring, the underlayment is just as crucial as the flooring itself. The right underlayment can significantly enhance your flooring's durability, comfort, and sound insulation. For North American homeowners and contractors looking for top-notch underlayment for vinyl flooring, Dura Undercushions' rubber underlayment stands out as the optimal choice. Here's why choosing the best underlay is essential for your vinyl flooring needs.

Underlayment for vinyl plank flooring is a layer placed between the subfloor and the vinyl planks. It serves multiple purposes, including sound reduction, resistance to fungal growth, and reducing bacteria formation, as rubber has hydrophobic properties, and providing a smoother surface for the flooring. There are several types of underlayment available, but rubber underlayment offers superior benefits.

Types of Vinyl Flooring

Before choosing an underlay, it's essential to understand the types of vinyl flooring:

• Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP): Resembles hardwood.
• Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT): Mimics stone or ceramic tiles.
• Vinyl Sheet: A budget-friendly option available in large, continuous rolls.

Each type of vinyl flooring has specific underlay requirements based on its construction and intended use.

Selecting the Right Underlay Material

Several materials are used for underlay, each with its own set of advantages:

Recycled Rubber

• Pros: Offers the best sound resistance and resistance to fungal growth, durable and comfortable. Reduces maintenance costs over the lifetime of your floor. Maintains soundproofing properties over its lifespan while reducing bacteria formation due to its hydrophobic properties.
• Cons: Premium material corresponds to a premium price, but lower lifetime costs.

Foam

• Pros: Lightweight, provides temporary sound proofing and cushioning. Inexpensive.
• Cons: Designed as a temporary solution and may not sustain durability in the long term. Not ideally suited for areas with high foot traffic, as it is prone to compression and wear over time. The soundproofing effectiveness diminishes progressively with prolonged use.

Cork

• Pros: Natural sound insulator, antimicrobial.
• Cons: Requires a thicker layer to achieve the same acoustic performance as rubber, increasing project costs. May not be suitable for areas prone to moisture without additional vapor barrier protection. Hardens over time which ultimately loses its soundproofing properties

Felt

• Pros: Provides sound insulation. Lightweight.
• Cons: Lacks moisture resistance, often necessitating the installation of an additional vapor barrier to protect against moisture-related issues. Vulnerable to water damage; in instances of water contamination, it could lead to complete floor failure, necessitating a comprehensive floor replacement.

• Durability and Comfort: Duraquiet rubber underlayment provides unmatched durability and comfort underfoot. Its resilience helps protect your flooring from wear and tear, ensuring your vinyl floors look pristine for years.
• Sound Insulation: One of the standout features of rubber underlayment is its sound insulation capabilities. Dura Undercushions' flooring underlays significantly reduce noise due to the rubber viscoelasticity, making them ideal for multi-level buildings where impact sound transmission can be a concern.
• Moisture Protection: Rubber underlayment also offers excellent moisture resistance. This is particularly important in North America’s varied climate, protecting your vinyl floors from potential water damage.

Installing vinyl plank flooring underlayment is a straightforward process, and when using Dura Undercushions' rubber underlayment, you ensure a smooth, efficient installation. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Prepare the Subfloor: Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Any irregularities can affect the final look and feel of your vinyl flooring.
2. Adhere Duraquiet to Subfloor: Use a urethane-based adhesive, ensuring Duraquiet lays flat without overlaps.
3. Adhere Vinyl Floor to Duraquiet: Seal Duraquiet with a moisture cured urethane adhesive. Adhere the vinyl floor to Duraquiet using the recommended adhesive by the vinyl flooring manufacturer.

• Can I use rubber underlayment for any vinyl flooring? Yes, Dura Undercushions' rubber underlayment is compatible with all types of vinyl plank flooring, offering versatility for various installation projects.
• What is the best material to put under vinyl flooring? Rubber underlayment offers superior sound insulation, durability and moisture resistance compared to foam, cork, and felt options, making it a preferred choice for many homeowners and contractors.
• Do you need underlayment for vinyl plank flooring with an attached pad?  An attached pad offers limited cushioning and noise reduction, which may not suffice for all conditions and preferences. The quality of the subfloor, room acoustics, and personal comfort demands are key factors. Opting for a premium rubber underlayment from Dura Undercushions will significantly boost flooring performance.
• Can LVP go directly on the subfloor? For optimal results, it's recommended to use an underlayment for your Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) to enhance comfort, reduce noise, and provide additional moisture protection, especially in areas with high foot traffic or fluctuating temperatures.
• Should you put underlayment under LVP? Yes, using rubber underlayment from Dura Undercushions under LVP is advised for several reasons. It helps to create a smoother, more cushioned surface, enhances sound insulation, and provides antimicrobial protection, extending the lifespan of your flooring. Additionally, underlayment can compensate for minor subfloor irregularities, ensuring a level installation for your LVP.

Integrating Underlayment into Your Vinyl Flooring Project

Choosing the right underlayment is crucial for the longevity and performance of your vinyl plank flooring. With Dura Undercushions' rubber underlayment, you're not just investing in a product but in the comfort, durability, and acoustics of your floors. Whether you're renovating your home or working on a new construction project, consider the unmatched benefits of rubber underlay for your vinyl flooring needs.

For more information on Dura Undercushions' soundproofing solutions and how they can enhance your vinyl flooring projects, explore our products or contact our support team.