Maximising Your Vinyl Plank Flooring With Proper Underlayment

Maximizing Your Vinyl Plank Flooring With Proper Underlayment

Vinyl plank flooring is a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability, water resistance, and ease of installation. However, to ensure that your vinyl plank flooring looks its best and lasts for years to come, it is essential to use the proper underlayment. Underlayment provides a layer of cushioning and support between the subfloor and the vinyl planks, helping to reduce noise, improve comfort underfoot, and prevent damage to the planks.

Types of Underlayment

There are several types of underlayment available, each with its unique benefits and drawbacks. The most common types include:

Cork: Cork underlayment is made from natural cork, which provides excellent sound absorption and insulation. It is also moisture-resistant and has a long lifespan.
Rubber: Rubber underlayment is made from recycled rubber, which provides excellent cushioning and impact resistance. It is also water-proof and will not compress over time.
Foam: Foam underlayment is made from polyurethane or polyethylene, which provides a combination of cushioning and support. It is lightweight and easy to install, but it may not be as durable as cork or rubber.
Felt: Felt underlayment is made from recycled fibers, which provides sound absorption and cushioning. It is inexpensive and easy to install, but it is not as moisture-resistant as other types of underlayment.

Choosing the Right Underlayment

The best type of underlayment for your vinyl plank flooring will depend on your specific needs and budget. Consider the following factors when choosing an underlayment:

Sound absorption: If you are concerned about noise, choose an underlayment with a high sound absorption rating.
Moisture resistance: If your subfloor is prone to moisture, choose an underlayment that is moisture-resistant or waterproof.
Cushioning: If you want to improve the comfort underfoot, choose an underlayment with a high cushioning rating.
Durability: If you are looking for an underlayment that will last for many years, choose an underlayment that is made from durable materials.

Installing Underlayment

Once you have chosen an underlayment, it is important to install it properly. Follow these steps to install underlayment:

Clean the subfloor and remove any debris.
Unroll the underlayment and cut it to fit the room.
Tape the seams of the underlayment together using duct tape.
Lay the underlayment over the subfloor and smooth out any wrinkles.
Install the vinyl plank flooring over the underlayment.

Benefits of Using Underlayment

Using the proper underlayment can provide a number of benefits for your vinyl plank flooring, including:

Reduced noise
Improved comfort underfoot
Protection against damage
Extended lifespan of the flooring

Conclusion

Using the proper underlayment is an essential part of maximizing the performance and longevity of your vinyl plank flooring. By choosing the right underlayment and installing it properly, you can ensure that your flooring looks its best and lasts for years to come.