Do I Need Underlayment For Vinyl Plank

Underlayment isn t a necessity but you might consider it to add noise reducing qualities or additional softness to the product.

Do i need underlayment for vinyl plank.

An underlayment will help level out minor imperfections in your wood subfloor as well. However you ll want to use one in every other application including covering existing hardwood floors vinyl flooring that isn t cushioned and concrete floors. The key to installing luxury vinyl over concrete is to ensure the floor is level and clean. Vinyl underlayment certainly has a place in providing sound absorption thermal properties and extra cushion.

In general luxury vinyl underlayment for any floor can provide many benefits. If your subfloor is very even and smooth you do not need an underlayment under your vinyl plank on hardwood. Underlayment is also instrumental in the acoustic performance of the vinyl floor. If you want to find out if you need underlayment for your vinyl plank flooring then keep reading.

If the concrete is uneven you will have to level it out. Putting a soft product under vinyl plank will result in an unstable floor that is much more inclined to being damaged and even punctured or torn over time. If you re laying the lvp over an existing cushion backed vinyl floor or a below grade tile floor then you won t need to use an underlayment. The only thing that will happen if you decide to purchase it in that case is that the warranty will become null and void with the manufacturer.

The only other time that you don t need to purchase an underlayment is when there is already one built in to the vinyl plank flooring. While underlayment for vinyl planks may be used under hardwood and laminate the reverse is not true. For anyone considering a do it yourself approach to laying vinyl flooring this article provides all you need to know about flooring underlayments. Second you may want an extra vapor barrier above the subfloor to reduce any risk of moisture.

If you are installing your vinyl plank flooring over a concrete subfloor you may want to use an underlayment for three reasons.