actual underlayment that is not attached to the subfloor but is laid loosely prior to installing the floor. Considering there are dozens of underlayment products,

we have included a small selection of choices that are more widely used in the flooring industry. Nearly all underlayments are packaged in rolls with coverage varying from one brand to the next.

Basic Foam Underlayment

Basic underlayment is often a synthetic product of open celled polyethylene foam. Most are thin and compress easily. Common names include 2 in one or 3 in one underlayment. Three provides a protective plastic film moisture barrier on one side and foam cushioning on the other. The third element is a sticky peel off tape used to connect the underlayment when installing and replaces the actual taping of seams. These products are used for on or below grade (at ground level or in basements) installations over concrete type subfloors.

For wood subfloors, only foam padding, or cork should be used as any trapping or moisture with a film moisture barrier can lead to mold growth under the right conditions. Basic underlayment is most often used and sold through home centers but only provides a minimum amount of benefits.

Upgrades. Many Names

Those seeking a quieter floor that does not sound clikity or hollow in the way many plastic laminate floors were characterized when first introduced, should look for upgrades that offer more sound absorption. These types offer benefits in sounding and feeling more like solid hardwood floors while also providing some sound control to rooms below the installed area.

Quiet Walk

Quiet Walk underlayment is more of a fabric providing an eco friendly product that is composed of mostly recycled materials. The makeup of Quite Walk allows absorption of any potential moisture and is guarded with an attached vapor barrier. The product also contributes to increased insulation values, keeping floors warmer in winter months and cooler in the summer.

Floor Muffler

The Floor Muffler performs exactly as it is named. Recommended by a wide number of flooring manufacturers for floating installations. The product is not eco friendly and entirely synthetic.

Cork

Cork underlayment provides superior sound deadening properties and comes in a variety of thick nesses and packaging. The product is widely available in rolls but can also be obtained in sheets. For floating installations it can be loose laid over subfloors, while glued hardwood installations require direct adhesion to subfloors with a mastic spread adhesive. Cork underlayment is an ideal green friendly type product.

Proflex

Proflex offers not only a cushioned underlayment but it’s properties include a crack isolation membrane for concrete and moisture barrier. This rubberized product is not glued but pressed to the subfloor with a peel off tape after a primer is applied to a clean and properly prepared subfloor. Unlike cork, Proflex underlayment can be installed on top of immediately with gluedown floors, opposed to waiting overnight for cork. Used primarily in high rise residences we suggest consulting with any association for approval prior to it's use.

Visqueen or Plastic Sheathing

Plastic sheathing can also be used as an extra moisture barrier if in doubt of other underlayment properties. Cutting Excess Sheathing For best results it should be installed and lapped up the walls a few inches in direct contact with concrete subfloors. Lapping creates a pan or tub effect under the floor keeping moisture from affecting the hardwood floor. It's purpose is similar to that of a hot water heater pan, but it keeps water out and not in. Once the floor is installed it can be trimmed with a utility knife before installing baseboard or quarter round molding.

All products mentioned above with the exception of basic underlayments provide a much better solution for those seeking a quieter feel underfoot. Many of the higher quality products will ease fears associated with loose type underlayment and floating floors. It's important to note many of these manufacturers claim their underlayment can be used to bridge minor subfloor imperfections. We urge you to perform more practiced floor preparation procedures and do not expect these systems to solve your problem.

Vinyl

Vinyl proves to be an excellent moisture barrier and has often been used as a moisture barrier when gluing to subfloors with questionable moisture content.

Finally, some products can be used for sound deadening on wood subfloors with nail or staple type installations. Always consult the individual hardwood manufacturer specifications if in doubt as some products may be too thick to allow for a successful firmly installed floor.

See rosin or felt paper underlayment for solid nail/staple installations over wood subfloors.