The underlay is a thin material that covers the subfloor and the flooring material is laid on top of it. The underlay performs multiple functions including sound insulation, softening the feel of the ground underfoot and can also act as a moisture barrier.
What is the underlay thickness for vinyl plank floors?
Most vinyl backings are 1mm to 1.5mm thick. With clicklock vinyl that is 4mm or thicker, an underlay has several advantages: It can help smooth out minor unevenness in the subfloor. It adds extra cushioning to the floor for a softer underfoot feel.
What do you put under a vinyl floor?
Installing an underlay in vinyl areas provides the lift, softness, and flatness needed for proper vinyl floor installation. A common backing for vinyl floors is 1/2 inch particle board. It is inexpensive, flat, smooth and adheres well to vinyl adhesives.
What is the underlay thickness for vinyl plank floors?
Most vinyl backings are 1mm to 1.5mm thick. With clicklock vinyl that is 4mm or thicker, an underlay has several advantages: It can help smooth out minor unevenness in the subfloor. It adds extra cushioning to the floor for a softer underfoot feel.
Which underlay is best for vinyl plank floors?
Vinyl floors under 4mm should be installed directly over the subfloor. If you have areas on a concrete subfloor with moisture issues, it is recommended to use a vapor control underlay that does not add cushioning to the planks.
Is 12 mil a good coat?
The more MILs a product has, the stronger the wear layer. So a 6 or 12 MIL product will work for your home but not for a commercial setting. A 20 MIL product will work for your home AND for a commercial setting. The higher the MIL, the higher the warranty in years and vice versa.
Which underlay is best for vinyl plank floors?
Vinyl floors under 4mm should be installed directly over the subfloor. If you have areas on a concrete subfloor with moisture issues, it is recommended to use a vapor control underlay that does not add cushioning to the planks.
Do you need an underlay for a vinyl floor?
Most vinyl floors do not require an underlay. If the surface you are laying on is flat and smooth, a well-cushioned vinyl floor should suffice on its own. With this in mind, we recommend adding an underlay and we offer underlays specifically designed for this vinyl flooring option.
What is the best way to lay under vinyl flooring?
Installing an underlay in vinyl areas provides the lift, softness, and flatness needed for proper vinyl floor installation. A common backing for vinyl floors is 1/2 inch particle board. It is inexpensive, flat, smooth and adheres well to vinyl adhesives.
How do you prepare a floor for vinyl flooring?
Clean old vinyl with a household floor cleaner. You can also mix a few drops of dish soap in water to clean the floor. Rinse the floor and let it dry. Apply floor repair compound to any cracks in the old vinyl to create a smooth finish.
Do you put something under the vinyl?
Most vinyl floors or luxury vinyl tiles do not require an underlay. Vinyl floors come with a primer that eliminates the need to add a primer. The only time a vinyl floor will need an underlay is when the underlying surface is uneven or has moisture issues.