Wood flooring projects are more popular than ever, and with the latest advances in laminate flooring, it is obvious to see why. Once seen as one of the worst examples of 1980s plastic fantastic, today you can get excellent quality laminate flooring that is almost impossible to tell apart from the real thing.
It is also incredibly cost-effective, with a great choice of colours and styles available from flooring specialists such as Discount Flooring Depot. Furthermore, it is easy to install for the home DIY enthusiast, provided the right preparations are in place. This is where the choice of underlay is so important, both to ensure the installation goes without a hitch and to make sure the end result looks great and lasts for years.
There are a number of different types of underlay available. How do you decide which sort is right for you?
Damp-proof
Most of the types of underlay we will discuss contain a degree of damp proofing, but an actual damp-proof underlay looks like a large sheet of plastic and provides the perfect protection against moisture seeping up from the sub floor.
This is a must if you are laying onto a concrete underfloor, and is also worth putting in if you are laying laminate in a basement project. It is available in various thicknesses, so speak to your supplier to decide which one is best for your purposes.
Noise reducing underlay
Soundproof underlay is an ideal choice if you live in an apartment or flat, in order to put your mind at rest about any noise pollution created by your family members or their taste in music. It comes in a variety of thicknesses, ranging from 2mm to 5mm or more, and is suitable for all types of laminate wood flooring.
Insulating underlay
If you have been out to buy yourself a new duvet recently, you will know all about Tog ratings. Well, insulating underlay uses these too! It is lightweight, keeps your home warm and your heating bills down. It also makes the floor more enjoyable to walk on, and can provide a degree of sound insulation too – definitely an investment worth considering.
Foam
Foam underlay provides a degree of protection against moisture, noise and heat loss. It is also very lightweight, and comes in a range of gauges. It is a perfect all-rounder and is one of the most popular types of underlay for laminate floors.
Adhesive underlay
This is a special kind of underlay that is specifically for solid wood flooring. It comes with a removable film, and is designed to make the installation process simpler and quicker.
Under floor heating underlay
As the name suggests, this is another special type of underlay, designed for a specific purpose. If you have underfloor heating, you need the right underlay to make sure it does what you want it to do, without compromising the heat transfer properties of your underfloor system.
Ultimately, your choice of underlay will depend on your personal circumstances. Be sure you make the right choice at the outset, to get the most out of your new laminate flooring