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When to Use Underlayment for Flooring Installation

Posted: September 29, 2025

Underlayment provides a useful, even crucial range of advantages when paired with certain subfloors and surface flooring materials. While not strictly necessary across all combinations, it’s important to use the right underlayment for the task at hand. Find out what flooring underlayment is, when to use it, and when you may not need it at all, with expert tips from the installation team at Floor Coverings International® of Chandler-Gilbert.

What Is Underlayment for Flooring?

Underlayment is a thin layer of material installed between wood, OSB, or concrete subfloors and the finished floor covering above. Underlayment serves an important purpose and is usually required by manufacturers in some situations.

The main advantages of underlayment are:

  • Moisture protection: Sometimes referred to as a vapor barrier, some types of underlayment are designed to prevent moisture from rising through the subfloor and damaging the finished flooring above.
  • Sound absorption: Underlayment can dampen sounds made from impact (dropping items or footsteps) and ambient sounds like people talking or music playing between first and second floors.
  • Cushion and thermal insulation: Certain underlayment materials, such as cork and foam, are designed to make the finished flooring feel softer underfoot. These products often enhance thermal insulation by keeping floors warmer during cold desert nights and cooler during hot summer days.

Types of Underlayment

It’s worth noting that many flooring products that require underlayment may come with the right material already attached. Most laminate and some vinyl flooring options have integrated underlayment, so you may not need to purchase additional underlayment before installation.

The most common underlayment options are:

Foam Underlayment

Made from synthetic foam, this type is usually paired with laminate and some engineered wood floors.

When to use foam underlayment

Use with any product when recommended by the manufacturer, or to add sound insulation and extra cushioning to laminate and engineered wood. Most foam underlayment comes with an integrated vapor barrier.

Cork Underlayment

Made from natural cork, cork is an excellent option for hardwood, engineered wood, laminate, and some tile applications. Its strongest feature is its sound absorption, though it’s also valued for its thermal insulation properties.

When to use cork underlayment

Cork is best for dry areas of the home, especially those with high foot traffic, to dampen noise.

Felt Underlayment

Mostly paired with hardwood and laminate, felt is often made from eco-friendly recycled fibers. It is dense and firm, helping looser flooring materials avoid shifting or gaping.

When to use felt underlayment

Felt is best for laminate and wood plank floors, since there are better underlayment options for sound and thermal insulation.

Other types of underlayment include:

  • Rubber
  • Plywood/Hardboard
  • Cement board (backer board)
  • And other niche materials

Read More: The Best Flooring for Desert Climates

When You Don’t Need to Use Underlayment

There are situations where underlayment is both unnecessary and potentially harmful. You don’t need to use underlayment if:

  • The new flooring comes with pre-attached underlayment.
  • The subflooring itself serves as the base for finished flooring (tile over cement, finished hardwood on plywood subfloor, etc.).
  • The manufacturer specifically says not to use underlayment.
  • When the flooring is designed for direct installation (some glue-down vinyl or laminate flooring on concrete, for example).

Get All Your Flooring Questions Answered

As a local business, Floor Coverings International® of Chandler-Gilbert is always ready to answer your flooring questions and help you make informed decisions. Our friendly professional team has ample training and real-world experience to help our Phoenix-area neighbors choose, install, and enjoy the right flooring for their beautiful desert home. Start your next project by scheduling a free in-home consultation with us today.

Contact our Chandler Gilbert AZ team

Whether you’re ready for a quote or want help finding your next floor, we’re ready to provide the quality service you deserve.

(480) 418-2454

Our experts are ready to help with your flooring project.