Does vinyl plank need underlayment

If you've chosen Vinyl Plank flooring as a replacement for your current flooring, you've made a very smart choice. It's extremely beautiful flooring that mimics natural hardwood and stone.

Most vinyl plank flooring is water-resistant (some types are even waterproof) and it's also very durable, able to resist dents, dings, scratches, and stains. So no matter what your family throws at it, it still looks great!

Installing vinyl plank is a pretty easy process as long as the subfloor is prepared properly. It is important to know if you need underlayment or not with a vinyl flooring installation. Unlike laminate flooring, most vinyl floors are designed to lay directly on top of the subfloor. The type of vinyl flooring and type of subfloor you have will determine if you are able to use a vinyl flooring underlayment.

What Is Underlayment?

Flooring is made up of several parts including the joists, subfloor, underlayment, and finish flooring material.

The joists are part of the home's structure and the subfloor, usually plywood, sits on top of them. Underlayment is a thin material that covers the subfloor and the finish floor material is layered on top of it.

Underlayment serves several functions including sound deadening, softening the feel of the floor underfoot, and can also act as a moisture barrier.

What Kind of Underlayment Do I Need?

The type of underlayment you should use depends on the subfloor and whether it's concrete, plywood, or an existing flooring material.

Concrete Subfloors:

If you are installing your vinyl plank flooring over a concrete subfloor, you may want to use an underlayment for three reasons. First, it will give you some added cushion to help make the floor softer to walk on. Second, you may want an extra vapor barrier above the subfloor to reduce any risk of moisture. Lastly, underlayments can provide thermal properties to help keep the flooring warmer in cold months.

Polywood Subfloors:

For vinyl flooring installations over polywood subfloors, you will not need to worry about a moisture barrier, but you may want an underlayment for added cushion or sound reduction. It may also be a requirement in certain HOA or apartment complexes to have a sound barrier with your flooring.

Existing Floors:

When you’re installing vinyl floors over an existing subfloor, such as tile or linoleum, you can use an underlayment for added cushion and sound reduction. Moisture will not be an issue for you in this case.

Keep in mind that an installation over tile should include filling in any grout lines and uneveness. Also, you will want to make sure the flooring is in good condition before installing over it.