Underlay for laminate panels – why it is so important
While the highly valued benefits of using an underlay for laminate panels include increased thermal and acoustic insulation, there is another very important reason: extending the lifespan of the panels and maintaining the warranty. Since laminate flooring is called a floating floor, meaning it is not fixed permanently to the substrate, gaps can eventually appear between panels and lead to their damage if a certified underlay is not used. This problem can be effectively eliminated by choosing the proper underlay for the panels.
This ensures that the high-quality laminate panels you selected will indeed provide many years of satisfaction. Choosing expensive panels combined with a low-quality underlay is undoubtedly a waste of time and money.
Types of floor underlays
Underlays are commonly divided into two types: natural and synthetic materials, with synthetic being the most popular. Natural underlays include those made from wood or wood-based materials, while synthetic underlays include foams such as polyethylene (PE). Below we describe their specifics.
Natural underlays
Cork underlay
Often considered the best underlay for laminate panels. It has very good insulating properties, effectively dampens sound, and minimizes echo in the room. It also provides excellent thermal insulation, maintaining optimal room temperature. Cork underlay does not absorb moisture, making it resistant to mold and fungi. Its disadvantage for some may be the price, as high-quality certified cork underlays cost more than others. However, it is important to remember to use certified PE foil (often yellow, 0.15 or 0.20 mm thick).
Eco-board underlay
Cheaper than cork underlays but with some drawbacks. Thermal and acoustic insulation are at a good level (though lower than cork), which may attract buyers. However, eco-board underlays perform much worse against moisture. It is essential to use a vapor barrier foil overlapped before laying the eco-board and panels.
Corrugated cardboard and corrugated paper
The main advantage is low price, which for many is the only one. There are many disadvantages, such as almost zero acoustic insulation and moisture resistance. These underlays will certainly not meet the expectations of the most demanding users.
Synthetic underlays
Polyethylene foam underlay
Although still a popular underlay for panels, manufacturers do not recommend it. It cannot be considered good because polyethylene foam underlay does not provide satisfactory thermal or acoustic insulation, does not guarantee panel durability extension, and, most importantly, cannot level even minimal floor unevenness of 1 mm.
Polystyrene underlays
Advantages of polystyrene underlays include good moisture resistance, which helps panel longevity, and decent acoustic insulation. These underlays can also be used with underfloor heating.
Which underlay for laminate panels is best?
Ultimately, the choice of the best underlay depends on individual factors – our needs and expectations, as well as the type of subfloor in new or renovated rooms (how many people use the floor and how often, so it is worth choosing an underlay with high load resistance – minimum 60 kPa, and appropriate density). Importantly, one should not choose an underlay of lower quality than the laminate panels themselves. Using an improperly chosen underlay or incorrect vapor barrier foil can damage panels and fail to provide necessary insulation like acoustics. Many of us decide on underfloor heating, so it is important to choose an underlay dedicated to laminate panels or other floating floors, such as the Weninger underlay.
For product and user safety, manufacturers require using certified vapor barrier foil regardless of the underlay used (except for underlays with integrated PE foil). This prevents condensation under the panels and protects them from damage caused by even minimal moisture.
