Due to its practicality, laminate flooring has become very popular. But in order for such a coating to fully reveal all its positive qualities, a substrate for the laminate is needed. The lining smoothes out uneven floors and is both vapor and sound insulating.
Of course, there are many materials for making substrates, everyone various characteristics and they are all good in their own way. Among other things, the lining acts as a kind of shock absorber - so that the floor covering does not sag under loads and does not play when walking. Let's look at what types of laminate substrates there are.
Foamed polyethylene
The most inexpensive roll substrate. In addition to the attractive price, the advantages of this material are:
- Excellent moisture resistance.
- Not susceptible to mold and mildew.
- Good thermal insulation.
- Undemanding to subfloor(permissible height difference up to 4 mm).
But like most inexpensive materials, polyethylene foam is not without its disadvantages:
- Weak mechanical strength - breaks easily.
- Sags relatively quickly under load.
This type of lining is mainly used for inexpensive repairs and commissioning of budget facilities.
Foil polyethylene foam
The next type of substrate is also made from foamed polyethylene, but has a base. It is the foil base that makes it possible to somewhat improve the technical characteristics of the substrate. There are two ways to lay this material:
- If it is necessary to protect the laminate from exposure to a damp or cold floor (for example, on the first floor above a damp basement), the underlay is laid with foil down.
- To reduce heat loss or during installation heated floors should be placed with the foil facing up.
A version with double-sided foil is also available, but this material is more expensive.
Advice! When installing pads made of foamed polyethylene, the joints must be glued with regular or masking tape on both sides. And the foil backing with aluminum tape.
Extruded polystyrene
This laminate underlay is optimal solution according to its properties and pricing policy. This material has the following characteristics:
Available in the form of sheets, often greenish in color. Also based on extruded polystyrene foam, such a lining as “Isoshum” is known, used as an excellent soundproofing damper under laminate.
The only disadvantage of this substrate is the high toxicity of smoke during combustion, which makes us more attentive to fire safety.
Cork material
The lining made from crushed natural cork tree bark is the most environmentally friendly material of all linings produced. In addition, it has the following positive characteristics:
Among the disadvantages it is worth noting:
- Afraid of moisture.
- Quite a high price.
- High demands on the subfloor surface.
Advice! If you decide to install a cork damper, then you need to lay a layer of waterproofing on the subfloor (especially concrete). Rolled polyethylene film is suitable for this purpose.
Types of cork backing
Several varieties of this material are also produced, for example, bitumen and rubber-cork linings, each of which has its own nuances:
- Bitumen-cork material has increased waterproofing properties.
- The damper, based on rubber and cork, has pronounced shock-absorbing characteristics.
What these materials have in common is the fact that it is not recommended to install them on heated floors.
Coniferous material
This laminate underlay appeared relatively recently and reviews about it are mixed. Some people praise it, some people criticize it, but we’ll figure out what technical characteristics it has. First, let's look at the positive properties:
- The environmental friendliness of the material is beyond doubt.
- The large thickness (5–7 mm) contributes to excellent leveling of the subfloor.
- Good heat and sound insulation abilities.
- When wet, it does not lose its properties and retains its shape.
It is worth noting that such a substrate is produced in the form of green mats, which break and crumble quite easily and often.
Advice! To avoid wasting your money on defective goods, it is worth consulting with the seller about the warranty on the product. The higher quality the material, the longer its warranty period.
Other materials
Other types of linings are also produced, among which the following materials stand out most noticeably.
Fiberglass damper
Although this lining material does not have pronounced disadvantages, it is rarely laid under laminate. Among the advantages are:
- Increased strength to various influences, which has a positive effect on the material’s resistance to deformation.
- The environmental friendliness of this substrate allows it to be used even in a children's room.
This roll underlay is optimally combined with the thin look of laminate and is laid on a pre-leveled subfloor surface.
Quick styling underlay
A unique lining is also available - an accordion. All sheets of this lining are fastened together and stretch like an accordion. This underlay for laminate allows you to quickly and easily install any floor covering. This material has the following properties:
- High density, as a result of which the damper does not sag or compress.
- Excellent water-repellent characteristics are combined with the ability of the material to pass air. This allows the laminate to “breathe”.
- Acceptable sound insulation performance.
- Ease of transportation and installation, because the packaging does not take up much space.
In addition, the accordion backing has a special corrugated packaging, which not only makes it easy to transport and store for a long time material, but also clearly demonstrate all its advantages.
Advice! For each type of laminate, the manufacturer most often recommends a specific damper. It is important to study and follow these recommendations. In case of gross violation of the instructions, the manufacturer may even remove the warranty period from its products.
Having studied what laminate substrates are made from, you can choose from a variety of materials exactly those technical characteristics of the damper that you need. A wide range will allow you to make the right choice without much difficulty.
When the renovation is almost finished, it’s time to lay the flooring. Most often these days, people prefer a material such as laminate, which is universal, looks very neat and beautiful and can last for decades. However, before this wonderful coating ends up on your floor, you need, as they say, to prepare the ground so that it can adhere more securely. This is where the question arises: which one is better, what its thickness should be, and what material it should be made of.
Brief description of the substrate
Before we start comparing different kinds this “underground” layer, let’s figure out what it is. After all, in order to understand which substrate for laminate is better, you need to know its functions and purpose, otherwise it will be very difficult to make the right choice. So, firstly, even in the newest apartments the floor is not perfectly flat. Of course, the screed in some places compensates for this shortcoming, but when laying decorative covering over time, the unevenness will begin to press through under the weight of the apartment’s residents and furniture. The substrate in this case performs a shock-absorbing function and prevents the laminate from sagging in places where there are small depressions or cracks. This coating also performs a soundproofing function. That is, the noise that comes to you from your neighbors above will be less noticeable thanks to this auxiliary floor layer.
Additional Underlay Features
If you still doubt whether a laminate underlay is needed, then carefully consider its following properties. Firstly, this additional layer allows you to save in the apartment large quantity warm air. At the same time, it does not allow cold to pass through, thereby serving as a heat insulator. The substrate will become an additional heat conductor if your house has a heated floor, and if there is no such system, then it will simply make the room more comfortable. An important function of this material is also to protect the wood from moisture. It absorbs most of the evaporation, due to which the sensitivity to water of the laminate is noticeably reduced. This allows this flooring to serve you longer and not deteriorate prematurely. And now, in order for you to understand which laminate underlay is better, we provide a list of all existing coatings that can be used for repairs.
Material is the basis of any substrate
The types of this flooring are strictly divided into groups depending on the materials from which they are made. For example, one of the most common options is Typically, it is sold in the form of wide rolls of foil and has a completely negligible thickness. It is worth remembering that this material can be mounted exclusively under laminate, and combined with parquet board Absolutely forbidden. The price for this coating is extremely affordable, so it is often used during budget renovation apartments or for arrangement office space. The fact is that this “foil” is very sensitive to mechanical damage, therefore, voids often appear under the laminate when it is laid. Nevertheless, the material performs a shock-absorbing and insulating function, so it is in considerable demand.
Cork is one of the best choices
One of the common types of “underground” coverings is laminate flooring. The price of this material is quite affordable for everyone, and its quality is quite high. Therefore, cork rolls sell out quickly from the shelves of construction stores, and in apartments they serve for a very long time and with high quality. It is worth noting that this material is combined not only with laminate, but also with parquet boards, but it cannot be installed if the apartment has a heated floor. This is due to the fact that it has low vapor barrier properties, and the moisture that will evaporate from the pipes can damage the decorative floor layer. Also, do not forget that this layer is mounted together with cellophane film, which compensates for the low vapor barrier. In this case, both the decorative coating and the cork backing for the laminate will serve you for a long time. The price for such a substrate will fluctuate between 150-300 rubles per square meter, which is quite accessible nowadays.
Parkolag rolls - a lot of warmth and comfort
Now let's talk about how dense and thick the underlay should be for exactly the option that will ideally absorb the floor covering and at the same time not take up a lot of free space? The answer is simple - you need to give preference to a coating such as parcolag, or, as it is more often called, kraft paper. It is sold in rolls, the price of which varies depending on the thickness and quality. However, even the most budget options They are a dense and at the same time elastic fabric, insensitive to mechanical damage. This is a 3 mm thick laminate underlay, thanks to which the coating perfectly levels the floor and prevents further deformation of the laminate. It also has excellent vapor barrier properties, thanks to which the wood better retains its qualities. However, it is worth remembering that a thin layer of bitumen must be applied on top of this kraft paper, which will emit a characteristic odor during the first time after the repair.
Tuplex is a repair brand that will fix all mistakes
For many years now, all builders have been saying that the best substrate for laminate flooring is duplex, which is sold in rolls. This material does not have a specific name, so it is called according to the manufacturer, but this does not make its quality worse. It is a multilayer film, the thickness of which does not exceed three millimeters. Cellophane layers are located along the outer edges of the covering, and in the middle there are foam granules. Thanks to such a simple structure, this coating ideally retains and even increases heat in the room, and at the same time it also has soundproofing and absorbent properties. Cellophane, which is part of the duplex, does not allow moisture to pass through, so the board remains completely intact. It is noteworthy that this material can also be placed on a damp screed if repairs need to be completed urgently. Over time, moisture from the concrete will be absorbed into the substrate, and this problem will be eliminated.
Natural materials are most expensive
But among the more respectable and expensive coatings, the substrate for the laminate is coniferous, made from natural raw materials. It is produced in the form of sheets various sizes, the thickness of which is 3 millimeters or more. She has a characteristic dark green color and a slightly fleecy surface. This allows the material to retain the greatest amount of heat in the house, but not trap air. That is, this lining “breathes”, simultaneously performs heat-insulating and sound-proofing properties, and also absorbs all unnecessary moisture, thereby prolonging the life of the tree. However, coniferous laminate underlay is not sold in hardware stores. It can be made to order, and its cost will be much higher than its cellophane and cork counterparts. This material is also combined with parquet boards and lasts for decades.
Which is better: sheets or rolls?
Today, there are two main types of auxiliary coverings that can be installed under any floor: sheet and roll underlays for laminate flooring. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, so we will briefly look at them now. In the first case, the slabs, regardless of their thickness, should be as close to the walls as possible. The distance between them should be extremely minimal, and all joints should be treated with adhesive waterproof tape (as a last resort, you can use tape, but the result will be of less quality). Rolled canvases begin to be laid from the extreme wall, gradually filling the middle of the room. You need to cut off the strips with a small margin, just in case, and if something remains sticking out from under the decorative covering, it can be easily cut off. In this regard, the question of which substrate for the laminate is better is up to you to decide, since these are no longer questions of the quality of the material, but of the installation process.
Optimal lining thickness
So, we have already learned almost everything about the quality and types of lining for wooden flooring. Now let's move on to its aesthetic qualities, namely its parameters. Many people choosing suitable material, they begin to wonder what thickness of the substrate for the laminate should be in their apartment. Now we will consider this issue in detail. This size mainly depends on differences in the floor itself, that is, on the size of its defects. If the depressions range in size from 2 to 5 millimeters, then a coating with an average thickness of 3 mm is suitable. If the unevenness is more significant, then materials whose thickness is up to 8 mm, or even more, can be used. This will level the floor and prevent further subsidence of the laminate.
As already described above, many linings do not have a cellophane base, and this is important in conditions high humidity. Therefore, before installing the material, make sure that this layer is laid, which will prevent the appearance of moisture in the room. The exception is substrates that are already stitched with this material.
Materials such as foil and foam retain heat well and are inexpensive. Therefore, laminate underlays made on their basis are often installed in apartments where temperatures are always low. And, of course, it is important to first level the floor using a concrete screed, and not hope that the substrate will take over these functions. The smoother each new layer is, the longer the decorative flooring will last you.
A little conclusion
Now you know that one of the necessary stages of repair is laying a material such as a substrate under the laminate. How to choose, which type to give preference to and how to mount it - this process can only be described in full detail by a master of the craft, as well as how to do all this. The article presented general rules and recommendations regarding these works, which you can use if you are renovating the house yourself. However, you should not start such work without experience.
Laminate has become one of the most popular and cheapest floor coverings. It is strong, durable, and makes you happy wide choose- from budget to luxury models of any colors. As a rule, people spend a lot of time choosing a laminate, but forget about the underlay. In this article we will figure out which substrate is better, because the durability of the coating depends on its quality.
The underlay for laminate flooring is required using floating floor technology. This is due to several factors, which we will talk about.
- Soundproofing. If the underlay is not used, then every step will be heard as a loud knock. The presence of a soft, even layer will hide small noises and friction (see article about).
Sometimes in class 33 and 32 laminates there is a built-in backing: a layer of insulation is already glued to the back side. It is more convenient to lay such material than conventional material, but due to the more difficult production technology, the cost increases significantly.
- Leveling the surface. Another function of the substrate is to level out small irregularities. This is very important when, because the durability of the locks depends on the evenness of the base. According to the technology, permissible differences in the floor should be no more than 2 mm per 1 m. However, too much thickness of the substrate under the laminate will most likely interfere with hiding unevenness, because then it will sag at the joints when walking. To prevent the seams from unraveling after six months, the floor surface is carefully prepared before laying the covering (see article on.
- Moisture insulation. The laminate is made of pressed paper, so even moisture-resistant models do not need to be exposed to high humidity, otherwise the panels will swell. Laying a substrate under the laminate will provide additional protection from moisture from the concrete floor. For the same reason, before laying the covering, it is better to wait at least a month after installing the concrete screed.
As a test for the readiness of the screed, you can place polyethylene on the floor overnight. There should be no sweat on the concrete in the morning.
- Thermal conductivity. A conventional underlay for a laminate installed under a heated floor reduces the efficiency of its operation, since both the laminate itself and the underlay material have good thermal insulation properties. There are special substrates for heated floors, which we wrote about in. We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with, which describes the process of installation on a wooden and concrete base with further finishing with laminate.
Selecting a substrate
In any hardware store It’s easy to find many options, but how to choose the right underlay for laminate flooring? After all, they differ in material, thickness, sound insulation.
First of all, you need to find out the condition of the floor. If the base is flat, the thinnest substrate – 2 mm – will be sufficient. When small irregularities occur, it is worth choosing an insulation thickness of 3 mm. The thickness of the laminate with backing will be approximately 10-11 mm (if we take the average thickness of a laminate floor as 8 mm).
When choosing a substrate and the laminate itself, it is not necessary to give preference to the same manufacturer. This practically does not matter, since the parameters are general, so any company will do.
Brief video review of popular types:
Polyethylene foam
The most common polyethylene foam backing. Its popularity is primarily due to its low price. In addition, it has good moisture resistance, thermal insulation and is not susceptible to rodents and microorganisms. This material is very easy to use and reduces waste to a minimum. Often it is supplemented with a foil layer with aluminum for reflection infrared heat.
However, despite the large number of advantages, the cheapest material also has many disadvantages. First of all, it is not an environmentally friendly synthetic material; it sags over time and does not hold its shape well. There are cases that after laying the laminate on a polyethylene foam substrate, static electricity is formed (especially in dry rooms), and the owners are periodically shocked. Therefore, think 10 times before saving 500 rubles, is your comfort worth this money? Material from domestic manufacturers will be cheaper: the price per roll is 25 sq. m. about 320-400 rub. Foamed polyethylene from Quick step will cost 60-90 rubles. for 1 sq. m.
Cork substrates
Cork underlay for laminate flooring is perfect as a base for a floating floor. Although it is a natural material, cork is not susceptible to mold and rot, and perfectly insulates heat. Throughout its service life, such a substrate will retain its dimensions and characteristics. This type is available in the form of rolls or sheets. In some cases on back side There is a self-adhesive layer (see article about). 
Because of high cost inappropriate to use cork version for cheap coatings, but as a durable base it is well suited. The disadvantage of cork is that it is water permeable, so condensation may appear under the coating.
Bitumen-cork substrates
This material is made from kraft paper with the addition of bitumen, and then covered with fine cork chips on top. The topping is made from small pieces of cork 2-3 mm. Thanks to bitumen, this type does not have the disadvantages of conventional cork: it does not allow moisture to pass through and retains sounds well; the material breathes, which prevents the formation of condensation. Like the previous option, bitumen-cork substrates are suitable only for expensive types of laminate, due to the high price.
Expanded polystyrene
Extruded polystyrene foam is often used as an insulating layer. It is optimally suited for highly loaded rooms and smoothes out unevenness well. This is one of the most effective insulation materials due to the high air content in its composition. Due to its rigidity, it retains its shape well and effectively absorbs sounds and does not allow moisture to pass through. When using polystyrene foam on the floor, a comfortable feeling when walking is ensured. The most popular products in this type are from Izoshum and Arbiton. 
Combined options
There are also combinations of polyethylene and expanded polystyrene. The most famous substrate is Tuplex; it consists of two layers of polyethylene, between which there are polystyrene foam balls. 
This combined option Sold in rolls and 3 mm thick. Due to its structure, it can ventilate the room. The top layer prevents moisture from penetrating inside, and the thin bottom layer allows it to pass inside to the granules, and from there it comes out through the technological gaps.
Coniferous tiles
New recent years- coniferous backing for laminate. It is difficult to find in stores due to its high cost, but sometimes coniferous slabs from Izoplat are sold. The material is completely environmentally friendly and allows air to pass through, so there will be no greenhouse effect under the floor. However, in terms of elasticity, needles are inferior to cork. It is also worth considering that the minimum thickness of coniferous tiles is 4-5 mm, which contradicts the requirements of many laminate manufacturers. The tiles are laid diagonally.
Laying the substrate
Now let's talk about the technology of how to lay the substrate under the laminate:
- If there is a fresh concrete screed on the floor, before laying it is necessary to lay a layer of thin polyethylene 0.2 microns. In older houses this is not necessary.
- The floor is thoroughly cleaned of debris and all dirt is vacuumed. The base must be dry.
- For cutting, use regular scissors or a construction knife. They make an overlap on the walls, and then the baseboard will cover it.
- Under no circumstances should you lay down several layers of substrate to compensate for unevenness; a layer of 2-3 mm will be sufficient. If more is needed, it is produced using plywood, screed or another method.
- If the material is corrugated, this side is laid down, so there will be less unevenness. The foil material is laid with the reflective side up.
- Laying is done end-to-end, without overlapping sheets on each other. In order not to displace the backing during operation, it is recommended to glue it to double sided tape to the floor.
Let's sum it up
If you follow the technology and buy a high-quality substrate and laminate, they will last more than 10 years at home. Of course, the final choice will depend on financial capabilities, but it is better to try to purchase quality natural materials so as not to pay twice.
The most important task facing the repair of flooring is to ensure an excellent appearance of the room, creating coziness and comfort. It is important that when a person comes home from work, he can take a break from the noise and bustle of others. When moving around your home, knocks and creaks of the floor covering should not create discomfort and irritation. A special material (substrate) placed under the laminate can help with this. In addition, the substrate acts as sound insulation, protects the laminate from moisture, and the durability of the laminate will largely depend on it. Let's take a closer look at what they are and which underlay for laminate is better.
Types of underlays for laminate
The construction market is saturated with a wide variety of types of substrates laid under laminate flooring. This special material, depending on the initial components used in its production, can be divided into:
- natural – created on the basis of natural materials;
- polymer (artificial) - these are, as a rule, products of the chemical and oil refining industries.
Substrates made from natural materials
Natural substrates are made from various wood species. This material does not cause allergies (which is very important), it is environmentally friendly and does not emit harmful odors. The most popular materials used for the production of natural substrates are balsa wood and coniferous wood.
Cork backing
Cork underlay for laminate flooring has very valuable characteristics, such as good sound insulation, low thermal conductivity, good shock absorption. Available in the form of rolls from sheets of compressed cork chips.
This material, due to its special physical characteristics, is recommended for use in children's rooms and bedrooms. There are several types of cork substrate, the main ones are rubber-cork (a mixture of granulated cork and synthetic rubber) and bitumen-cork.
Let's describe the bitumen option in more detail. It is produced as follows: a thin layer of hot bitumen is applied to special paper, and then sprinkled with fine cork chips (powder). This underlay promotes good air flow under the laminate or other floor covering. Air circulation removes condensation and moisture and also prevents the wooden plates from drying out.
Coniferous substrate
Substrate them coniferous species are made in the form of carpet strips Green colour from a glued, pressed mixture of sawdust and shavings. It is characterized by increased mechanical strength and the ability to retain heat well, and when it dries after getting wet, it does not deform or crumble. It is produced in the form of slabs up to 7 mm thick, resembling chipboard in appearance, and has different sizes. 
Disadvantages of natural substrates
Despite the expanded list positive qualities, natural materials have some disadvantages:
- High price. Compared to artificial analogues, the difference can reach 40 percent or more.
- Sensitivity to changes concrete base. Cork and coniferous substrates for laminate “tolerate” a difference of no more than 2 mm for every 2 meters of cement screed. Otherwise, the laid laminate will constantly sag and, as a result, its locks will diverge, which will create an unpresentable appearance. So if you decide to use a natural substrate under a laminate flooring, take care to carefully level the concrete base.
Substrates made of artificial materials
Laminate substrates created on the basis of artificial polymer compounds are much cheaper than their natural counterparts. The most popular and accessible are:
- made of foamed polypropylene;
- from expanded polystyrene;
- foil backing;
- “Tuplex” backing.
Foamed polypropylene backing
The most common material for the manufacture of inexpensive substrates is a polypropylene compound. The term "inexpensive" in no way means poor quality. This material absorbs laminate flooring quite well under load. Satisfactorily absorbs extraneous noise and retains heat.
The backing has a wavy structure that allows air to ventilate freely under the laminate. It is not afraid of condensation or moisture, and is produced in strips up to 5 mm thick, rolled into rolls. The main advantage of synthetic materials is their stability with differences (irregularities) of up to 4 mm per two meters. Main disadvantage of this material is that it does not withstand large static loads, under which air bubbles may burst, resulting in a change in its thickness. 
Polystyrene foam backing
The substrate is made from polystyrene foam molded under certain conditions. This material is much stronger and denser than foamed polypropylene. Its peculiarity is that it is able to withstand heavy loads for a long time. It is produced in the form of plates or mats of gray-green color.
Extruded polystyrene foam has no environmental contraindications for use in residential and work areas. It can smooth out minor unevenness in the underlying concrete floor. This type of substrate is in great demand in the construction market.
However, polypropylene substrates have certain disadvantages. This material has a structure similar to foam bubbles. Over time, under load, the pores burst and become compressed. When a laminate coating is used intensively, the substrate loses its shape and elasticity, which negatively affects its protective properties. Another drawback is that it is a fairly flammable material through which fire spreads quickly.
But, despite these disadvantages, polypropylene backing remains a leader in a specific market segment because it is the most satisfactory and budget option.
Foil backing
It is usually made on the basis of polypropylene, and can be covered with foil on one or both sides. It costs more, but thermal insulation properties it is significantly higher than that of a conventional polypropylene substrate.
Any type of underlay must be laid joint-to-joint under the laminate. The edges of the strips are tightly fixed to each other with tape. For the foil backing, mirror tape is used on the floor side to create the effect of a thermos as fully as possible. This will reduce heat loss much more effectively, and the bubbles in polypropylene will additionally provide sound insulation!
remember, that total thickness laminate and underlay should not exceed the joint floor coverings adjacent rooms.
“Tuplex” backing
Tuplex underlay is a 3 mm thick composite material consisting of two layers polyethylene film and a layer of granulated polystyrene foam between them. The pores in polystyrene foam and the air between the granules reliably retain heat and also protect against extraneous noise and sounds. This type of underlay can even be laid on a screed that has little residual moisture.
High strength upper layer polyethylene can withstand significant loads, but its main task is not to allow moisture to pass through and to protect the laminate, preventing it from deforming. The bottom layer of polyethylene, on the contrary, has a porous structure that allows moisture to pass into the polystyrene foam layer, through which the moisture escapes outside around the perimeter of the room.
How thick should the substrate be?
There is an opinion that the thicker the substrate under the laminate, the better it will be. You can even meet people who lay it in several layers to achieve maximum insulation and sound insulation. There is a significant disadvantage with this approach, which is that such a substrate under point loads (any heavy object or even a person) can be strongly compressed, causing the laminate boards to even break.
With a substrate thickness of 3 mm or more, the connections of the lamellas may deform over time, since the laminate is not adapted to regular bending when walking. From such a load, the locks quickly wear out, as a result of which cracks appear and the floor begins to creak heavily. Therefore, it is important to consider the rigidity of the substrate and its thickness. The smoother the base, the thinner the material can be laid. 
Vapor barrier under laminate
Laminate is produced from paper impregnated adhesive composition, from pressed waste from the woodworking industry. Therefore, contact of the laminate with surfaces that emit moisture is very undesirable. These, of course, include concrete floors, which, regardless of their “age,” can absorb and release moisture. Well, for the fresh one concrete screed and there is no need to say, in this case vapor barrier layer should be mandatory. There is no need to use it when laying laminate flooring on a wooden floor. You can read more about vapor barrier materials and the nuances of their installation here -. That's all, we hope you found the answer to the question, what is the best underlay for laminate flooring?.