Do I need underlay for my floor?

Underlay is the term for a thin material laid between the subfloor and the floor. Underlays are useful for stability, insulation, sound reduction, and moisture protection.

Underlay is commonly used for floating wood floors. Fixed floors do not usually incorporate an underlay as they are fixed directly to the subfloor.

Choosing the right underlay for your wood floor

There are various different types of underlay, and your choice depends on the needs of your flooring project as well as your budget.

You’ll need to assess the environment where your floor is being laid and consider the following requirements:

Are you installing Underfloor Heating?

We suggest Heatflow Wood Underlay. This underlay has a low tog value, allowing heat to come through.

Do you require extra sound reduction?

We recommend Technics 5 Underlay. This underlay has a 28dB sound insulation from its 5mm sponge rubber layer.

Do you need a moisture proof barrier?

Timbermate Excel Underlay and Blu All in One Underlay both incorporate a moisture barrier on their undersides.

Other Wood Flooring Underlays

In other circumstances, such as when fitting a fixed floor, underlay is not usually used. There are exceptions:
Wakol Slatted Underlay has many of the above general properties and can be fitted under a fixed floor. This is sometimes referred to as a liquid batten system.

Wakol TS 102 is a double stick underlay where adhesive is applied to both sides, commonly used when sound reduction is required under a parquet wood block floor.

Underlay products available at The Natural Wood Floor Co.