Floor Underlayment Question

I'm having engineered hardwood floors installed in my dining room, kitchen, and laundry room and was wondering if there is some type of underlayment available that I can use (if necessary). It is a wood subfloor with finished basement underneath. I was thinking an underlayment would help to both cushion the floor a bit and deaden sound transmission into the basement. Is such a product available for engineered hardwood (will be stapled down). Also, the floor installer indicated that by code I cannot use a T-moulding to transition from wood flooring into a bathroom, and that the only way (by code) is to use a marble threshhold. Is this accurate (I live in Prince William County in Virginia). I would rather not use a marble threshhold.

 

Code for a threshold? Never heard that unless it was an ADA thing. Sounds more like he just wants to do whats easier for him. I could be wrong...

No floor expert...but I don't think you'd want any sort of cushion under it...thats more for floating installs. Rosin paper I think I've seen used...but not anything else.

 

I thought it sounded phony too. ADA requirement is that the threshold be the same level as the floor, so a marble threshold would not satisfy that requirement. I'll take my chances and go with a T-moulding.

I read the manufacturer's installation instructions and an underlayment is only mentioned for floating installations (like you said). For staple down installation, red rosin paper is used. Manufacturer also recommends using what they call "Mega Glue" on the groove of each plank when joist spacing is greater that 19" (mine are 24") to prevent squeaks and crackling. The installer didn't mention this, but I am going to insist that it be used.

 

Well...there ya go...guess I learned something from reading every single post for the last 3 yrs...lol.

 

thats the big question, if it is solid wood flooring than you either staple (along with a red rosin paper or felt paper)or glue it down. Engineered or laminate would be floating and an underlayment should be used. Depot sells a few good versions of underlayment that work very well and are easy to install.