laminate floor underlay? foam underlay with foam backed laminate???

Hello, first time poster looking for a quick answer.

I bought laminate from a local box store. Laminate has foam "underlay" attached. The salesman told me that their installers always still use a 2 in 1 (foam/vapor barrier) foam underlay. I'm installing on the main floor of a raised ranch; should be no issues with moisture.

I bought the extra underlay, thinking the added sound insulation would be a benefit. Now I'm wondering if it will make the floor too bouncy or cause any other issues.

Second Q: layout: I've read to install perpendicular to walls with windows, if I do this my laminate will also run perpendicular to my hall. not sure how this is going to look. Ideas?

Any advice is welcomed. Thanks.

 

Don't use 2 layers of underlayment. If the laminate already has the underlayment attached, then any additional will not benefit the installation. In fact, it will void the warranty if you do not follow the recommended installation instructions.

As far as the direction of the flooring, you want to run it perpendicular to the FLOOR JOISTS, so that it lays across multiple joists. This will prevent the possible sagging that sometimes happens between the joists itself.

 

Welcome to the forums! If the laminate has the attached foam, the only underlayment (if recommended) would be 6 mil plastic as a vapor barrier. You do not want to flex the flooring too much as you will have seam failures for sure. It will not add sound insulation. Flooring should be laid perpendicular to the floor joists. However, the way light hits laminate can make it a focal point if done parallel to light sources, so laying it across the light source is sometimes recommended.

Once you get to the hallway, you may be in need of a transition, anyway, so you can change directions with the use of a transition.

Edit: Z types faster than me!!

 

If I lay the laminate perpendicular to the floor joists it will run lengthwise down the hall, I think this will look better anyway.

Thanks for the advice on the additional underlay, it'll be going back to the store