Underlayment /laminate
#1
01-06-20, 06:30 AM
Underlayment /laminate
is underlayment required for click lock laminate flooring. Installer says he doesn't use.
#2
01-06-20, 06:53 AM
Unless your installer can explain why he doesn't use it, get another installer. Underlayment is used in a laminate installation for many reasons, and some are dependent on the type of subflooring and location. In short, though, unless the flooring comes with underlayment (and most don't), adding it is needed.
#3
01-06-20, 06:59 AM
Not always required if floor is perfectly flat.
Note that some laminate has the underlayment already on it.
Does make for a softer, quieter and often warmer floor.
Note that some laminate has the underlayment already on it.
Does make for a softer, quieter and often warmer floor.
#5
01-06-20, 07:17 AM
Group Moderator
Zero information about the exact brand and product he is using, so it's hard to say. Grab the instructions out of a box if there is one and read it.
All the laminates I have ever used have the underlayment on the planks themselves. So it depends on the exact product you are using.
All the laminates I have ever used have the underlayment on the planks themselves. So it depends on the exact product you are using.
#6
01-06-20, 07:27 AM
This is a side job for him. But does this full time for flooring store. Plus he's a friend so it's all confusing me.
Product is DreamHome from LL. 12mm without underlayment attached that I purchased. The install doesn't specifically call out wood sub floor, but references if used on concrete to add about vapor barrier and below floor.
Everything I've read everywhere tells me it should be used.
Product is DreamHome from LL. 12mm without underlayment attached that I purchased. The install doesn't specifically call out wood sub floor, but references if used on concrete to add about vapor barrier and below floor.
Everything I've read everywhere tells me it should be used.
#7
01-06-20, 07:28 AM
Group Moderator
So do you have a concrete floor? Or is it going over an existing floor? A little more info would help. You aren't giving us much to go on.
Here are your product instructions. https://www.lumberliquidators.com/as...dream_home.pdf
Here are your product instructions. https://www.lumberliquidators.com/as...dream_home.pdf
#8
01-06-20, 07:47 AM
No concrete. OSB floor, 20 years old. Carpet ripped up, no holes, good shape. One level home so no sound below or above to worry about or moisture. Dining room, living room, bedroom coverage. Thanks for the instructions.
#9
01-06-20, 08:10 AM
Group Moderator
Looks like no need for underlayment then. Installers usually know what they are doing.
Also, the instructions note:
Wood subfloors, do not place plastic sheeting film vapor barrier over a wood subfloor under any circumstances. Wood subfloors need to breathe.
Also, the instructions note:
Wood subfloors, do not place plastic sheeting film vapor barrier over a wood subfloor under any circumstances. Wood subfloors need to breathe.
#10
01-06-20, 08:47 AM
Looks like no need for underlayment then. Installers usually know what they are doing.
Also, the instructions note:
Wood subfloors, do not place plastic sheeting film vapor barrier over a wood subfloor under any circumstances. Wood subfloors need to breathe.
Also, the instructions note:
Wood subfloors, do not place plastic sheeting film vapor barrier over a wood subfloor under any circumstances. Wood subfloors need to breathe.
Laminates without a pre-attached foam
underlayment will require a separate underlayment.
underlayment will require a separate underlayment.
#11
01-06-20, 09:01 AM
Group Moderator
It has a pre-attached foam underlayment.
From the aforementioned instructions:
DREAM HOME Laminate Flooring consists of planks made from a durable laminate surface, a wood based core DREAM HOME Laminate Flooring consists of planks made from a durable laminate surface, a wood based core and a balancing backing.
You can also look up the product description on the LL website.
"Pre-glued underlayment is attached and its V-groove click system makes it a snap to install. Nothing else is needed to make this spectacular flooring a stunning floor!"
From the aforementioned instructions:
DREAM HOME Laminate Flooring consists of planks made from a durable laminate surface, a wood based core DREAM HOME Laminate Flooring consists of planks made from a durable laminate surface, a wood based core and a balancing backing.
You can also look up the product description on the LL website.
"Pre-glued underlayment is attached and its V-groove click system makes it a snap to install. Nothing else is needed to make this spectacular flooring a stunning floor!"
#12
01-06-20, 09:25 AM
It has a pre-attached foam underlayment.
From the aforementioned instructions:
DREAM HOME Laminate Flooring consists of planks made from a durable laminate surface, a wood based core DREAM HOME Laminate Flooring consists of planks made from a durable laminate surface, a wood based core and a balancing backing.
You can also look up the product description on the LL website.
"Pre-glued underlayment is attached and its V-groove click system makes it a snap to install. Nothing else is needed to make this spectacular flooring a stunning floor!"
From the aforementioned instructions:
DREAM HOME Laminate Flooring consists of planks made from a durable laminate surface, a wood based core DREAM HOME Laminate Flooring consists of planks made from a durable laminate surface, a wood based core and a balancing backing.
You can also look up the product description on the LL website.
"Pre-glued underlayment is attached and its V-groove click system makes it a snap to install. Nothing else is needed to make this spectacular flooring a stunning floor!"
Product is DreamHome from LL. 12mm without underlayment attached that I purchased.
#14
01-06-20, 10:37 AM
Thanks for help. I've gone back to LL and purchased 800 sq ft of QuietWalk underlayment. If my friend pushes back on using it i'll take it back.
I was just trying to be as sure as possible to have a beautiful long lasting floor after finally getting rid of the carpet I've hated for 20 years.
I was just trying to be as sure as possible to have a beautiful long lasting floor after finally getting rid of the carpet I've hated for 20 years.
#15
01-06-20, 10:41 AM
Group Moderator
Hard to believe that if the flooring you picked out in the store needed underlayment that they didn't recommend and sell it to you when you bought the flooring! So much for knowledgeable salesmen!
#16
01-06-20, 12:39 PM
Thanks for help. I've gone back to LL and purchased 800 sq ft of QuietWalk underlayment. If my friend pushes back on using it i'll take it back.
I was just trying to be as sure as possible to have a beautiful long lasting floor after finally getting rid of the carpet I've hated for 20 years.
I was just trying to be as sure as possible to have a beautiful long lasting floor after finally getting rid of the carpet I've hated for 20 years.
