What is underlayment?
Underlayment is a thin material layer placed between a subfloor and finish flooring to provide cushioning, sound dampening, or moisture protection depending on the flooring type.
Underlayment sits between your subfloor and the finished flooring you walk on. This thin layer (typically 1/8 inch to 3/8 inch thick) serves different purposes depending on which flooring product you choose and what your home needs.
Common underlayment materials include:
- Foam, which cushions the floor and reduces impact sound from footsteps
- Cork, a natural option that provides cushioning and sound dampening
- Felt, which works well for moisture protection and is often used with vinyl or laminate
- Rubber, which offers durability and moisture resistance
The main reasons contractors recommend underlayment are comfort, noise reduction, and protection against moisture damage. In older Connecticut homes, underlayment helps isolate floors from drafts and cold subfloors. Laminate and vinyl flooring often require underlayment to help protect against water damage and to meet manufacturer warranty terms. Hardwood floors may use underlayment to cushion the install and reduce sound transmission to rooms below.
Choosing the right underlayment type depends on your flooring material, subfloor condition, household moisture levels, and whether sound dampening matters in your space. Flooring contractors typically advise on which underlayment best fits both the product specifications and the job site conditions.