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Best Underlay for Engineered Wood Flooring
If you’re searching for the best underlay for engineered wood flooring or solid wood flooring, follow our buying guide below.
Do You Need Underlay for Engineered Wood Flooring?
Yes, in almost all cases. Underlay for engineered wood flooring evens out minor subfloor variation leading to a smoother, more professional finish. It enhances the acoustic and thermal performance of your space, and protects the floor from moisture below.
The one exception is when flooring has an integrated backing, and in this case the manufacturer fitting guidance should always take precedence.
What Thickness Underlay for Engineered Wood Flooring?
The choice of thickness underlay for engineered wood flooring depends on a number of factors. For floating engineered wood flooring, the ideal underlay thickness is between 3mm – 5mm.
If the subfloor is flat and even, and/or your setup includes underfloor heating then the underlay thickness should be reduced to between 2mm – 3mm of dense rubber or foam underlay.
When you require extra sound reduction, or have minor subfloor imperfections to smooth out, increase the underlay thickness to 5mm of fibreboard panel.
Exceeding underlay thickness to beyond 5mm is not recommended as excessive thickness can cause the wood flooring to flex, straining its locking mechanism.
Underlay on Concrete vs Timber Floorboards
The best underlay for engineered wood flooring on concrete is that which contains a moisture barrier. Here, an integrated damp proof membrane (DPM), vapour barrier or wood floor underlayment moisture barrier is essential to stop residual subfloor moisture from warping your wooden flooring.
We recommend QA Flooring’s Barrier or UniBase ranges for moisture protection at weights and prices to suit every project.
If you’re looking for the best underlay for engineered wood flooring on floorboards, consider instead a high-density wood fibre or fibreboard panel of between 2mm – 3mm. These materials will ensure that both the floorboards and your wood flooring can breathe – your subfloor needs natural airflow to prevent trapped moisture which might lead in time to condensation, timber rot and structural decay.
We recommend QA Flooring’s TimberTech range for a premium solution that’s compatible with all wood types.
Acoustic and Thermal Performance
An underlay that offers strong acoustic performance is particularly important in flats and upstairs rooms. To find the best acoustic underlay for engineered wood floor that works for your specific space, explore QA’s full range of acoustic solutions.
When looking for the best thermal underlay for engineered wood floor, consider first whether you wish to trap heat in a cold room, or let heat pass through the underlay (e.g.from underfloor heating). To trap heat, you’ll need underlay with a 1.0 – 2.15 TOG rating. While underfloor heating requires underlay with a 0.3 – 0.4 TOG rating.
Fitting Your Underlay
Should you decide to fit it yourself, laying underlay for wood flooring is a straightforward task. There are just four main points to remember:
- Never overlap the edges of your underlay, instead butt them tightly together.
- Always place the underlay at a 90-degree angle to the direction of your wood planks.
- Use proper underlay tape to secure joints down their full seam length.
- Leave a small expansion gap of 5mm – 10mm between your underlay and the walls.
For more detailed information on how to install your wood flooring underaly, refer to QA’s fitting guidelines.
Which QA Underlay Should You Choose?
The right underlay for your engineered wood flooring depends on the logistics of your individual space. Whether the subfloor is concrete and needs a vapour barrier, or timber, and requires a breathable underlay. Whether it’s an upstairs room where sound proofing is essential, or whether you also have underfloor heating and so need an underlay with a lower TOG rating.
If you’re still unsure, or for more information, discover our full Wood Underlay range here.