Laminate flooring is the most popular flooring material due to its great stability and ease of upkeep. Laminate flooring is much easier to install than other types of flooring. You can, however, install any sturdy and multi-functional underlayment beneath the flooring to ensure longevity and a comfortable walking experience. In this article, Dubai Vinyl Flooring has provided a list of the best underlays for laminate flooring on concrete. We've also highlighted many key criteria that users should consider when selecting an underlayment.

The best underlay for laminate floors On concrete floors, underlayment acts as a flexible and protective barrier between the flooring material and the subfloor surface, serving numerous tasks. Fixing this protective layer has numerous advantages, including sound insulation, moisture resistance, increased durability, underfoot comfort, and stability. However, when installing laminate planks on a concrete substrate, we need to primarily consider moisture or water resistance.


Why is it necessary to use underlayments when installing laminate flooring on concrete?

The concrete subfloor is porous, allowing water or moisture particles to seep through the flooring surface. The concrete subfloor has an uneven surface with imperfections that require a flexible underlayment material to make it smooth and user-friendly. Furthermore, installing laminate flooring on concrete surfaces makes walking difficult. To avoid all of these concerns, select the best underlayment solution that provides great moisture resistance, walking comfort, and an even flooring surface.

Before deciding on a given material, you should be well-versed in the material's properties, outcomes, and installation methods. Inadequate underlayment material or installation might also cause your flooring to wear out quickly.

Why Underlayments Are Required When Installing Laminate Flooring on Concrete
Underlayment Material Options:

Cork Underlayment

If you want an underlayment material that has the best acoustic properties, go with cork. Fixing this material can also help to smooth out irregularities on uneven concrete surfaces. This material has the disadvantage of not providing cushioning beneath a laminate wood floor surface. Furthermore, this material has exceptional antimicrobial properties, ensuring a clean floor surface.


Combination Foam Underlayment

Two fundamental layers comprise this underlayment material: a vapor barrier layer and ordinary foam. This innovative underlayment provides great moisture resistance between the concrete subfloor and the laminate tiles. Extremely damp areas can also utilize this slightly more expensive material to enhance floor moisture resistance.


Recycled Rubber

Recycled rubber, like composite foam underlayment, offers improved acoustics and mold resistance. However, the installation of recycled rubber underlayment does not guarantee moisture or water resistance. However, you can apply a protective layer to this eco-friendly cloth to improve moisture resistance.


XPS Foam

XPS foam (extruded polystyrene) is the ideal underlay for laminate flooring. This material provides additional cushioning, underfoot comfort, and impact resistance when installed. XPS foam is very easy to fold and install under a laminate surface.



Recycled fibers

Recycled fibers are another excellent alternative for underlayment materials, providing a high level of flexibility and cushioning. Numerous compacted layers of fibers make up the recycled fibers, enhancing their flexibility and achieving the appropriate R-value. Furthermore, the substance under the laminate protects the flooring from instability and bumps.

Polyethylene Foam

Polyethylene foam is another option for leveling these tiles on the concrete subfloor underlayment. This underlayment type does not offer as much acoustic and moisture resistance as other materials. However, the UAE market offers this underlayment alternative at a reasonable price.

Factors to Consider:

Before selecting an underlayment material for the installation of laminate flooring over a concrete subfloor, you should consider some important factors. Dubai Vinyl Flooring has expanded on each of these variables individually to help you better understand underlayments.

Moisture Resistance

The concrete flooring has a porous surface that allows moisture to pass through it. Water collection below the flooring material causes the floor surface to become unbalanced. For damp areas, apply a moisture-resistant underlayment under the laminate to prevent water accumulation.

Noise Insulation

The second most crucial element to consider is noise insulation, as laminate tiles or planks make unwanted noise when walking across them. Placing laminate on the concrete subfloor also increases sound density. Choose an underlayment that can prevent the sound of walking feet.

Examine the cost value before choosing any type of underlayment, as it also determines the material's durability. If you want an underlayment that has all of the desirable attributes, you'll have to spend more money than you would on a standard underlayment.

Underlayment Thickness

Another crucial factor to consider when selecting an underlayment is its thickness and density. Choose a material with a high thickness and density because these features assure durability and longevity. The usual underlayment thickness ranges between 2 and 3 mm, but you can choose 5 and 6 mm for better walking and durability benefits.

Final words!

To summarize this essay, we can conclude that selecting the ideal underlayment for laminate flooring on concrete necessitates accurate knowledge of the needed underlayment features. Dubai Vinyl Flooring has revealed some fantastic solutions for installing underlayments beneath the laminate boards. In addition to a variety of excellent alternatives, we provide helpful insights into the factors to consider before selecting any underlayment.