Do I need an underlay?

Do I need an underlay?

This entry was posted on February 9, 2022 by sam elliott

Whether you need an underlay depends on three main things.  Firstly, which flooring you have. Secondly, where you are going to fit it. Thirdly, how you are going to install it.  Generally, you will need to use one if you are using engineered wood flooring and you want to float it in your home.

You can float an engineered wooden floor over an underlay, but never a solid wooden floor.  Also, you can’t float parquet blocks, they must be glued down into place.  Furthermore, you must have a solid and level subfloor, like concrete, plywood or chipboard, to use one.  Don’t try to float over an underlay if you have joists – you must secret nail the floor down.

If you are going to use an undelay then you now have the option which one to choose.  

 

Which underlay should I use?

There are three main types: standard, glued or underfloor heating.  Here is what you need to know about them:  

Standard – You would use this with engineered wooden floors.  It acts as a cushioned layer between your wooden floor and the subfloor.  Choose either a sound reduction underlay or thermal resistant version.

 

Glued– this glued underlay can be used with both solid wood flooring and engineered wood flooring.  It still acts as a layer between the subfloor and wooden floor, but the glue goes into the slots and bonds the flooring down at the same time.

 

Underfloor Heating– You will need this if you have underfloor heating and want to float and engineered wooden floor.  It has been specially designed to allow the transfer of heat sufficiently to the surface of the wood.

 

If you are unsure which underlay that you need, have a look at: Which underlay should I use? Or contact one of our sales team.

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