In preparation for installing vinyl plank flooring, the type that clicks together, I’ve installed new 1/4” underpayment. My question is whether I should put a “soft” underlayment before installing the vinyl. My flooring does not require it but it can be used if I desire. I believe I need to to use high-density foam for my floor.
What are the pros and cons of using this stuff? It’s seems like the flooring would be more prone to damage from heavy objects with the underlayment.? Does the this stuff float or does it get stapled down like carpet padding?
our company just had this stuff put down in our big basement are that we use for company meetings. Looks nice. I believe the stuff they put down here floats, no staples. I think they used a single underlayment. It sounds really cheap when you walk on it....not sure how to describe it. It makes some noise as you foot falls on it and it sounds more like old school linoleum than hardwood? It looks great and seems durable so far ( a few months) but I'm glad I didn't put it in my house. Of course, it may be entirely their choice in underlayment, so I'm interested to see if anyone has an expereinced answer for you.
In reply to rustybugkiller :
What brand is the flooring? Usually they will have a recommended underlayment. There are quite a few different types of click together vinyl plank out there - rigid core, WPC (water proof core), and just straight vinyl.
If it is a rigid/wpc type product an underlayment will help with sound, especially if the floor isn't 100% flat (without it, you'll get hollow sounds). However, an underlayment can also cause deflection and cause the joints to separate over time if there's lots of traffic. In a residential setting I wouldn't be too worried. You would normally float the underlayment and float the floor on top, if it is click.
In reply to kilgoretrout :
Fusion hybrid floor
If it's at all "hollow" sounding when you knock on it then it will sound better with underlayment. We put underlayment under the Garage Deck in the living room and it makes a huge difference with even that. Of course my house is far from flat so there is always a few spots where the floating floors are off the floor underneath and it's there that it makes the biggest difference because you don't have a click when the two floors meet when a foot lands on them.
In reply to rustybugkiller :
Okay, I'm familiar with that one. When these types of floors first came out, they said it wasn't necessary. However, a lot of them now come with the pad attached since it does make a difference in sound. I have a similar product in my basement and, if I had to do it again, I would add the underlayment. For what it's worth, I used to be a flooring rep.
In reply to kilgoretrout :
Thank you!
In reply to kilgoretrout :
Flooring rep? I was hoping you were working on the long-awaited follow-up to "Venus on the Half-Shell."
