Do You Need Underlayment For Hardwood Flooring? (Explained)
Imagine stepping into a beautifully finished room with gleaming hardwood floors. They look stunning and feel great underfoot, but have you ever wondered if that perfect finish could be even better with the right underlayment? As a flooring contractor with over 15 years of experience, I’ve encountered this question countless times from clients and fellow professionals alike. The decision to use underlayment for hardwood flooring can significantly impact the overall quality and performance of the installation.
Understanding Underlayment
Underlayment is a thin layer of material that is placed between the subfloor and the hardwood flooring. Its primary purpose is to provide a smooth, even surface for the hardwood to rest on, which can enhance the flooring’s stability and longevity. It’s typically made from foam, rubber, or felt, and can also offer soundproofing and moisture protection, depending on the type.
Types of Underlayment
- Foam Underlayment: This is one of the most common types used with hardwood flooring. It is lightweight, easy to install, and provides basic sound dampening and insulation properties. Foam underlayment usually comes in rolls and can be easily cut to fit the space.
- Felt Underlayment: Felt is denser than foam and offers better sound insulation. It’s often used in higher-end installations where sound absorption is a priority. Felt underlayment can also provide some moisture resistance, making it suitable for specific applications.
- Rubber Underlayment: This type is more costly but provides excellent durability and sound reduction. Rubber underlayment can be particularly useful in commercial applications or high-traffic areas where additional cushioning is beneficial.
- Cork Underlayment: Cork is an eco-friendly option that provides good insulation and sound absorption. It’s also naturally resistant to mold and mildew, making it an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture.
- Moisture Barrier Underlayment: This specialized underlayment combines a moisture barrier with other materials (like foam or felt) and is essential when installing hardwood over concrete or in areas with high humidity.
Why You Might Need Underlayment
- Moisture Barrier: If you’re installing hardwood over concrete, a moisture barrier underlayment is essential. Concrete can retain moisture, which could lead to warping or damage to your hardwood floors over time. I remember a project in a basement in a home in Seattle where we installed hardwood over concrete. The homeowner opted for a moisture barrier underlayment, and it made all the difference in avoiding future issues.
- Sound Absorption: Underlayment can help reduce noise transmission between floors. This is particularly beneficial in multi-level homes or apartments. A few years ago, I worked on a project in a two-story home in Portland where we used a sound-absorbing underlayment. The homeowners were thrilled with how quiet their upstairs felt compared to before.
- Comfort and Insulation: Underlayment can add a layer of cushioning, making the floor more comfortable to walk on. It can also provide some insulation, keeping your floors warmer in colder months.
- Smoother Installation: An even surface is crucial for hardwood installation. Using underlayment helps fill minor gaps or imperfections in the subfloor, leading to a smoother final product.
- Reduced Wear and Tear: By providing a cushion between the hardwood and the subfloor, underlayment can help reduce wear on both surfaces, extending the life of your flooring.
When You Might Skip Underlayment
- Engineered Hardwood: Some manufacturers of engineered hardwood recommend against using underlayment. Their products are designed to be installed directly over certain types of subfloors without an extra layer.
- Pre-finished Solid Hardwood: In cases where the hardwood is pre-finished and designed for direct glue or nail-down installation, underlayment may not be necessary.
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): If you’re installing LVP over hardwood, using an underlayment could create an uneven surface, so it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Cost Considerations
When planning to install hardwood flooring, cost is always a consideration. I often use FloorTally to generate accurate estimates for my projects, including underlayment costs. For instance, in a recent project where I installed hardwood flooring in a 1,200 square foot home, the underlayment cost about $0.50 per square foot. This helped me provide the homeowner with an accurate budget of around $600 for underlayment alone, which they appreciated for its transparency.
Breakdown of Costs
- Hardwood Flooring Costs: The cost of hardwood flooring can vary widely based on the type of wood chosen. For example:
- Oak: $3 – $8 per square foot
- Maple: $4 – $10 per square foot
- Cherry: $5 – $12 per square foot
- Installation Costs: Labor costs for installation typically range from $2 to $5 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the job and regional labor rates.
- Total Project Estimate: When combining these factors with the underlayment cost, it’s easy to see how quickly expenses can add up. In my Seattle project example:
- Hardwood (Oak): $5 per square foot x 1,200 sq ft = $6,000
- Installation: $3 per square foot x 1,200 sq ft = $3,600
- Underlayment: $0.50 per square foot x 1,200 sq ft = $600
- Total Cost: $10,200
Installation Tips
- Choose the Right Type: Depending on your specific needs (like moisture protection or sound absorption), select an underlayment that fits those requirements.
- Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for both the hardwood flooring and the underlayment. This ensures compatibility and adherence to warranty requirements.
- Ensure Proper Installation: Lay the underlayment flat without any wrinkles or overlaps. This will help create an even surface for your hardwood.
- Acclimate Your Materials: Before installation, allow both your hardwood flooring and underlayment to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours.
- Use Proper Tools: Having the right tools makes installation easier. A utility knife for cutting underlayment and a tape measure for accuracy are essential.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Ensure that the subfloor is clean and free of debris before laying down the underlayment; this prevents any bumps in your finished floor.
Advantages and Disadvantages
- Advantages:
- Provides moisture protection.
- Enhances sound absorption.
- Increases comfort underfoot.
- Ensures smoother installation.
- Disadvantages:
- Adds to the overall cost of the flooring project.
- May not be necessary for certain types of hardwood installations.
- Some types may require specific installation techniques.
Comparing Different Approaches
While my experience has shown that using underlayment generally provides benefits, there are cases where I’ve had to adapt based on specific client needs or flooring types.
Case Study: With vs Without Underlayment
In one project, I installed solid oak hardwood in a family room with a traditional subfloor made of plywood without using any underlayment. The homeowner wanted to keep costs down and was confident that their subfloor was level enough not to require it. The installation went smoothly initially; however, over time, they reported increased noise levels as footsteps echoed throughout the house.
In contrast, I worked on a similar-sized room in another home where I used foam underlayment over a concrete slab before installing engineered hardwood. The difference was evident; not only did it reduce noise significantly but also provided more comfort when walking across the floor.
Maintenance Tips for Hardwood Floors
Once your hardwood floors are installed with or without underlayment, proper maintenance is crucial to ensure their longevity:
- Regular Cleaning: Use a microfiber mop or vacuum designed for hardwood to remove dust and debris without scratching the surface.
- Avoid Excessive Water: Never use steam cleaners or excessive water when cleaning hardwood floors; always wring out mops well before use.
- Use Area Rugs: Placing area rugs in high-traffic areas can protect your floors from wear and tear while adding style to your space.
- Humidity Control: Maintain consistent humidity levels in your home (ideally between 30% – 50%) to prevent expansion or contraction of wood planks.
- Refinishing: Depending on wear, you may need to refinish your hardwood every few years to maintain its appearance; consult professionals if you’re unsure about this process.
Conclusion
In my experience, while there are cases where you can skip underlayment, it often adds significant value to the flooring project by enhancing durability, comfort, and sound quality. Each installation is unique, so weighing the pros and cons based on your specific situation is crucial. Whether you choose to install underlayment or not, understanding its impact can lead to better decisions and ultimately more satisfied clients.
As I reflect on various projects over the years, what stands out most is how informed decisions lead to successful outcomes—both for me as a contractor and for my clients who enjoy their beautiful hardwood floors for years to come.
