Do You Need Underlayment On Concrete? (9 Need-To-Knows)

From the gorgeous to the downright disastrous.

One thing I’ve learned?

Craftsmanship isn’t just about making things look pretty.

It’s about building things to last.

It’s about the meticulous attention to detail, the careful selection of materials, and the application of tried-and-true techniques.

Think of it like this: a perfectly installed floor is like a well-tailored suit – it fits just right, looks fantastic, and stands the test of time.

And a crucial part of that “fit”?

Underlayment.

Especially when you’re dealing with concrete.

So, do you need underlayment on concrete?

That’s what we’re diving into today.

Let’s get started!

1. Understanding Underlayment

Okay, so what is underlayment, exactly?

Think of it as the unsung hero of your flooring project.

It’s a layer of material installed between the subfloor (in this case, concrete) and the finished flooring.

Its primary purpose is to provide a smooth, stable, and often protective surface for your new floor.

Now, underlayment comes in a variety of flavors, each with its own set of benefits.

Here are a few common types:

• Foam Underlayment: Typically made from polyethylene or polyurethane, foam is a budget-friendly option that offers decent cushioning and sound absorption. I often use it for laminate and engineered wood floors.

• Cork Underlayment: A natural and sustainable choice, cork is excellent for sound insulation, thermal insulation, and moisture resistance. I recommend it for hardwood and tile installations, especially in areas prone to moisture.

• Rubber Underlayment: This is a heavy-duty option, known for its superior sound dampening and shock absorption. It’s ideal for multi-story buildings, gyms, or anywhere you need serious noise reduction. I’ve used it in several condo projects with great results.

• Felt Underlayment: Often made from recycled fibers, felt provides a comfortable feel underfoot and helps to smooth out minor subfloor imperfections. It’s a good choice for hardwood and carpet.

• Combination Underlayment: Some underlayments combine materials, like foam with a moisture barrier, to offer multiple benefits in one product.

  These can be a convenient all-in-one solution.

The type of underlayment you choose will depend on the type of flooring you’re installing, the condition of your concrete subfloor, and your specific needs and budget.

2. The Role of Concrete Subfloors

Concrete subfloors are common in basements, ground-level homes, and commercial spaces.

They’re known for their strength and durability, but they also have some unique characteristics that can impact your flooring installation.

• Durability: Concrete is incredibly strong and can support heavy loads, making it a reliable foundation for any type of flooring.

• Moisture Retention: This is a big one. Concrete is porous, meaning it can absorb and retain moisture from the ground. This moisture can then wick up and damage your flooring if it’s not properly protected.

  I’ve seen countless floors ruined by moisture damage, so this is something I take very seriously.

• Thermal Properties: Concrete can be cold, especially in basements. It also takes a while to heat up, which can make your floors feel chilly in the winter.

• Unevenness: While concrete is generally flat, it’s not always perfectly level. Cracks, bumps, and dips are common, especially in older homes.

These characteristics mean that you need to take extra precautions when installing flooring over concrete.

That’s where underlayment comes in.

3. Moisture Barrier Properties

Let’s talk about moisture.

As I mentioned earlier, moisture is the enemy of many types of flooring.

Excessive moisture can cause:

• Warping and buckling in hardwood and laminate
• Mold and mildew growth
• Adhesive failure in vinyl and tile

A good underlayment with a built-in moisture barrier can help prevent these problems by blocking moisture from migrating up from the concrete and damaging your flooring.

Think of it as a raincoat for your floors.

Many underlayments designed for concrete include a polyethylene film or other waterproof material that acts as a moisture barrier.

This barrier prevents moisture vapor from penetrating the flooring material.

When selecting an underlayment for concrete, look for one with a low perm rating.

The perm rating measures the rate at which moisture vapor can pass through a material.

The lower the perm rating, the better the moisture protection.

I typically recommend underlayments with a perm rating of 1 or less for concrete subfloors, especially in basements or other areas prone to moisture.

4. Sound Dampening Benefits

Another key benefit of underlayment is its ability to reduce noise.

This is especially important in:

• Apartments and condos: Where you need to minimize noise transfer between units.

• Multi-story homes: Where you want to reduce the sound of footsteps on upper floors.

• Home offices and studios: Where you need to create a quiet and focused environment.

Underlayment absorbs impact noise, such as footsteps, and airborne noise, such as voices and music.

The denser and thicker the underlayment, the better its sound dampening properties.

Rubber and cork underlayments are particularly effective at reducing noise, but even foam underlayment can make a noticeable difference.

When choosing an underlayment for sound dampening, look for its Impact Insulation Class (IIC) and Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings.

These ratings measure the underlayment’s ability to reduce impact and airborne noise, respectively.

The higher the rating, the better the sound dampening performance.

I generally recommend an IIC and STC rating of 50 or higher for optimal sound insulation.

5. Comfort and Insulation

Let’s be honest, walking on bare concrete isn’t exactly a comfortable experience.

It’s hard, cold, and unforgiving.

Underlayment provides a layer of cushioning that makes your floors feel much softer and more comfortable underfoot.

This is especially important in areas where you spend a lot of time standing, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

In addition to comfort, underlayment can also provide some degree of thermal insulation.

It acts as a barrier between the cold concrete and your flooring, helping to keep your floors warmer in the winter.

This can lead to lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment.

The insulation properties of underlayment are measured by its R-value.

The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

While underlayment isn’t a substitute for proper insulation in your walls and ceilings, it can still make a noticeable difference in the overall warmth and comfort of your home.

I’ve had clients tell me that adding underlayment made their basement floors feel significantly warmer, even without additional insulation.

6. Leveling Uneven Surfaces

Concrete subfloors are rarely perfectly level.

Minor imperfections, such as cracks, bumps, and dips, are common.

These imperfections can cause problems when installing flooring, especially rigid materials like tile and hardwood.

Unevenness can lead to:

• Cracked tiles
• Gaps between flooring planks
• An uneven and unsightly appearance

Underlayment can help to smooth out these minor imperfections, providing a level surface for your flooring.

Some underlayments are specifically designed for leveling, with a thicker profile and greater ability to bridge gaps.

However, underlayment is not a substitute for proper subfloor preparation.

If your concrete subfloor is severely uneven, you’ll need to address the problem before installing underlayment.

This may involve:

• Grinding down high spots
• Filling in low spots with a leveling compound
• Applying a self-leveling underlayment

I always recommend thoroughly inspecting your concrete subfloor before starting any flooring project.

Use a long level or straightedge to identify any unevenness.

If the imperfections are minor (less than 1/4 inch over a 10-foot span), underlayment may be sufficient to correct them.

If the imperfections are more severe, you’ll need to take additional steps to level the subfloor.

7. Compatibility with Different Flooring Types

The need for underlayment on concrete depends on the type of flooring you’re installing.

Here’s a breakdown of common flooring types and their underlayment requirements:

• Laminate Flooring: Underlayment is almost always required for laminate flooring installed over concrete. It provides cushioning, moisture protection, and sound dampening.

• Vinyl Flooring (Sheet, Tile, Plank): While some vinyl flooring products have a built-in underlayment, I generally recommend adding a separate underlayment for concrete subfloors. This provides extra moisture protection and comfort.

• Hardwood Flooring: Underlayment is essential for hardwood flooring installed over concrete. It provides a moisture barrier and helps to isolate the wood from the cold, hard surface of the concrete.

• Engineered Wood Flooring: Similar to hardwood, engineered wood flooring benefits from underlayment over concrete. It provides moisture protection and cushioning.

• Tile Flooring: While tile is waterproof, underlayment can still be beneficial on concrete subfloors. It helps to prevent cracking and provides sound dampening. A crack isolation membrane is often used as an underlayment for tile over concrete.

• Carpet: Carpet typically requires a separate carpet pad, which acts as an underlayment. The pad provides cushioning, insulation, and sound dampening.

There are some exceptions to these general guidelines.

For example, some luxury vinyl plank (LVP) products have a very thick core and built-in underlayment, making a separate underlayment unnecessary.

Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific flooring product to determine the underlayment requirements.

8. Installation Process

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about how to install underlayment over concrete.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Concrete Subfloor: Start by cleaning the concrete thoroughly. Remove any dirt, dust, debris, and old adhesive. Repair any cracks or holes with a concrete patching compound. Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and level.

2. Test for Moisture: Before installing underlayment, it’s crucial to test the concrete for moisture. You can use a concrete moisture meter or a calcium chloride test kit. If the moisture levels are too high, you’ll need to take steps to dry out the concrete before proceeding.

3. Install a Moisture Barrier (If Needed): If your underlayment doesn’t have a built-in moisture barrier, install a separate polyethylene film over the concrete. Overlap the seams by at least 6 inches and tape them securely with moisture-resistant tape.

4. Roll Out the Underlayment: Unroll the underlayment and position it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Some underlayments require an overlap, while others are butted together.

5. Secure the Underlayment: Depending on the type of underlayment, you may need to secure it to the concrete with adhesive, tape, or staples. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the best method.

6. Tape the Seams (If Needed): If your underlayment has seams, tape them securely with the recommended tape. This will prevent moisture from seeping through the seams.

7. Inspect the Installation: Once the underlayment is installed, inspect it carefully for any gaps, wrinkles, or other imperfections. Correct any issues before proceeding with the flooring installation.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need:

• Concrete cleaner
• Concrete patching compound (if needed)
• Concrete moisture meter or calcium chloride test kit
• Polyethylene film (if needed)
• Moisture-resistant tape
• Underlayment
• Adhesive, tape, or staples (depending on the underlayment)
• Utility knife or scissors
• Measuring tape
• Straightedge

Tips for a Successful Installation:

• Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Take your time and be patient.
• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection.
• If you’re not comfortable doing the installation yourself, hire a professional.

I’ve seen countless DIY projects go wrong because people skip steps or try to cut corners.

Don’t let that happen to you!

Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful flooring installation.

9. Common Misconceptions and FAQs

Let’s clear up some common misconceptions and answer some frequently asked questions about underlayment and concrete subfloors.

Misconception #1: All Underlayments Are the Same

Nope! As we’ve discussed, underlayments come in a variety of materials and thicknesses, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

Choose the right underlayment for your specific flooring type, subfloor condition, and needs.

Misconception #2: You Don’t Need Underlayment If Your Concrete Is New

Even new concrete can contain moisture.

Always test for moisture before installing flooring, regardless of the age of the concrete.

Misconception #3: Underlayment Can Fix Major Subfloor Problems

Underlayment can help to smooth out minor imperfections, but it’s not a substitute for proper subfloor preparation.

If your concrete subfloor is severely uneven or damaged, you’ll need to address the problem before installing underlayment.

FAQs:

• Q: Can I install underlayment directly over a concrete slab?

  • A: Yes, as long as the concrete is clean, dry, and level. You may need to install a separate moisture barrier if your underlayment doesn’t have one.

• Q: How thick should my underlayment be?

  • A: The ideal thickness depends on the type of flooring you’re installing and the condition of your subfloor. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific flooring product.

• Q: Can I use the same underlayment for different types of flooring?

  • A: It’s generally not recommended. Different types of flooring have different underlayment requirements. Using the wrong underlayment can lead to problems down the road.

• Q: How much does underlayment cost?

  • A: The cost of underlayment varies depending on the type, thickness, and brand. Foam underlayment is typically the most affordable option, while rubber and cork underlayments are more expensive.

Conclusion: The Final Touch in Flooring Craftsmanship

So, there you have it!

Everything you need to know about underlayment and concrete subfloors.

As you can see, underlayment is a crucial component of a successful flooring installation.

It provides moisture protection, sound dampening, comfort, and insulation.

It also helps to smooth out minor imperfections in the subfloor and ensure a level surface for your flooring.

By choosing the right underlayment and installing it properly, you can protect your investment and enjoy beautiful, long-lasting floors for years to come.

Remember, craftsmanship is about more than just aesthetics.

It’s about building things to last.

It’s about paying attention to detail and using the right materials and techniques.

And it’s about creating a space that is both beautiful and functional.

So, take the time to do your research, choose the right underlayment, and install it with care.

Your floors will thank you for it!

Learn more