What Is Underlayment? Here’s Why It Matters More Than You Think

You’ve picked out your dream floors—maybe classic hardwood, durable vinyl, or stylish laminate. But before the planks go down, there’s one more thing to consider: underlayment.

So, what is underlayment, and why is it such a big deal?

In short, underlayment is the unsung hero of flooring. It’s a thin layer of material that goes between your subfloor and your finish flooring, and while it may be out of sight, it plays a huge role in performance, comfort, and durability.

Let’s break it down—so you can make a smart choice for your next project.

What Is Flooring Underlayment?

Underlayment is a thin layer of foam, cork, rubber, or felt that’s installed before your visible floor goes in. It creates a cushion between your flooring materials and the subfloor, offering support and several performance benefits.

Think of it like the mattress topper of your floor—it adds a little give, improves comfort underfoot, and can help reduce noise and wear.

What Does Underlayment Actually Do?

Different underlayments serve different purposes, but here are a few of the main benefits:

1. Absorbs Sound

Walking across a room shouldn’t sound like a stampede. Underlayment helps reduce noise by softening footsteps and absorbing sound between floors—especially helpful in multi-story homes.

2. Acts as a Moisture Barrier

Some floors, like vinyl or laminate floors, are more prone to water damage if moisture seeps up from the subfloor. The right underlayment can act as a vapor barrier or moisture barrier to help prevent moisture from causing long-term issues.

3. Adds Comfort

Underlayment gives your floor just a bit of softness and flexibility underfoot. Whether you’re standing in the kitchen or padding across your bedroom, that added cushion makes a difference.

4. Improves Longevity

By supporting your flooring and absorbing minor imperfections in the subfloor, underlayment can help prevent cracks, squeaks, and shifting, keeping your wood flooring or vinyl floor looking better for longer.

Common Types of Floor Underlayment

Not all underlayments are created equal. The best one for your project depends on your flooring type, subfloor condition, and lifestyle needs. Here’s a quick guide:

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Some underlayments even come with a built-in vapor barrier for extra protection against water damage, especially helpful in basements or over concrete slabs.

Do You Always Need Underlayment?

Not necessarily. Some vinyl floors or engineered wood planks come with an underlayment already attached. But even then, it’s worth checking whether you need an extra moisture barrier or additional cushioning for your specific situation.

This is where working with the right flooring partner makes a difference. At Baker Bros, we’ll help you determine if your floor needs underlayment—and which kind will perform best.

What Happens Without It?

Skipping underlayment might save a few bucks up front, but it can lead to headaches down the road, like creaky floors, temperature fluctuations, or even mold and mildew from trapped moisture.

Especially for hardwood, laminate, or vinyl installations, underlayment helps protect your investment and keeps your floor looking great over time.

The Right Foundation for Every Floor

Whether you’re shopping for wood flooring, laminate floors, or water-resistant vinyl, the right underlayment is key to performance and comfort. At Baker Bros, we’ve been helping Arizona homeowners find their perfect floor for over 80 years.

Stop by one of our showrooms or talk with a flooring expert. We’ll walk you through your flooring underlayment options and help you build a foundation you can feel confident about. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to browse our current promotions to make the most of your next project.