How to lay underlay for laminate flooring

Laying underlay is an important step when installing laminate flooring as it provides cushioning, reduces noise, and helps improve the floor’s durability. In this article, we’ll run through a step-by-step guide to help you install underlay for your laminate flooring.

Looking at other flooring options? We also have an engineered wood underlay guide and a guide on whether you need underlay with vinyl flooring. 

Laying underlay for laminate flooring

What you’ll need:

• Laminate flooring underlay 
• Broom and/or vacuum
• Measuring tape
• Utility knife or scissors
• Masking tape (optional)
• Floor roller (optional for smooth application)

How to get started 

1. Prepare the room 

Remove all furniture and existing flooring materials and sweep or vacuum the subfloor to ensure it’s clean and free from debris, dust and dirt. Additionally, make sure the subfloor is dry, level, and in good condition before laying underlay for laminate flooring.

 If there are any cracks, uneven areas, or excess moisture, address these issues before laying the underlay; a clean subfloor ensures the underlay can stick properly and prevents any bumps from showing through the laminate.

2. Roll out the underlay

Start by rolling out the underlay across the room in one direction, with the moisture barrier facing down. Be sure to keep the underlay straight and even against the wall, and with your second row, make sure it’s perfectly aligned with the first row. 

Use a utility knife or scissors to cut the underlay to the correct size, ensuring a snug fit against the walls. If there are any pillars, pipes, or corners, cut the underlay around them.

4. Make sure it’s secure

If your underlay has seams, use masking tape to secure the edges where the pieces meet, preventing them from shifting during installation. This step is optional, but it helps create a more stable base.

5. Optional – use a floor roller to smooth out the surface

If the underlay isn’t laying completely flat, use a floor roller or press down manually to smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles. This ensures that the underlay stays where it should, and provides a smooth surface for the laminate flooring.

6. Install your laminate flooring

Once the underlay is laid securely and smoothly, you’re ready to start laying your laminate flooring. You can find our full guide on how to install laminate flooring for the steps you’ll need; we also have separate guides with tips on how to install laminate flooring on stairs and how to install herringbone laminate flooring.

7. Final checks

After the laminate is installed, do a final check for any exposed seams or edges in the underlay. The floor should be level with no unsightly bumps before you move your furniture back into the room.

Things to consider when laying laminate underlay

• Think about what underlay thickness is right for you

Choose the right thickness of underlay based on your subfloor condition. Thicker underlay can provide more cushioning and noise reduction but may require more height clearance. You’ll also need to keep in mind the thickness of your laminate flooring of choice – typically, laminate flooring with underlay should have a total thickness of around 12mm.

• Choose the right type of underlay for laminate flooring

Select an underlay that suits your needs; some underlays will prioritise sound reduction, moisture protection or smoothing out imperfections in the subfloor. Additionally, if you have underfloor heating, you’ll need to choose an underlay that is suitable for use with it. 

Now you know how to lay underlay for laminate flooring, you can have a smooth and stable foundation for your new floor that will last for years to come. Browse our collection of laminate underlays to find the best option for your floors, or find more flooring tips and tricks on our flooring advice page.