If you have a higher than normal level of moisture in a timber sub-floors (10-13%MC), you may still want to consider an underlay with a moisture barrier. Strip flooring can be installed in any direction in any room, however the convention is to run parallel with the longest wall in most situations. Also, mix pieces from different packages. Not only does it tend to make a hallway look narrower than … Level the subfloor to the specifications detailed on the installation directions for your flooring. All rights reserved. Laminate flooring is installed using a "free-float" method where the flooring is not mounted to the sub-floor. Some laminate flooring includes a preattached underlayment layer on the bottom of each plank. So, if you have decided to take on this task, there are only a couple things you’ll need: Now, of course, if you’re installing your own underlay, you’re likely installing the laminate floor yourself as well. But you will need to know some vital information before you start: choosing the best underlay for laminate flooring is a must! This also means cutting out things like vents in the floor. The underlay is available either in rolls or in boards, as well as in different … The edges of the underlayment sheets should overlap by 1 or 2 inches, and you should secure them with cellophane or plastic tape. Underlay acts as a cushion in a way, helping to protect your laminate floor from bending or cracking. Before you start sweating over the actual process, there’s something we need to talk about. I called the Armstrong Co. and asked them which way the underlayment went and why. However, the underlayment smells musty now. When starting the second row, use a shorter so the seams don't meet. Thus, if you’re going to lay laminate flooring, underlay is essential. Unfortunately, if you don’t take the time to install a protective underlayment, your investment will quickly go south. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.9.18.103 (talk • contribs) 12:57, 29 January 2006 (UTC) A. Underlay should always be installed "rubber down". The next sheet should butt right up against the first sheet with the plastic edge overlapping the edge of the first sheet. Two major factors though, will help you to decide which one is ideal for you. A decent carpet underlay will also have other benefits in terms of reducing noise and helping to soundproof upstairs rooms and it will also … Please refer back to your flooring manufacturer before proceeding. If it is something like 'HandyHeat' on a concrete sub-floor, you lay insulation, heating, then moisture barrier before laminate. Attached Underlayment . Learn how to use snap-together laminate flooring to create a beautiful new look for your floor. Extend the underlayment all the way to the walls. While this process is simple, you need to make sure it’s done right. Laminate underlayment is a soft pad that is installed under laminate flooring. Well, if no then here’s advice. A laminate floor is a "floating floor," meaning it is not fastened directly to the subfloor. Related: Read our article on 'Best Laminate Flooring' - complete with reviews and comparisons for your convenience! The underlay should be laid foil side down (essential to ensure maximum resistance to moisture from the subfloor) allowing a 5cm excess of underlay to run up the perimeter wall. Make sure all the nails are punched down under the surface before laying. Thus, if you are about to lay your own laminate floor, you will likely need to know how to install the underlay that goes beneath it. Ultimately, the underlay you use with your carpets will go a very long way in determining how comfortable under foot your carpet feels, how good it looks and also how it wears. Underlay Recommendation. The underlay for laminate flooring must be installed before the laminate planks, as to smoothen the irregularities in the sub-floor and to create an anti-vapour barrier. But at the end of the day, the layout doesn’t typically impact performance or quality. Unfortunately, if you don’t take the time to install a protective underlayment, your investment will quickly go south. I have learned the people currently installing my laminate floor, have laid the underlayment upside down. This maximises the cushioning effect & enables the underlay backing to mesh with the carpet. Life-Saving Sub-Floor Checks For Laminate Flooring. So you’re looking to buy some laminate flooring but aren’t sure which thickness is best. So which way up does underlay go? Vinyl plank’s are usually a thin type of flooring that are bendy in nature. Plan ahead - Research online & make a list Shop Smart - … and if so, does the foil film side go on the chipboard side or the laminate flooring side? Vitrex Premier Wood & Laminate Underlay Boards 5mm 9.76m² (68038) … In addition, like any home improvement that’s visually stunning, laminate flooring can add substantial value to your home. Old underlayment will not have the compression resistance that it used to, so it is better to install new underlayment every time you install a new floor. The installment of underlay, while rather simple, is the most important part of the process of laying your flooring. I don't even think it was stuck down just cut round and slapped on the floor ! It is only intended to hold the material down until you lay flooring over it. The underlayment helps the laminate planks lay smoother, connect better, and for the flooring to feel slightly softer underfoot. Learn how your comment data is processed. Butt rows of underlay together but do not overlap them. Remove the spacers, slide the planks up to the wall and put the spacers back in place to maintain the gap. And trust me, you don’t want to have to pay for and install an entirely different laminate flooring prematurely.