QA

Quick Answer: How To Install Underlayment For Laminate Flooring On Concrete

Do you need underlay for laminate flooring on concrete?

Yes. Underlayment for laminate flooring provides proper support, stability, noise reduction and helps the click lock system to provide a structurally sound floor.

How do you attach underlay to concrete?

Spray flooring adhesive on the concrete at one end and onto the underlay. Put the underlay down, press down to ensure its stuck well. Then walk down the underlay by shuffling your feet (don’t do it too hard but enough to stretch it slightly). Then repeat of spray both underlay and concrete.

What underlay should I use for laminate flooring on concrete?

Best underlay for laminate flooring is foam or cork. Best underlay for laminate flooring is foam because it is simple to install, it is a good sound barrier, and is very cost effective. Some best foams have attached additional layer which functions as the best moisture barrier.

Can you put underlay on concrete floor?

Regardless of your subfloor, you always need to use a thin underlay with laminate flooring. But with concrete, it also needs to have a moisture barrier. This is because concrete subfloors release moisture which can be very damaging if absorbed by the laminate planks.

Does underlay need to be glued?

It’s important to ensure the underlay is rubber or foam-side down. Try to keep the underlay as straight (and bump-free!) as possible and secure in place – either by stapling inside the gripper or by using an effective adhesive. Each roll of underlay should be laid in the same way.

Can you glue down laminate flooring to concrete?

Yes, You Can! You are in luck! You can glue laminate flooring to a concrete wall, but you will need a special adhesive to make sure that your planks do not come falling down off of your walls due to the concrete wall having more moisture in it than regular drywall.

Do I need a damp proof membrane under laminate floor?

Do I need a DPM under laminate flooring? Simply put yes. In order to prevent damp rising through the concrete floor and causing issues, a DPM should be used under all final floor types including wood flooring, laminate, vinyl and floor tiles.

What is the best thickness for laminate flooring underlay?

We would recommend an underlay of 3 – 5mm for laminate flooring. It should be at least 3mm thick to provide comfort and ground levelling properties. But, it should be no more than 5mm thick. If it’s any thicker, you could experience problems with the laminate’s locking system.

How thick should underlayment be?

Underlayment. Underneath the top flooring layer is often (though not always) an underlayment. It comprises padding materials and is typically about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in thickness. The purpose of the underlayment is to provide a sturdy yet comfortable layer for your outer flooring to sit on.

Should I glue underlay to concrete?

No, you should not glue down your underlayment. Underlayment is is a floating material, the same as your laminate flooring. In most cases, you should not glue or nail your underlayment down. You should always check with the installation instructions of the underlayment for proper installation instructions first.

What should I put between laminate and concrete?

Begin installation by laying a plastic vapour barrier (minimum 6 mm thick) or any other manufacturer-recommended barrier on the concrete subfloor to prevent moisture from reaching the laminate flooring. Use vinyl tape to secure the barrier and keep it from coming out.

Do I need to level my concrete floor before laminate?

Typically, the floor must be level and uniform within 3/16 inch every 10 feet. Check your wood flooring manufacturer’s recommendations and sand any high spots with a concrete grinder. Fill any low spots with a cementitious leveling compound following the manufacturer’s directions and allow it to dry before proceeding.

Can you install laminate over cracked concrete?

Any type of flooring may be used over properly repaired shrinkage cracks if the entire concrete surface of the pad is leveled and sealed. Carpeting or laminate flooring with a foam membrane underlayment would work well in this situation.

What do you put under laminate flooring in a basement?

Waterproof laminate flooring is the best option for covering a basement floor. As an extra precaution, lay a vapor barrier before installing the laminate flooring. Conventional laminate flooring is still an option for basements, but it will require the installation of a sub-floor in order to prevent moisture damage.

Do you staple laminate underlay?

Installers usually lay the underlayment on the floor and start installing the laminate flooring on top. If your choose this route, staples are a good choice to fasten the underlayment. Staples usually have a coating which help increase the holding power.

What tape do I need to join underlay?

Vapour Tape is vital for joining up the seams of Laminate or Wood Underlay as it implements a secure moisture barrier between the seams of the underlay. It also helps strengthen the joins keeping the underlay firmly in place.

Can you lay laminate without underlay?

If you are installing the laminate flooring in an area that receives little attention such as a mudroom or laundry room, and you simply need to quickly install cheap flooring, laminate flooring can be installed without underlayment. The subfloor must be perfectly flat and featureless: no nails, screws, bumps, or dips.

What is liquid DPM?

Description. RFC Liquid Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) is a professional 2 component applied surface primer. It’s primarily designed for brushing onto concrete floors and fine concrete screeds. It has excellent adhesion to damp cementitious surfaces and once dried provides a dry barrier against moisture below.

Can carpet underlay be used under laminate flooring?

You absolutely cannot use carpet underlayment underneath laminate flooring. Installing laminate flooring over carpet underlayment will do more harm than good in the long run.