7 Best Underlayment for Laminate Flooring: Top Picks
When you lay down laminate flooring, the hidden layer beneath it can make or break the entire installation. A quality underlayment not only cushions foot traffic and muffles noise, but also blocks moisture, smooths out subfloor imperfections, and boosts the floor’s durability—benefits that translate into a quieter, longer‑lasting home that feels comfortable underfoot. Yet with countless products on the market, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve tested and compared the top seven underlayment options, weighing factors like sound reduction, moisture resistance, ease of installation, and value for money. Read on to discover which underlayment will give your laminate the perfect foundation.
Top Underlayments for Laminate Flooring – Our Expert Picks
We’ve tested each option for durability, moisture resistance, and comfort, so you can confidently choose the perfect base for your floors.
7. ROBERTS 70-115 Moisture Barricade Film
The ROBERTS 70‑115 Moisture Barricade Underlayment Film is a 6 mil thick polyethylene barrier designed to protect your new floor from unwanted moisture. Each 120 sq ft roll unfurls to a generous 10 ft × 12 ft sheet, making it quick and easy to cover large areas. Engineered for use beneath vinyl, laminate, SPC, and engineered wood flooring, the film meets and exceeds the NWFA’s vapor‑barrier standards, ensuring a dry, stable substrate. An integrated adhesive strip seals seams, eliminating gaps where moisture could infiltrate. The film also works seamlessly with laminate flooring that already includes a pre‑attached underlayment, adding an extra layer of protection without extra bulk.
Pros
- Superior moisture protection – 6 mil thickness surpasses industry vapor‑barrier requirements.
- Easy installation – Large 10 × 12 ft roll and adhesive seam strip speed up lay‑down time.
- Versatile compatibility – Suitable for vinyl, laminate, SPC, and engineered wood floors, even those with built‑in underlayment.
Cons
- Black color – May be visible through very thin or translucent flooring materials.
- Single‑use roll – Once cut, excess material cannot be resealed, so careful planning is needed to minimize waste.
6. HOLNURY 3-in-1 Floor Underlayment
The HOLNURY 3‑in‑1 Acoustic Premium Floor Underlayment delivers an all‑in‑one solution that protects your floors while enhancing comfort. Crafted from 3 mm thick EVA and sealed with a durable silver‑foil vapor barrier, each 200 sq ft roll shields against moisture, temperature swings, and everyday wear. The pre‑attached lip tape lets you simply peel and stick to concrete, wood, or other subfloors, cutting installation time dramatically. Designed for hardwood, laminate, and other floating floors, it works in on‑grade, above‑grade, and below‑grade settings, giving you flexibility for any renovation. With an impressive STC 72 and IIC 73 rating, it dramatically reduces airborne and impact noise, creating a quieter home environment.
Pros
- Triple protection – combines sound dampening, moisture barrier, and thermal insulation in one layer.
- Easy DIY install – pre‑taped lip means no extra adhesives or tools; just peel, stick, and roll.
- High acoustic performance – STC 72 / IIC 73 ratings deliver noticeable noise reduction.
Cons
- Adds a slight floor height – the 3 mm thickness may require adjustment of door clearances or transition strips.
- Higher upfront cost – premium materials and performance come at a price above basic underlayment options.
5. Amerique 800SQFT 4th Gen Underlayment Padding
The AMERIQUE 800 sq ft 4th‑Generation flooring underlayment delivers a triple‑action solution in a single, easy‑to‑install sheet. At 2 mm thick, this heavy‑duty foam combines a resilient padding layer, a built‑in vapor barrier, and a self‑sticking adhesive tape, so you can roll it out, press it down, and have it stay put without extra glue or staples. Its anti‑crush technology keeps the foam from compressing over time, ensuring consistent support and sound‑absorbing performance throughout the life of your floor. Whether you’re laying laminate, engineered hardwood, or luxury vinyl, the underlayment’s extreme sound reduction and moisture protection create a quieter, drier environment that helps prevent warping, squeaks, and mold growth. Installation is a breeze—simply unroll, align the tape, and press firmly for an instant, secure bond.
Pros
- All‑in‑one design – padding, vapor barrier, and adhesive tape are integrated, cutting down on material costs and installation steps.
- Durable anti‑crush foam – maintains thickness and performance for years, protecting both subfloor and finished flooring.
- Superior acoustic and moisture control – reduces footfall noise and blocks moisture, extending the life of your floor.
Cons
- The 2 mm thickness may be insufficient for subfloors with major imperfections; a separate leveling compound might be needed.
- The blue color can be visible through very light flooring materials before the top layer is fully installed.
4. FLOORLOT BlueStep Underlayment
The FLOORLOT BlueStep Underlayment with Moisture Barrier is a versatile 200 sq ft roll designed to protect and enhance laminate, engineered wood, and solid hardwood floors. Its built‑in moisture‑blocking film shields your subfloor from harmful humidity, eliminating the need for separate vapor barriers. The cushioned foam core smooths out minor subfloor imperfections, providing added thermal comfort and a quieter, more solid feel underfoot. Installation is a breeze—just roll it out, tape the seams with the included tape, and you’re ready to lay your flooring. Whether you’re tackling a high‑traffic family room or a quiet bedroom, BlueStep’s standard sound‑absorption helps mute footfall noise and reduces the hollow sound often heard with floating floors.
Pros
- All‑in‑one moisture barrier – no extra films required, protecting against subfloor moisture.
- Improved comfort & insulation – foam cushion softens uneven spots and adds thermal and acoustic insulation.
- Easy DIY installation – roll‑out design with pre‑cut tape makes seams quick and seamless.
Cons
- Thickness may not suit very low‑profile flooring – the added cushion could slightly raise floor height on tight clearances.
- Single‑roll coverage – large projects may require multiple rolls, increasing overall cost.
3. FLOORLOT GoldMax Underlayment
The FLOORLOT GoldMax Premium Floor Underlayment is a 200 sq ft. roll, 3 mm thick, designed for laminate, engineered wood, and solid hardwood installations. Its integrated moisture‑blocking film eliminates the need for a separate vapor barrier, keeping subfloor dampness from seeping into your new flooring. The underlayment’s dense, acoustic‑absorbing core quiets foot traffic and reduces the hollow “floating floor” echo, meeting IIC and STC ratings that satisfy many HOA and condo requirements. Printed grid lines guide fast, accurate cuts, while the included seam‑tape lets you roll out and connect sections in minutes—no special tools required.
Pros
- Built‑in moisture barrier protects against subfloor humidity without extra film.
- Superior sound dampening lowers footfall noise and meets HOA acoustic standards.
- Easy DIY installation thanks to pre‑printed grid lines and ready‑to‑use seam tape.
Cons
- The 3 mm thickness may feel slightly firmer underfoot compared to thicker underlayments, which some users prefer for extra cushioning.
- Designed for residential use; commercial high‑traffic areas might require a heavier‑duty underlayment.
2. QuietWalk 360 sq ft Underlayment
A reliable underlayment is the foundation of a great floor, and QuietWalk delivers exactly that. This 3 mm‑thick roll is engineered for both laminate and hardwood installations, and it’s even approved for flooring that already carries a pre‑attached pad—so you won’t need extra layers. The recycled‑fiber core stands up to heavy traffic without compressing, while an integrated moisture barrier keeps sub‑floor vapor at bay. With a 360 sq ft roll, you can cover large rooms quickly, and the built‑in lip and tape system makes floating floor installs a breeze. QuietWalk also plays well with QuietWarmth radiant heating and carries the GREENGUARD Gold certification for healthier indoor air. Proudly made in the USA from high‑quality recycled materials, it’s a sustainable choice that doesn’t compromise performance.
Key Features
– 3 mm thick, suitable for laminate & hardwood
– Approved for pre‑attached pad floors
– Integrated moisture barrier
– 360 sq ft coverage, fewer seams
– Lip & tape system for floating installs
– Recycled fiber core resists compression
– Compatible with QuietWarmth radiant heating
– GREENGUARD Gold Certified
– Made in the USA
Pros
- Easy installation – the lip and tape system eliminates the need for separate adhesives.
- Durable protection – moisture barrier and compression‑resistant core safeguard both floor and subfloor.
- Eco‑friendly & healthy – recycled content and GREENGUARD Gold certification improve indoor air quality.
Cons
- Not designed for direct use under luxury vinyl; a separate QuietWalk LV product is required.
- The 3 mm thickness may be too thin for projects that demand extra sound insulation beyond standard levels.
1. Amerique 800SQFT 1.5MM Foam Underlayment
The 800SQFT AMERIQUE 1.5 mm Premium Flooring Padding is a 3‑in‑1 heavy‑duty underlayment that combines foam cushioning, a built‑in vapor barrier, and a self‑adhesive tape strip—all in a vibrant blue roll. Each pack delivers four 200 sf rolls (total 800 sf), perfect for covering large areas of engineered hardwood, bamboo, floating floors, or laminate. The closed‑cell 1.5 mm foam technology provides excellent sound reduction while resisting mold, moisture, and allergens. An anti‑crush formulation keeps the pad from compressing over time, ensuring lasting performance and a smooth, even surface. Installation is a breeze: simply overlap the edges, press the adhesive strip onto the subfloor, and lay your flooring on top.
Pros
- All‑in‑one protection – vapor barrier, tape, and cushioning in a single roll saves time and material costs.
- Moisture & mold resistance – closed‑cell foam blocks water and prevents mold growth, ideal for basements and humid climates.
- Durable sound reduction – 1.5 mm thickness and anti‑crush tech deliver consistent acoustic dampening and long‑term support.
Cons
- The blue color may be visible through very light or thin flooring, which some homeowners might find less aesthetically pleasing.
- At 1.5 mm thickness, it offers moderate cushioning; ultra‑thick padding needed for high‑impact areas isn’t provided.
Buying Guide
When selecting an underlayment for laminate flooring, the most important considerations are moisture protection, sound reduction, and compatibility with the subfloor.
- Moisture barrier – Look for a product with a built‑in vapor‑retarder or a separate polyethylene sheet if you are installing over concrete or in basements; this prevents swelling and mold.
- Acoustic performance – A higher STC (Sound Transmission Class) rating or added foam layer reduces foot‑step noise and creates a quieter room.
- Thermal insulation – The R‑value indicates how well the underlayment retains heat; thicker, denser materials are preferable in colder climates.
- Thickness and density – A balanced thickness (usually 2–4 mm) provides comfort without compromising floor stability, while a dense core resists compression over time.
- Value and reviews – Compare price per square foot, warranty length, and user feedback to ensure you receive durable performance at a reasonable cost.
Choosing an underlayment that meets these criteria will protect your laminate, improve comfort, and deliver lasting value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of underlayment is best for laminate flooring on concrete slabs?
A moisture‑resistant underlayment with a built‑in vapor barrier is ideal. Look for products that combine a thin foam layer (≈2 mm) for cushioning with a polyethylene (PE) or foil moisture barrier rated for at least 0.5 perm. This combination prevents moisture from seeping up through the slab while providing the slight give that helps reduce squeaks and wear.
Should I choose a foam, cork, or rubber underlayment for residential laminate?
- Foam (polyethylene or polypropylene): Most common, inexpensive, and offers good sound dampening. Best for typical living areas.
- Cork: Natural, eco‑friendly, and excellent at reducing impact noise; works well in bedrooms or multi‑level homes.
- Rubber: Heavier and denser, providing superior sound insulation and added stability on uneven subfloors; great for high‑traffic zones or apartments where noise transmission is a concern.
Pick the material based on your budget, desired sound reduction, and any eco‑friendly preferences.
How thick should the underlayment be for optimal performance?
For standard 8‑mm laminate, a 2‑3 mm thick underlayment is sufficient. Thicker layers (up to 5 mm) can improve comfort and noise control but may affect the floor’s height clearance and can cause the laminate to feel “spongy.” Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations—some laminates require a specific maximum underlayment thickness to maintain warranty coverage.
Conclusion
Choosing the right underlayment is as crucial as selecting the laminate itself, because it directly influences comfort, durability, and the overall performance of the floor. A good underlayment should provide a reliable moisture barrier, dampen footfall noise, and add a layer of thermal insulation while remaining compatible with the subfloor and laminate’s locking system. By evaluating the conditions of your space—such as humidity levels, subfloor type, and acoustic needs—you can pinpoint the features that matter most and avoid costly repairs. Investing in the appropriate underlayment ultimately protects your investment, enhances everyday comfort, and ensures the laminate looks its best for years to come.
