Do I Need to Install Underlayment for Laminate Flooring

Underlayment for laminate flooring is a must. Since laminate is a floating floor, it must be evenly distributed across your subfloor. Underlayment is what allows the floor to float, gives it stability, support, noise reduction, and supports the locking systems in between planks to assure the sturdiest flooring project.

Can you install laminate flooring without underlayment?

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.

Can you put laminate flooring directly on plywood?

Laminate floors can be installed directly over concrete, plywood, OSB, parquet, vinyl and tile. The underlayment must be applied to the original flooring surface first, and then the floating floor can be installed.