A Guide to Different Hardwood Floor Underlayment Options
Meta Title: A Guide to Different Hardwood Floor Underlayment Options
Meta Description: This guide will consider the different types of underlayment available for hardwood floors and their benefits. Read on!
Hardwood floors are a classic and elegant choice for any home. They provide warmth, style, and durability that lasts for years. However, installing a hardwood floor is about more than just choosing the right type of wood, but also the proper underlayment.
The underlayment plays a vital role in the performance and longevity of your hardwood floor, providing a smooth, stable surface for the flooring to rest upon while offering sound and moisture protection.
This guide will consider the different types of underlayment available for hardwood floors and their benefits.
Foam Underlayment
Foam underlayment is an affordable and versatile option for hardwood flooring. It is available in various thicknesses and densities, which can be chosen based on your specific needs. The primary function of foam underlayment is to provide a cushion between the subfloor and the hardwood, reducing the impact of foot traffic and helping to prevent squeaking and creaking sounds.
Additionally, foam underlayment helps to even out minor imperfections in the subfloor, ensuring a smooth and level surface for your hardwood flooring. Some foam underlayments also come with an attached moisture barrier, making them suitable for use in areas prone to moisture, such as basements and kitchens.
However, it is vital to consider that more than foam underlayment is needed to provide sufficient sound insulation, especially for multi-story homes or apartments. In such cases, use an additional soundproofing layer, such as a cork or rubber underlayment.
Cork Underlayment
Cork is a natural and eco-friendly component that has gained popularity as an underlayment for hardwood flooring. It is made from the bark of the cork oak tree, which can be harvested without damaging the tree. Its cellular structure makes it an excellent insulator, providing thermal and acoustic insulation.
Cork underlayment is available in sheets or rolls and can be glued down or installed as a floating layer. It is ideal for those considering a more environmentally friendly underlayment option offering superior sound reduction properties. Also, cork is naturally resistant to mould and mildew, making it suitable for moisture-prone areas.
However, cork underlayment can be more expensive than other options, and it may only be suitable for use with some types of hardwood flooring.
Rubber Underlayment
Rubber underlayment is another popular choice for hardwood flooring, offering excellent sound insulation and durability. It is available in various thicknesses and densities, catering to different levels of sound reduction and cushioning requirements.
Rubber underlayment is resistant to moisture, mould, and mildew, making it advisable for use in damp areas. It can also help to reduce the transmission of impact noise between floors, making it an ideal choice for multi-story homes or apartments.
Felt Underlayment
Felt underlayment is a popular choice for hardwood flooring because of its sound-dampening properties and ability to smooth out slight imperfections in the subfloor. It is made from recycled fibres, making it an eco-friendly option. Felt underlayment is available in various thicknesses and densities, and it can be installed as a floating layer or adhered directly to the subfloor.
Felt underlayment offers excellent sound insulation and is ideal for multi-story homes or apartments. However, it is not water-resistant, so it is not recommended for use in moisture-prone areas unless combined with a moisture barrier. Additionally, felt underlayment can be more expensive than foam underlayment, but its performance benefits make it worth the investment for many homeowners.
Conclusion
Choosing the proper underlayment for hardwood flooring is essential for your floors' performance, longevity, and comfort. Various options are available, including foam, cork, rubber, and felt underlayment, each with benefits and drawbacks. When selecting the proper underlayment for your hardwood floors, consider noise reduction, moisture protection, and eco-friendliness.
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