Is Underlay Necessary For Wood Flooring

Well the answer actually depends on a lot of things.

Is underlay necessary for wood flooring.

Underlay evens out minor subfloor imperfections an even subfloor is a key element to greater stability when it comes to your choice in wood flooring although it is important that major dips and flaws in your subfloor be addressed prior to an install a quality underlay can see to the minor ones to help ensure stability. For most interior design fanatics finding the right flooring that requires the least amount of steps is relieving in the process. Especially those who believe hardwood floors are robust to survive without an underlayment. However that s only the case if the plywood is smooth and level.

Laminate floors need an underlayment as the floor moves with temperature changes adds a cushion to the floor and also is sound deadening. An underlayment is a necessity for any wood floor installation even on a plywood subfloor. First off if there s already a plywood subfloor installed under your hardwood floor you may not need it. And the longevity of this beautiful floor is increased by underlayment.

Hardwood floor installation. Homeowners that are used to floorings such as hardwood tile or vinyl know that underlayment is not a necessary option above sub flooring. As a last point i really don t like using tar paper as a hardwood floor underlayment under any conditions as my personal hangup is that it adds toxins to the home environment that i don t want to breath. If its not necessary then why expose your body to this element.

A hardwood floor provides a unique look to your home. If your installing natural hardwood floors felt paper prevents any moisture that may migrate from below protects the hardwood floor from any imperfections in the subfloor and is sound deadening. Whether you are going to nail or staple down the woods an underlayment plays a vital role in assisting the installation process. But the least it can be said that it is highly recommended.

Let s do some deep talk on is underlayment necessary for hardwood floors. For this article because many contractors are in the dark about them the main focus will be moisture or vapor retarder formerly referred to as vapor barrier and sound. This will make it easier to understand the other half of this story as well. Is underlayment necessary for hardwood floors.

The warranty may require it. The underlayment provides many benefits including moisture protection sound and thermal insulation and a cushion to make the floor more comfortable to walk on. However not everybody would love to take the additional hassle of cost. Technically anything underneath hardwood flooring qualifies as an underlayment.