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10 Best Underlayment For Laminate Flooring On Concrete 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

360 Sq Ft Acoustical Underlayment with Vapor Barrier for Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,371
Sound Reduction
Thermal Insulation
Thickness

Most important from
352 reviews

Sound Reduction
Floors seem solid and I cannot imagine too much noise is being transmitted downstairs.
Thermal Insulation
Makes a cold kitchen a totally cozy hangout on those chilly mornings.
Thickness
The underlayment is not too thick as to cause any flexing with LVP joints, but still enough cushion to make walking on it pretty quiet.

The QuietWalk LV underlayment is a solid choice for those looking to install laminate, luxury vinyl, or wood flooring over concrete. One of its standout features is its superior sound reduction capability, which is particularly beneficial for homes where noise can be an issue. The recycled fibers effectively absorb sound, making your flooring feel more solid and quieter underfoot. The compression-resistant design also ensures that it can handle foot traffic without warping or losing support over time.

Moisture protection is another significant advantage. With its unique DriWick technology, the underlayment allows concrete to breathe, preventing moisture buildup that could damage the flooring above. This is crucial for installation on concrete subfloors. The attached vapor barrier further enhances protection, which is especially appealing for those living in humid climates.

Compatibility is a plus, as it works with various installation methods, whether you're opting for floating, glue-down, or nail-down techniques. It even accommodates in-floor radiant heat systems, allowing for even heat distribution and added comfort. The thickness of 0.06 inches might not be sufficient for some users who prefer a thicker underlayment for enhanced insulation or sound dampening. Additionally, while it covers a generous area of 360 square feet, larger projects may require multiple rolls, which could increase the overall cost. Some users might also find the installation process slightly more complex compared to simpler options. Lastly, the fact that it is made from recycled materials and has no VOCs makes it a safe choice for indoor air quality, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. This underlayment is a versatile and effective option for many flooring projects, particularly where sound reduction and moisture protection are priorities.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,371
Sound Reduction
Thermal Insulation
Thickness

Most important from
352 reviews

Sound Reduction
Floors seem solid and I cannot imagine too much noise is being transmitted downstairs.
Thermal Insulation
Makes a cold kitchen a totally cozy hangout on those chilly mornings.
Thickness
The underlayment is not too thick as to cause any flexing with LVP joints, but still enough cushion to make walking on it pretty quiet.
#2

3in1 Vapor Barrier Flooring Underlayment w/Overlap and pre-Attached Tape Strip - Bestlaminate- 2mm - 500sq.ft (Bundle 5 Rolls Each 100 sg.ft.)

Rating
9.8
Sound Reduction
Thickness

Most important from
142 reviews

Sound Reduction
Perfectly complements laminate flooring, reducing noise when walking on it.
Thickness
Provides a nice thickness for cushioning, enhancing comfort underfoot.

The 3in1 Vapor Barrier Flooring Underlayment by Bestlaminate offers a comprehensive solution for those installing laminate flooring on concrete. With its 2mm thickness, it strikes a balance between providing a solid foundation and being easy to handle. One of its key strengths is the inclusion of a moisture barrier, which is crucial for preventing damage from concrete moisture. The pre-attached self-sealing tape strip and vapor block overlap simplify installation and enhance its effectiveness against moisture. This makes it particularly suitable for cement subfloors, as well as wood.

The foam material also contributes to sound reduction and offers some degree of thermal insulation, improving the comfort of the flooring environment. Environmentally-conscious users may appreciate that the underlayment comes in eco-friendly, recyclable packaging, aligning with sustainable practices. Despite its 2mm thickness not providing as much cushioning as thicker underlayments, it is still a reliable, easy-to-install option that addresses moisture concerns and offers sound reduction.

Its bundle packaging provides ample coverage (500 sq. ft.), making it suitable for larger projects.

Rating
9.8
Sound Reduction
Thickness

Most important from
142 reviews

Sound Reduction
Perfectly complements laminate flooring, reducing noise when walking on it.
Thickness
Provides a nice thickness for cushioning, enhancing comfort underfoot.
#3

MP Global Products QW100B1LT Laminate Flooring Underlayment with Attached Vapor Barrier Offering Superior Sound Reduction, Compression Resistant and Moisture Protection, 3' x 33'4", Blue, 99 Sq Ft

Rating
9.6
Sound Reduction
Thermal Insulation

Most important from
1206 reviews

Sound Reduction
Eliminates hollow sounds underfoot, making the floor feel solid and noise-free.
Thermal Insulation
Perfect for insulating and easy to handle, though it might be a bit much for some to move around alone.

The QuietWalk Laminate and Floating Wood Flooring Underlayment with Attached Vapor Barrier is designed for use with laminate and floating wood floors, making it a versatile option for different flooring setups. One of its standout features is the superior sound reduction, thanks to its recycled fiber construction, which absorbs sound effectively and prevents it from traveling to other rooms. This makes your floors feel more solid and less noisy underfoot, which is a significant advantage for households with multiple levels or rooms where sound containment is important.

The product is also compression-resistant, meaning it maintains its structure and support even under consistent foot traffic, which helps in extending the life of your flooring seams and installation. Additionally, the moisture protection feature, with its Dri-Wick technology, is particularly beneficial for concrete subfloors, as it allows them to breathe and prevents moisture from becoming trapped, which can cause damage. The attached vapor barrier provides an extra layer of protection against moisture, making it suitable for both concrete and wood subfloors. For those concerned about indoor air quality, this underlayment is certified to have no VOCs or off-gassing, ensuring a safer home environment.

It is also compatible with in-floor radiant heat systems, allowing heat to permeate evenly and protecting the floor from thermal shock. However, it’s worth noting that if you plan to nail or glue down your laminate or wood flooring, you’ll need to opt for the QuietWalk Plus instead. Moreover, for those using luxury vinyl flooring, the QuietWalk LV would be a better fit. At a thickness of 0.13 inches, it strikes a balance between providing adequate insulation and being easy to handle during installation. Covering 100 square feet per roll, it’s a convenient size for most room installations. The blue color and rectangular shape (400 x 36 x 0.13 inches) make it easy to cut and fit into place. This product is made in the USA from recycled synthetic fibers, adding an eco-friendly angle to its list of benefits. The main drawback is that it might not be suitable for more specialized flooring needs, such as luxury vinyl or installations requiring adhesive.

Rating
9.6
Sound Reduction
Thermal Insulation

Most important from
1206 reviews

Sound Reduction
Eliminates hollow sounds underfoot, making the floor feel solid and noise-free.
Thermal Insulation
Perfect for insulating and easy to handle, though it might be a bit much for some to move around alone.

Buying Guide for the Best Underlayment For Laminate Flooring On Concrete

Choosing the right underlayment for laminate flooring on concrete is crucial for ensuring a durable, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing floor. Underlayment serves as a barrier between the laminate flooring and the concrete subfloor, providing benefits such as moisture protection, sound reduction, and added comfort. Understanding the key specifications of underlayment will help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs and the conditions of your space.
Moisture BarrierA moisture barrier is a critical feature for underlayment when installing laminate flooring on concrete. Concrete can emit moisture, which can damage laminate flooring over time. An underlayment with a built-in moisture barrier helps prevent this by blocking moisture from reaching the laminate. If you live in a humid area or have a basement installation, a moisture barrier is essential. Look for underlayments specifically labeled as having a moisture barrier to ensure adequate protection.
Sound ReductionSound reduction is an important consideration, especially in multi-story buildings or homes with active households. Underlayment with sound-reducing properties helps minimize noise from footsteps and other activities, creating a quieter environment. Sound reduction is typically measured in decibels (dB). Higher dB ratings indicate better sound insulation. If noise control is a priority for you, choose an underlayment with a high sound reduction rating.
Thermal InsulationThermal insulation in underlayment can help maintain a comfortable floor temperature, which is particularly beneficial for concrete subfloors that can feel cold. Underlayments with thermal insulation properties help retain heat, making the floor more comfortable to walk on. If you live in a colder climate or plan to install laminate flooring in a basement, consider an underlayment with good thermal insulation to enhance comfort.
ThicknessThe thickness of the underlayment can affect both comfort and performance. Thicker underlayments provide better cushioning, which can make the floor more comfortable to walk on and help absorb impact. However, too much thickness can cause issues with the stability of the laminate flooring. Standard underlayment thickness ranges from 2mm to 6mm. For most residential applications, a thickness of 3mm to 4mm is sufficient. Choose a thickness that balances comfort and stability based on your specific needs.
Compatibility with Laminate FlooringNot all underlayments are compatible with all types of laminate flooring. It's important to check the manufacturer's recommendations for both the laminate flooring and the underlayment to ensure they are compatible. Some laminate flooring comes with pre-attached underlayment, in which case you may not need an additional layer. Always follow the guidelines provided by the flooring manufacturer to avoid voiding warranties and to ensure optimal performance.

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