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10 Best Underlayment For Vinyl Flooring 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Bardalas Uncoupling Waterproofing Membrane Roll, 323 Sq Ft (3.3 Ft x 98.5 Ft), 1/8'' Anti-Fracture Mat, Crack Isolation Flooring Underlayment for Bathroom Floor Tile, Subfloor

The Bardalas Uncoupling Waterproofing Membrane Roll offers several strong features for those in need of underlayment for vinyl flooring. It is 1/8'' thick, which provides a good balance between durability and ease of installation. The polyethylene material ensures reliability and effective moisture barrier properties, making it suitable for areas prone to water exposure, such as bathrooms.

Its crack isolation feature up to 1/8'' and stress reduction between substrate and infloor tile are significant advantages, particularly for substrates like concrete or wood. The circular-shaped cavities for easy troweling add to its user-friendly design, making it a practical choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. This underlayment is lightweight, facilitating easy handling and installation across various residential and commercial spaces like galleries and malls.

The Bardalas Uncoupling Waterproofing Membrane Roll is a reliable option for moisture management and crack isolation in flooring projects.

#2

800SQFT AMERIQUE 1.5MM Premium Flooring Padding 3-in-1 Heavy Duty Foam Blue, 200SF/Roll, Pack of 2 Underlayment, with Tape & Vapor Barrier

The AMERIQUE 1.5MM Premium Flooring Padding is a versatile underlayment designed to enhance the performance and longevity of various flooring types. At 1.5mm thickness, it offers a good balance between cushioning and stability, making it suitable for vinyl flooring. The closed foam material is effective in providing sound reduction, which can be a significant advantage in maintaining a quieter home environment.

Additionally, the integrated moisture and vapor barrier is a critical feature, protecting your floors from potential water damage and mold growth. The underlayment’s anti-crush technology ensures longevity and maintains its protective qualities over time. Installation is straightforward with the included overlap and adhesive strip, which simplifies the process for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals.

However, it's worth noting that while it is compatible with engineered hardwood, bamboo, floating floors, and laminate, its effectiveness specifically with vinyl flooring would depend on the subfloor condition and the type of vinyl used. Customer reviews are highly positive, indicating satisfaction with its performance, ease of installation, and effectiveness. This product is an excellent choice for those looking to improve their flooring setup with a reliable underlayment that offers protection, noise reduction, and ease of use. If your primary focus is vinyl flooring, ensuring compatibility with your specific vinyl type would be advisable.

#3

QuietWalk Laminate and Floating Wood Flooring Underlayment with Attached Vapor Barrier- Sound Reduction, Compression Resistant, Moisture Protection 3'Wx66'8" L Roll (Covers 200 sq. ft) QW200B1LT

Rating
9.8
Moisture Barrier
Sound Absorption
Compatibility with Vinyl Flooring

Most important from
1238 reviews

Moisture Barrier
The attached vapor barrier offers excellent moisture protection.
Sound Absorption
Sound reduction is impressive, making the flooring feel solid and quiet underfoot.
Compatibility with Vinyl Flooring
No creaking or plastic feel when installed over a concrete slab.

The QuietWalk Underlayment is designed for use with laminate and floating wood floors, boasting an array of features that enhance flooring performance. It has a thickness of 0.12 inches and is made from recycled synthetic fibers, offering both environmental benefits and durability. One of its significant strengths is the superior sound reduction capability, which helps to minimize noise transmission between rooms, creating a quieter living space.

The underlayment is compression resistant, maintaining its structure even under heavy foot traffic, which helps to prolong the life of your flooring. The attached vapor barrier and Dri-Wick technology provide moisture protection, making it suitable for use over both concrete and wood subfloors, ensuring that moisture does not harm the flooring. Additionally, it is compatible with in-floor radiant heat systems, allowing for even heat distribution without risking damage to the floor covering.

A notable drawback is its specific compatibility limitations; it is not suitable for luxury vinyl flooring, for which the manufacturer recommends the QuietWalk LV. This product comes in a convenient roll size, covering 200 square feet. While it excels in sound reduction, moisture protection, and durability, if you have vinyl flooring, you will need to look at alternative options. This underlayment is ideal for those installing laminate or floating wood floors seeking a robust solution with excellent sound and moisture control.

Rating
9.8
Moisture Barrier
Sound Absorption
Compatibility with Vinyl Flooring

Most important from
1238 reviews

Moisture Barrier
The attached vapor barrier offers excellent moisture protection.
Sound Absorption
Sound reduction is impressive, making the flooring feel solid and quiet underfoot.
Compatibility with Vinyl Flooring
No creaking or plastic feel when installed over a concrete slab.

Buying Guide for the Best Underlayment For Vinyl Flooring

Choosing the right underlayment for vinyl flooring is crucial for ensuring the longevity, comfort, and performance of your flooring. Underlayment is a layer of material placed beneath the vinyl flooring to provide support, sound absorption, and moisture protection. Understanding the key specifications and how they align with your needs will help you make an informed decision.
ThicknessThickness refers to the depth of the underlayment material. It is important because it affects the comfort, sound absorption, and insulation properties of the flooring. Thicker underlayments (3-6mm) provide better cushioning and soundproofing, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or multi-story buildings. Thinner underlayments (1-2mm) are suitable for areas where height is a concern or where the subfloor is already smooth and even. Choose the thickness based on the level of comfort and sound insulation you need.
MaterialUnderlayment materials vary and each type offers different benefits. Common materials include foam, cork, rubber, and felt. Foam is lightweight and provides good cushioning, making it a popular choice for residential use. Cork is eco-friendly and offers excellent sound absorption and thermal insulation. Rubber is durable and moisture-resistant, ideal for areas prone to moisture. Felt is dense and provides good sound insulation. Consider the specific needs of your space, such as moisture levels, sound insulation, and environmental impact, when choosing the material.
Moisture BarrierA moisture barrier is a feature that prevents moisture from seeping through the subfloor and damaging the vinyl flooring. This is particularly important in areas like basements, kitchens, and bathrooms where moisture levels are higher. Some underlayments come with an integrated moisture barrier, while others require a separate layer. If you are installing vinyl flooring in a moisture-prone area, ensure that the underlayment has a moisture barrier to protect your flooring from potential damage.
Sound AbsorptionSound absorption refers to the underlayment's ability to reduce noise transmission. This is important in multi-story buildings or high-traffic areas where noise can be a concern. Underlayments with higher sound absorption ratings will provide a quieter environment by minimizing the sound of footsteps and other impacts. If noise reduction is a priority, look for underlayments specifically designed for soundproofing, often labeled with sound transmission class (STC) or impact insulation class (IIC) ratings.
Compatibility with Vinyl FlooringNot all underlayments are suitable for use with vinyl flooring. Some underlayments may be too thick or not provide the necessary support, leading to issues with the flooring installation. It is important to choose an underlayment that is specifically designed for use with vinyl flooring. Check the manufacturer's recommendations and ensure that the underlayment is compatible with the type of vinyl flooring you are installing, whether it is luxury vinyl planks (LVP) or vinyl sheets.

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