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10 Best Underlayment For Vinyl Plank Flooring Vapor Barrier 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

QuietWalk LV Luxury Vinyl, Laminate, or Wood Underlayment (Float, Glue, or Nail) w/Vapor Barrier- Sound Reduction, Compression Resistant, Moisture Protection 6'x60’ Roll (Covers 360 sf) QW360LV

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,139
Thickness
Sound Absorption
Compatibility with Vinyl Plank Flooring

Most important from
222 reviews

Thickness
Despite being bulkier, it does not cause any flexing with LVP joints, ensuring a stable and durable flooring surface.
Sound Absorption
Worked out great for LVP installation, providing enough cushion to make walking on it pretty quiet.
Compatibility with Vinyl Plank Flooring
Worked out great for LVP installation, providing enough cushion to make walking on it pretty quiet.

The QuietWalk LV Underlayment offers a solid choice for anyone looking to install luxury vinyl, laminate, or wood flooring. One of its standout features is the superior sound reduction; made from recycled fibers, it effectively absorbs sound, ensuring a quiet environment, which is particularly beneficial for multi-level homes or apartments. Additionally, the compression-resistant material supports the seams of your flooring, making it durable against constant foot traffic.

Moisture protection is another strong point, with the unique DriWick technology allowing concrete subfloors to breathe. This feature prevents moisture vapor from getting trapped, safeguarding your flooring from potential damage. The attached vapor barrier adds another layer of protection, making it suitable for both concrete and wood subfloors. Plus, it's compatible with in-floor radiant heat systems, which is a bonus for those looking for added comfort.

In terms of compatibility, this underlayment works well with various installation methods—floating, glue-down, or nail-down—making it a versatile option for different flooring types, especially those that are at least 4mm thick. The product is also certified for clean indoor air quality, which means no unpleasant VOCs or off-gassing, a great feature for health-conscious consumers. However, the QuietWalk LV may be a bit bulkier at 30 pounds and 6 feet in length per roll, which could be cumbersome for some users during installation. Additionally, while the sound absorption properties are impressive, some may find that it doesn’t completely eliminate noise in very high-traffic areas.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,139
Thickness
Sound Absorption
Compatibility with Vinyl Plank Flooring

Most important from
222 reviews

Thickness
Despite being bulkier, it does not cause any flexing with LVP joints, ensuring a stable and durable flooring surface.
Sound Absorption
Worked out great for LVP installation, providing enough cushion to make walking on it pretty quiet.
Compatibility with Vinyl Plank Flooring
Worked out great for LVP installation, providing enough cushion to make walking on it pretty quiet.
#2

ROBERTS Black Jack Underlayment - 600 sq. ft. Roll - 43" x 167.5' x 2.5 mm

Rating
9.8
Sound Absorption
Compatibility with Vinyl Plank Flooring

Most important from
776 reviews

Sound Absorption
The underlayment was fairly easy to lay down, and it was perfect for providing a quiet and soft feel to the floors once settled.
Compatibility with Vinyl Plank Flooring
Despite some installation quirks, the underlayment is high quality, durable, and easy to cut without tearing.

The ROBERTS Black Jack Underlayment is a solid choice for those looking to install vinyl plank flooring, particularly due to its efficient use of material and performance features. With a thickness of 2.5 mm, it provides a good balance of cushioning and sound reduction, making it suitable for both residential and commercial settings. The IIC and STC ratings of 70 and 66 respectively indicate that it effectively minimizes sound transmission, which is beneficial in multi-story homes or apartments. Its compatibility with radiant heated floors is a significant plus for users looking to maintain warmth in their living spaces.

A standout feature is the 600 sq. ft. roll size, which offers great value compared to purchasing smaller rolls. This can save time and money during installation, which is appealing to DIY enthusiasts as well as professional installers. The easy installation process, aided by the plastic overlap and adhesive strip, simplifies the setup further, making it a user-friendly option.

While the underlayment is designed for compatibility with vinyl plank flooring, some users might find its performance less optimal compared to specialized underlayments tailored exclusively for vinyl. Additionally, being a product primarily for sound absorption and cushioning, it may not provide the same level of moisture barrier as thicker options, which could be a concern in areas prone to high humidity. Ultimately, the ROBERTS Black Jack Underlayment serves well for those prioritizing sound absorption and affordability while installing vinyl plank flooring. However, for specific moisture concerns or if maximum performance is sought, exploring other dedicated options could be worthwhile.

Rating
9.8
Sound Absorption
Compatibility with Vinyl Plank Flooring

Most important from
776 reviews

Sound Absorption
The underlayment was fairly easy to lay down, and it was perfect for providing a quiet and soft feel to the floors once settled.
Compatibility with Vinyl Plank Flooring
Despite some installation quirks, the underlayment is high quality, durable, and easy to cut without tearing.
#3

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

Rating
9.7
Thickness
Material
Sound Absorption

Most important from
130 reviews

Thickness
Easy to lay down, connect, and trim, with a nice thickness for cushioning.
Material
Great quality material at a fantastic price, perfect for reducing noise under laminate floors.
Sound Absorption
Great quality material at a fantastic price, perfect for reducing noise under laminate floors.

The Bestlaminate 3-in-1 Vapor Barrier Underlayment is designed to enhance your vinyl plank flooring experience, particularly if you're looking for sound absorption and moisture protection. With a thickness of 2mm, it provides a decent cushioning effect and a vapor barrier that helps protect against moisture from the subfloor, making it suitable for both wood and cement surfaces. The pre-attached self-sealing tape strip simplifies installation, ensuring a secure fit that can save you time and effort. Plus, the environmentally friendly packaging shows a commitment to sustainability, which is a plus for eco-conscious consumers.

While 2mm thickness is generally acceptable, some users may prefer thicker options for enhanced sound insulation or comfort underfoot.

This underlayment is a good choice for those looking for a reliable vapor barrier and sound absorption for vinyl plank flooring, but if you are after maximum thickness or specialized features, you might want to explore alternatives.

Rating
9.7
Thickness
Material
Sound Absorption

Most important from
130 reviews

Thickness
Easy to lay down, connect, and trim, with a nice thickness for cushioning.
Material
Great quality material at a fantastic price, perfect for reducing noise under laminate floors.
Sound Absorption
Great quality material at a fantastic price, perfect for reducing noise under laminate floors.

Buying Guide for the Best Underlayment For Vinyl Plank Flooring Vapor Barrier

Choosing the right underlayment for vinyl plank flooring with a vapor barrier is crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of your flooring. Underlayment provides a smooth surface for the vinyl planks, adds cushioning, reduces noise, and can protect against moisture. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs and the conditions of your installation area.
ThicknessThickness refers to how thick the underlayment material is. This is important because it affects the comfort underfoot, sound absorption, and the ability to smooth out minor subfloor imperfections. Underlayments typically range from 1mm to 6mm. Thinner underlayments (1-2mm) are suitable for areas where height is a concern or where the subfloor is already smooth. Medium thickness (3-4mm) provides a good balance of comfort and sound reduction, while thicker options (5-6mm) offer maximum cushioning and noise dampening, ideal for high-traffic areas or multi-story buildings.
MaterialThe material of the underlayment can affect its performance in terms of durability, moisture resistance, and sound absorption. Common materials include foam, cork, and rubber. Foam is lightweight and provides good cushioning and sound reduction, making it a popular choice for residential use. Cork is eco-friendly, offers excellent sound insulation, and is naturally resistant to mold and mildew, suitable for areas where moisture might be a concern. Rubber is highly durable, provides superior sound insulation, and is ideal for commercial spaces or areas with heavy foot traffic.
Vapor BarrierA vapor barrier is a layer within the underlayment that prevents moisture from seeping through from the subfloor to the vinyl planks. This is crucial in areas prone to moisture, such as basements, kitchens, or bathrooms, as it helps prevent mold and mildew growth and protects the flooring from damage. Underlayments with an integrated vapor barrier are convenient and provide added protection. If moisture is not a significant concern in your installation area, you might opt for an underlayment without a vapor barrier.
Sound AbsorptionSound absorption refers to the underlayment's ability to reduce noise transmission. This is particularly important in multi-story buildings or rooms where noise reduction is desired. Underlayments are rated by their Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Impact Insulation Class (IIC) ratings. Higher ratings indicate better sound insulation. For residential use, an STC rating of 50 and an IIC rating of 50 are generally sufficient. For more demanding environments, look for higher ratings to ensure optimal noise reduction.
Compatibility with Vinyl Plank FlooringNot all underlayments are suitable for use with vinyl plank flooring. It's important to choose an underlayment that is specifically designed for vinyl planks to ensure proper performance and avoid issues such as shifting or damage to the flooring. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for compatibility to ensure you select an appropriate underlayment for your vinyl plank flooring.

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