It’s no wonder that Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) and vinyl flooring have become a go-to for homeowners. They’re stylish, durable and affordable! But there’s one question that often trips people up: Does LVT need underlay?
In this blog post, we explain whether LVT needs underlay and what the best underlay for vinyl flooring is. Let’s dive in!
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Does LVT or Vinyl Flooring Need Underlay?
Does LVT need underlay? The short answer is yes. But, our vinyl and LVT flooring comes with a built-in 1mm underlay, which means buying a separate underlay isn’t necessary. This ensures your flooring remains comfortable and durable without extra expenses and layers.
While our LVT and vinyl flooring with underlay are designed with cushioning, soundproofing and insulation in mind, there’s always room for improvement. Our collection of Hydro Oak Flooring is a big step up from our regular vinyl. With all the benefits of LVT, this collection is extra comfy underfoot while featuring a beautiful real wood veneer. If you’ve got your heart set on wood flooring but need something more durable, this is perfect.
Why Don’t You Need Underlay?
Thanks to advanced technology, modern LVT is designed with a built-in underlay. It provides the same benefits as a separate underlay and more.
Its enhanced comfort and improved stability mean you’ll have a cushioned feel underfoot and won’t have to worry about your floor shifting. Its superior soundproofing also means your home won’t be overwhelmed by noisy footsteps and stomps. Not only that, but built-in underlays cut your installation time in half and help you save money.
Older, more traditional vinyl flooring, like sheet vinyl, required a separate underlay for cushioning, moisture resistance, and soundproofing. This is because it was thinner and more prone to dents, wear, and subfloor imperfections showing through. And this is likely where the question of “what underlay for vinyl flooring?” comes from!
What Underlay Should I Consider?
You might be sitting there still wondering what the best underlay for vinyl flooring and LVT is and what you need for your home.
In most cases, underlay isn’t needed for vinyl or LVT flooring because it’s built into the floor’s design. However, there are some cases where an additional underlay might be a good idea to correct minor imperfections in the subfloor or to add extra insulation.
So when should underlay be used?
- It might be useful to have an additional underlay if you choose Dryback LVT, also known as Glue-Down LVT, if there are any minor imperfections in your subfloor or if you want to improve the insulation.
- If your subfloor has any dips or imperfections, an underlay might be needed to create a level surface before installing LVT.
Understanding vinyl vs. LVT underlay needs:
Sheet Vinyl, also known as vinyl flooring, typically has a dense backing layer, meaning you won’t need an underlay. But if your floor’s a bit uneven or you want some extra comfort, there’s no harm in having a separate underlay.
Sheet Vinyl, also known as vinyl flooring, doesn’t come with underlay attached. Instead, it’s usually 2.5mm thick and is glued directly to your subfloor.
Our LVT SPC flooring is super simple as it’s designed with a built-in underlay. You get comfort, stability and soundproofing all in one, which means there’s less hassle for you and a faster installation. Just click it into place and you’re good to go!
Dryback LVT, also known as Glue-Down LVT, doesn’t need an underlay either. But, it does need a super smooth surface to stick to properly. In this case, you might need a prep layer, like a smoothing compound, but you shouldn’t need a full underlay.
Get Social
Still curious about the built-in underlays on our Luxury Vinyl Tiles? Get in touch with our friendly flooring experts, they’re always happy to help. You can also take advantage of our unlimited free samples. Order as many as you like and take a look at their built-in underlays!
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