Best Flooring Underlayment for DIYers
Underlayment goes between the subfloor and your new floor to cushion, quiet, smooth, and sometimes moisture-protect it. The right underlayment depends on the flooring (laminate, LVP, hardwood) and whether you are over concrete or wood.
What to look for
- ·Match the underlayment to the floor: foam or felt for laminate and engineered wood, and a moisture-barrier type over concrete.
- ·Many LVP and laminate planks have attached padding, do not double up, which can void warranties and feel spongy.
- ·For concrete subfloors, choose an underlayment with a built-in vapor barrier to stop moisture from reaching the floor.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuietWalk Premium Underlayment | Editor's pick | $0.30 to $0.60 per sq ft | The best all-around underlayment |
| Roberts Super Felt | Editor's pick | $0.30 to $0.55 per sq ft | Quiet, cushioned floors |
| DMX 1-Step (Over Concrete) | Editor's pick | $0.40 to $0.70 per sq ft | Floating floors over concrete |
| FloorMuffler Underlayment | Best value | $0.30 to $0.55 per sq ft | Value sound control |
| Roberts Unison | Best value | $0.25 to $0.45 per sq ft | Value 3-in-1 foam |
| Foam + Vapor Barrier Underlayment | Best value | $0.20 to $0.40 per sq ft | Value foam + barrier |
| Basic Foam Underlayment | Budget pick | $0.15 to $0.30 per sq ft | Budget laminate cushion |
| Rosin / Felt Paper | Budget pick | $0.10 to $0.25 per sq ft | Budget hardwood underlayment |
| Store-Brand Underlayment | Budget pick | $0.10 to $0.25 per sq ft | Lowest-cost underlayment |
Editor's pick
QuietWalk Premium Underlayment
$0.30 to $0.60 per sq ft
A top underlayment for laminate, engineered wood, and LVP, with excellent sound absorption, a moisture barrier, and subfloor smoothing. The pick for quiet, all-around performance.
Best for: The best all-around underlayment
Typically available at Home Depot, Flooring retailers, Amazon.
Roberts Super Felt
$0.30 to $0.55 per sq ft
A dense recycled-fiber underlayment with great sound dampening and cushion for laminate and engineered wood. The pick for quiet, comfortable floors.
Best for: Quiet, cushioned floors
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
DMX 1-Step (Over Concrete)
$0.40 to $0.70 per sq ft
A dimpled underlayment that creates an air gap and moisture break over concrete, ideal for basements. The pick for floating floors over slabs.
Best for: Floating floors over concrete
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Best value
FloorMuffler Underlayment
$0.30 to $0.55 per sq ft
A well-regarded acoustic underlayment with a moisture barrier for laminate, engineered, and LVP at a fair price. A strong value for sound control.
Best for: Value sound control
Typically available at Amazon, Flooring retailers.
Roberts Unison
$0.25 to $0.45 per sq ft
A 3-in-1 foam underlayment with a vapor barrier and tape, good cushion and sound for the price. A solid value for laminate and engineered floors.
Best for: Value 3-in-1 foam
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Foam + Vapor Barrier Underlayment
$0.20 to $0.40 per sq ft
Standard foam underlayment with an attached vapor barrier for laminate over wood or concrete at a value price. A dependable mid-value pick.
Best for: Value foam + barrier
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Budget pick
Basic Foam Underlayment
$0.15 to $0.30 per sq ft
A thin standard foam underlayment for laminate and engineered wood over a dry wood subfloor at a low cost. Basic cushion and sound, the budget choice.
Best for: Budget laminate cushion
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Rosin / Felt Paper
$0.10 to $0.25 per sq ft
Classic rosin or felt paper underlayment for nail-down hardwood, reducing squeaks and dust at a low cost. The traditional budget pick for solid wood floors.
Best for: Budget hardwood underlayment
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Store-Brand Underlayment
$0.10 to $0.25 per sq ft
The cheapest basic underlayment for budget floating-floor installs over a sound, dry subfloor. Minimal cushion and sound, but the lowest cost.
Best for: Lowest-cost underlayment
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Frequently asked
Do I need underlayment under my new floor?+
Usually yes, unless the flooring has padding already attached. Underlayment cushions footsteps, reduces noise, smooths minor subfloor imperfections, and (the right type) adds a moisture barrier over concrete. Check your flooring's instructions, since some products require a specific underlayment and others have it built in.
What underlayment for laminate vs LVP vs hardwood?+
Laminate and engineered wood use foam or felt underlayment for cushion and sound. LVP (vinyl plank) often has attached padding, or uses a thin, firm underlayment made for vinyl. Nail-down hardwood uses rosin or felt paper. Over concrete, any of these needs a moisture barrier. Always match the underlayment to the floor type.
Can I use underlayment over concrete?+
Yes, but use one with a built-in vapor/moisture barrier (or add a separate 6-mil poly barrier) to stop concrete moisture from damaging the floor. Products like DMX 1-Step are made for over-concrete installs. Test the slab for moisture first, and follow the flooring maker's requirements.
Should I double up underlayment?+
No. If your flooring already has attached padding, do not add more underlayment, the extra cushion makes the floor feel spongy, can stress the locking joints, and may void the warranty. Use a separate underlayment only when the flooring does not have it built in.
Does underlayment really reduce noise?+
Yes, a quality underlayment noticeably reduces both impact noise (footsteps) and hollow sound, especially on second floors and over concrete. Look for products with a good IIC/STC sound rating if quiet is a priority. It also makes hard floors feel a bit softer and warmer underfoot.
Planning a bigger job? See the full Flooring Installation project guide: cost, DIY vs. hire, and the whole plan.
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