Do You Need Underlayment For Vinyl Plank Flooring On Concrete

If the concrete is uneven you will have to level it out.

Do you need underlayment for vinyl plank flooring on concrete.

In almost every case yes depending upon the type of subfloor that you have. However some people prefer to add another thin layer of subflooring between the concrete and vinyl. Since vinyl planks are generally thinner than a laminate the underlayment is also thinner. So technically if you are installing vinyl plank flooring onto concrete you already have a subfloor.

The thermal properties are all considered by the material the underlayment is made up of. This is where underlayment can do the trick. Vinyl floors that are glue down or loose lay will not need a vinyl underlayment as these floors will be installed directly over the subfloor. Underlayment can also ensure you re not driven mad as the dog s nails clack along the floor with every step.

Thermal properties of underlayment can help keep your floor warm. Second you may want an extra vapor barrier above the subfloor to reduce any risk of moisture. Underlayment isn t a necessity but you might consider it to add noise reducing qualities or additional softness to the product. The hardest part about it floating is to keep it square as you work.

Do you need an underlayment for vinyl plank flooring on concrete concrete subfloors are a little bit more tricky when it comes to installation since concrete brings on the aspect of moisture a very hard surface and a chilly floor. This additional layer can improve insulation and should make your vinyl plank flooring warmer and less resonant. You leave enough of a gap around the edge that it can expand contract flex whatever but that it s hidden by baseboard. You just lay it over top.

If you are installing your vinyl plank flooring over a concrete subfloor you may want to use an underlayment for three reasons. A vinyl flooring underlayment will not be as thick as a laminate or hardwood underlayment. If you re laying the lvp over an existing cushion backed vinyl floor or a below grade tile floor then you won t need to use an underlayment. However you ll want to use one in every other application including covering existing hardwood floors vinyl flooring that isn t cushioned and concrete floors.

Foam underlayment has r value of 0 2 0 35. Vinyl plank is a floating floor which means you don t ever actually attach it to the underlay. Concrete subfloor isn t usually warm and can make your feet nice and cold. The key to installing luxury vinyl over concrete is to ensure the floor is level and clean.

If the subfloor is concrete then it is needed to help keep moisture out making it more comfortable to walk on and keeping the room warmer in the winter.