If I need underlayment with my floors, how is it installed?

During installation services, underlayment plays a crucial role in protecting your floors and ensuring a longer lifespan. Whether you’re considering a floating, nailed down, or another type of installation, let's go over some basic installation information on a few different kinds of floors

Nailed down or stapled

Engineering or solid wood floors tend to be installed using the nailed down or stapled down method. In these cases, it is often recommended to use a black felt paper underlayment of about 15 lbs. The black felt is rolled out onto the subfloor before the slats are laid down. Not only does this paper protect the planks but it also greatly lessens the likelihood of moisture transferring through from the subfloor. With these kinds of installations in Everett, WA, the underlayment installment is quite straightforward. The felt paper is rolled out, ensuring all seams overlap for maximum protection, then it is attached to the subfloor with a stapler or nailed down.

Floating

When installing floors via the floating method, underlayment is indeed essential. However, there is certainly a vast assortment of underlayment options to choose from. From plastic moisture retarders to foam pads, their range is very wide, and for the most part, provide sound absorption qualities as well. Typically, for floating floors, underlayment comes in large rolls, which is laid down once the subfloor prep is complete. There are some options of underlayment that are self-adhesive along the edges to make it easier to overlap for maximum protection. Duct tape, however, works perfectly fine to affix the edging together securely.

Laminate with attached underlayment

Some brands of laminate come with underlayment already attached to the underside of the flooring pieces. Of course, this makes it easier and quicker to install everything, plus eliminates the need for laying down the underlayment. Nonetheless, if you do go with this type of installation, make sure to find out if the affixed underlayment has adequate moisture protection.

Completely Floored

Stop by
our Everett, WA flooring retailer today to find out more about flooring installation and underlayment requirements. Serving the Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens, Monroe, Arlington, and Mt. Vernon, WA regions, our flooring experts will gladly guide you through the process of finding the perfect floors for your home.