When it comes to luxury vinyl flooring, choosing the right underlayment is just as important as selecting the flooring itself. Underlayment plays a key role in the performance, comfort, and longevity of your luxury vinyl floors. In this blog, we’ll explore why underlayment is essential and how it can enhance your flooring experience.
What is underlayment?
Underlayment is a thin layer of material that is installed between the subfloor and the luxury vinyl flooring. It serves multiple purposes, including providing cushioning, sound absorption, and moisture protection. The type of underlayment you choose can have a significant impact on how your luxury vinyl flooring feels and performs over time.
Enhanced comfort and insulation
One of the primary benefits of using underlayment beneath luxury vinyl flooring is the added comfort it provides. Underlayment offers a slight cushion underfoot, making your floors more comfortable to walk on, especially in areas where you spend a lot of time standing, like kitchens or living rooms. Additionally, underlayment acts as an insulating layer, helping to keep your floors warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Improved sound absorption
Another key advantage of underlayment is its ability to reduce noise. LVT and LVP flooring, while durable and stylish, can sometimes amplify sounds, especially in multi-story homes or apartments. Underlayment helps to absorb sound, reducing the noise of footsteps and other activities, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment in your home.
Moisture protection and durability
Moisture can be a major concern with any type of flooring, but especially with LVT and LVP flooring. Underlayment acts as a barrier that protects your flooring from moisture seeping up from the subfloor, which can lead to mold, mildew, or damage to your floors. By choosing the right underlayment, you can enhance the durability of your luxury vinyl flooring, ensuring it lasts many years.
Smoothing out subfloor imperfections
Subfloor imperfections can affect the appearance and performance of your luxury vinyl floors. Underlayment helps to smooth out minor imperfections, providing a more even surface for your flooring to rest on. This not only improves the aesthetic of your floors but also helps to prevent issues like uneven wear or damage to the vinyl planks over time.
Choosing the right underlayment
The importance of luxury vinyl flooring underlayment cannot be overstated. Whether you’re looking for comfort, sound absorption, moisture protection, or enhanced durability, the right underlayment can make a big difference in how your floors perform and feel. Be sure to consult with our team at Sharon and Son's Flooring & Cabinets to choose the best underlayment for your specific luxury vinyl floor to ensure you get the most out of your investment. We have a showroom in Santa Ana, CA.
