When it comes to luxury vinyl flooring, most people get caught up in picking the perfect style or color. But there’s one part of the process that often gets overlooked: the underlayment. I can’t stress this enough—underlayment isn’t just some extra layer. It’s essential. It plays a big role in how your floors feel underfoot, how long they last, and even how quiet they are when you walk on them. Read on to learn more about why underlayment matters so much and what it can do for your floors.
Comfort underfoot: making your floors feel better
You might not think about it much, but the way your floors feel beneath your feet makes a huge difference. That’s where underlayment comes in. It provides a cushion between the subfloor and your luxury vinyl plank, giving you a more comfortable surface to walk on. Without it, your floors can feel a bit too hard and unforgiving. Plus, a good underlayment can even help absorb some of the impact, making it a little easier on your joints—something we all can appreciate after a long day.
Noise reduction: creating a quieter home
Have you ever noticed how loud it can get when someone’s walking across a bare floor? The clatter of footsteps can echo through the house, especially if you’ve got kids or pets running around. Underlayment helps absorb sound, making your home quieter and more peaceful. I’ve found that even a thin layer of underlayment can make a big difference. So if noise is a concern in your household, you definitely want to invest in a quality underlayment.
Moisture protection: extending the life of your floors
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of flooring. Even though luxury vinyl flooring is waterproof, it’s still important to have a barrier in place. Underlayment helps protect your floors from moisture seeping up from the subfloor, which can lead to warping, mold, or other damage. It’s a simple step that can save you from some major headaches down the road.
Leveling out imperfections: ensuring a smooth installation
Not all subfloors are perfectly even. Little bumps and dips can create issues when you’re laying luxury vinyl plank flooring. Underlayment helps to smooth out those imperfections, providing a more even surface for installation. This not only makes the flooring look better but also prevents potential issues like uneven wear or flooring that doesn’t sit flush.
Your experts on LVP flooring in Lakewood Ranch, FL
So, don’t skip the underlayment. Whether you’re looking for more comfort, quieter steps, moisture protection, or just a smoother install, this extra layer does it all. It’s one of those things you won’t necessarily see, but you’ll definitely notice the difference once it’s there.
LG Kramer Flooring proudly offers a wide selection of luxury vinyl flooring and more. Our flooring store in Lakewood Ranch, FL, serves Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Sarasota, Longboat Key, and Parrish, FL.