Do wood floors need an underlay?

From solid wood to engineered boards, wooden flooring is renowned for adding a natural warmth to homes. Part of this effect comes from the rich tones present in boards made from oak, cherry and pine, but wood will also feel much warmer beneath your feet than cool stone tiling or synthetic solutions, such as vinyl and laminate.

Underlay has long been used by property owners and floor installers to add additional insulation and comfort in homes, among other reasons. In the following sections, we’ll look at underlay as an option for wooden flooring, whether it’s required, why it’s used by property owners and floor installers and what value it can bring when you invest in it.

Why is underlay fitted beneath flooring?

We’ll start by exploring the role of underlay – a term most people will be familiar with, as it’s often seen as an essential before a carpet can be installed in homes. The first reason underlay is used is to provide a level surface, so that when your flooring choice is fitted into place, there will be no unsightly bumps or lumps present to ruin its appearance. An even surface is also less likely to become damaged, adding to the longevity of flooring, as buckled laminate or bulging carpet will take more of a hit from traffic and become worn before its time.

Additionally, underlay can provide a deep barrier between your floor and your choice of covering, which can be ideal when it is thin. The extra padding from underlay will make the floor much more comfortable to walk on or even sit on. Finally, the underlay will also provide a layer of insulation, ensuring less heat is lost via your floor. Not only will it keep your rooms at a more comfortable temperature, but it can lead to lower costs from reduced energy bills.

Does a wooden floor require underlay?

Unlike carpet and other alternative flooring types, such as vinyl or laminate, wooden floors are naturally a more substantial covering. They don’t require any additional padding beneath them to make them more comfortable, as the natural wood already provides a warm surface to step on.

In terms of using underlay to ensure your floor is level, you’ll find wood flooring installations don’t suffer from this issue, as prior to fitting, the subfloor will have been evened out in preparation.

However, while it is not an absolute must, adding underlay may still be advised when you’re installing a floor comprised of wooden boards to a wooden subfloor, as it will offer your enhanced insulation, reducing heat loss and keeping out unwanted drafts.

How does wood flooring underlay compare to the kind used for carpets?

Underlay that is used for wooden floors is not the same as the type fitted underneath carpeting. Carpet underlay is much thicker, making it more expensive than the kind used on wood floors. Underlay suitable for wood floors must be thinner, or it can make the boards uneven and lead to unwanted creaking noises and damage.

To conclude, while underlay is not essential for wooden floors, its benefits of enhancing insulation and keeping out drafts make it a worthy option for homeowners to consider.