What is the best underlay for vinyl and LVT flooring?

Vinyl and luxury vinyl tiles are becoming increasingly popular in British homes, and we can understand why. They’re stylish and versatile, and have amazing properties that make them great for your home. But, although they share the word vinyl in their names, these flooring options are quite different. The good news is, at Tapi, none of our vinyl flooring or LVT flooring products require an underlay!

While there isn’t a preferred underlay for vinyl or LVT flooring, we do know a lot about the different types of underlay available. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the best underlay for vinyl flooring and LVT – if you require it.

What is LVT or vinyl underlay?

Answering the easiest question first, let’s address what underlay is. Underlay is a layer that can be made of different materials that sit between your subfloor and the flooring you can see. Your subfloor is normally made from concrete, wooden planks, or a composite material, and is the base layer of your house’s flooring.

Underlay acts as a barrier between your flooring and your subfloor, providing lots of different benefits to your flooring - like keeping it quieter when you walk on it, staying warmer for longer and making sure it performs at its best for as long as possible.

Now when it comes to vinyl and luxury vinyl tiles, there are some differences between these two floorings we want to make sure everyone knows about before they buy underlay:

Vinyl, also known as sheet vinyl, comes in large rolls and has a thick, dense backing, so it doesn’t need an underlay.
LVT, also known as luxury vinyl tiles, comes as separate tiles or planks in two fitting options: click and dryback. Click luxury vinyl has a built-in underlay, whereas for dryback LVT, underlay may need to be bought separately.

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What underlay for vinyl flooring should I choose?

Underlays are not necessary for most vinyl floors. A well-cushioned vinyl floor should work fine on its own if the surface is level and smooth. The most important factor when laying vinyl flooring is ensuring your subfloor is smooth, clean, dry, and sound enough for your vinyl to lay on top.

If your subfloor has any bumps or inconsistencies, then it’s likely they will show over time. Always ensure your subfloor is clean, dry, smooth, sound and even before fitting vinyl flooring.

What is the best underlay for LVT click flooring?

All our click LVT flooring at Tapi incorporates an in-built underlay, so underlay doesn’t need to be bought separately. This means it’s quicker and easier to fit.

How to choose the best underlay for lino flooring?

Choosing the best underlay for lino flooring — now more commonly known as vinyl flooring — may not always be necessary. Modern vinyl flooring typically comes with a built-in backing, so underlay is not required. However, ensuring a smooth and even surface beneath it is crucial – failing to smooth over any bumps in the subfloor can result in the lino cracking or tearing later down the line.

Underlay FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions our floorologists regularly answer, just in case you might be thinking of them yourself:

Do you need underlay for sheet vinyl flooring?

No, you don’t need an underlay for sheet vinyl floors, as they come with a built-in layer for softness and durability. Tapi’s vinyl flooring comes with either a soft or firm felt backing with various benefits. Our in-store floorologists or our home consultants will be delighted to recommend the best one for you.

Does LVT need underlay?

If you’re thinking about luxury vinyl flooring and wondering ‘does LVT need underlay’, the answer boils down to what type of plank and installation method you’ve chosen. Click luxury vinyl doesn’t need an underlay, as the bottom layer of the plank features built-in underlay. This means it can be fitted directly onto the subfloor (providing it’s in good shape). Dryback LVT uses the glue-down method, where adhesive is spread over the subfloor and the planks are stuck down in place. Or, you could try our self-adhesive LVT underlay option, which is less messy and much quicker!

What is the best underlay for lino flooring on concrete?

Choosing the best underlay for lino flooring on concrete is important, especially if your concrete subfloor is damp or not fully dry. Concrete subfloors can be porous and absorb moisture, so using a type of underlay called a damp proof membrane or DPM is important to create an effective moisture barrier. In some cases, a liquid DPM may be more suitable. However, not all concrete floors require a DPM — this depends on how dry the concrete is. For more specific guidance on subfloor preparation and determining moisture levels in your concrete subfloor, take a look at our detailed subfloor guide.

What underlay is best for luxury vinyl flooring on floorboards?

You need to fit plywood on the subfloor first before you lay a luxury vinyl floor over wooden floorboards. Our guide on replacing your subfloor provides some helpful tips on this.

There are numerous benefits to not needing underlay for vinyl and LVT flooring. Without the need for underlay, it’s quicker to fit, easier on your budget, and one less thing to worry about! However, it's crucial that you have a well-prepared subfloor. An uneven or unstable subfloor can impact the longevity and appearance of your vinyl and LVT flooring.

If you have any more questions, or you’d like to discuss your options for vinyl and luxury vinyl flooring, why not book a free home appointment or free store visit to chat with our experts? You can even pop by your local Tapi store to check out our samples and discover your new favourite flooring! You can also find out which underlay is best for carpets, how to lay LVT flooring, and other helpful guides in our Ideas Hub.

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Published: 05-11-2024