If you’re installing laminate or vinyl click flooring, you might wonder: Can I just use carpet underlay?
The short answer is no. Carpet underlay is too thick and soft. It creates movement that damages laminate or vinyl click joins over time.
Instead, you need an underlay designed specifically for hard flooring. Our Silver andGold foam underlay ranges are purpose-made to give you the perfect foundation for laminate and vinyl click installations.
Table of Contents
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Why Carpet Underlay Doesn’t Work for Laminate & Vinyl Click
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Silver Foam Underlay
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Gold Foam Underlay
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Pro Tips for Choosing the Right Underlay
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Final Note: Get the Perfect Finish
Why Carpet Underlay Doesn’t Work for Laminate & Vinyl Click
Carpet underlay is designed to be thick and springy to make the carpet feel soft. Under laminate or vinyl click flooring, that bounce leads to problems:
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Too much flex can break the click system
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Joints may separate over time
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Poor support leads to movement and noise
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No moisture barrier protection over concrete subfloors
Laminate and vinyl click floors need firm, stable support with the right underlay thickness and integrated features to ensure a long-lasting, professional finish.
Our Silver foam underlay is the ideal all-rounder for laminate and vinyl click flooring.
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Slim, firm profile that supports the click system
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Integrated moisture barrier layer to protect against rising damp
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Helps reduce minor subfloor imperfections
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Lightweight and easy to install
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Great value for standard installations in living rooms, bedrooms, and general-use areas
Gold foam underlay is our premium choice for customers wanting the best possible support and finish.
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Higher-density foam for added stability underfoot
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Advanced moisture barrier for use over concrete subfloors
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Excellent impact sound reduction for quieter rooms
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Helps smooth slight subfloor unevenness
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Ideal for high-traffic spaces, flats where noise reduction matters, or any room needing a premium finish
Pro Tips for Choosing the Right Underlay
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Check your flooring manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure compatibility
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Consider your subfloor type (concrete, timber, existing flooring)
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Always use a moisture barrier over concrete to prevent damp damage
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For underfloor heating, choose a low-tog rated underlay designed to allow heat transfer
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Don’t reuse carpet underlay, as it is too soft and will lead to costly problems later
Final Note: Get the Perfect Finish
Choosing the right underlay is the key to a professional, long-lasting laminate or vinyl click installation. Our Silver and Golden foam underlay ranges offer the firm support, moisture protection, and acoustic comfort you need to get the best from your new floor.
Ready to get started?
Browse our full underlay range or contact us today for expert advice and free samples.
