The function of underlayment is to absorb some of the imperfections in the sub-floor; to help deaden sound when walking on the floor (since it is not attached to the sub-floor); and to soften the feel when walking on the floor. It is very important to understand that underlayment for laminate and floating wood floors is not the same as padding for carpet. In terms of sound suppression, it can reduce overhead sound in rooms below the flooring in addition to lessening the affects of sub-floor imperfections. The sound reducing quality is important in multi story houses and, for, say, apartment complexes.

Flooring underlay boards come in a wide variety of compositions any more. Many resin or “composition-type” constructions come in lengths resembling boards per se. They have a number of great properties including engineered differences in sound suppression, heat retention and over all durability. Typically flooring underlay boards “float”, or that is to say they are not nailed onto or adhered in any way to the sub flooring at its base. As underlayment such as this can be used for any number of reasons, including levelling and smoothing out an otherwise strong but uneven sub floor. Generally, underlayments are specifically used to reduce sound, provide a softer feel for the feet and to protect the initial sub flooring.

Flooring underlay boards can also come in cork products for seriously softening the footprint of traffic and still provide the noise-reducing qualities one is generally looking for with this product. As an additional form of insulation, cork flooring underlay boards are a great utility and as easy to install as can be imagined for this light yet durable material. Once again, the virtues of cork in flooring is a wonderful alternative.

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