What kind of underlay should i use when i redo my commercial office with laminate flooring? cork? foam?

Question

does it matter?

thanks

Answer 1

This is a great question, and yes it does matter. Cork was once considered the ultimate underlayment because of its sound-deadening properties and durability. Unfortunately, since this is a natural material, when it gets wet from water or excess humidity it is a great food supply for mold, and swells as it absorbs moisture. I have seen an incredible amount of expense incurred from the removal of moldy and water-damaged cork.

Don't set yourself up for a total floor removal and replacement from a window or roof leak. Synthetic is the way to go. Typically, the manufacturer of the wood floor system will specify an underlayment. This site for synthetic underlayment products seems to provide a wide variety of options and considerable information:

http://www.midwestpadding.com/index2.html

Answer 2

I don't have a good source for this, but a friend recommended putting the laminate right onto concrete, without any underlayment. Sometimes, such floors have a 'spoungy' feel to them and they argued that this gives the floor a more solid feel.

We never did put in the floor, so I cannot say if this is true or not, but it might be worth some research.

Answer 3

The foam will serve as a sound barrier,and keep the floor warmer in the winter,,just like the cork,but the foam is a better moisture barrier,and allows the floor to shift easier when the structure moves with the temperature changes.

Answer 4

Check with your flooring professional, but if you have a good subfloor, I don't think you would need any additional underlayment for your laminate flooring.

Answer 5

most laminates come with the padding or the manufacturer will offer it as an extra