We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Laminate Underlayments 2025 in the UK

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Acoustic Sonic Gold Underlay 5mm Thick - Choose Any Size - for All Wood, Laminate Flooring - Damp Proof Mebrane - Great Sound & Heat Insulation (5mm Thick, 15m2-1 Roll)

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,495
Compatibility with Flooring Type
Compatibility with Flooring Type
Excellent heat retention and easy to cut and fit, offering a nice feel underfoot, especially with carpet tiles.

The Acoustic Sonic Gold Underlay offers a robust 5mm thickness, which is ideal for providing a substantial base under wood and laminate flooring. Its thickness contributes to impressive sound absorption, reducing noise by 24dB, making it suitable for areas where sound insulation is crucial. Additionally, the underlay is designed with a gold foil moisture membrane barrier, offering effective protection against dampness; this is a significant advantage in preventing damage to flooring from moisture.

The material used combines both sound and heat insulation benefits, adding comfort and energy efficiency to the home environment. With a coverage of 15 square meters per roll, it caters to moderately sized areas, and the ability to choose different sizes provides flexibility for varying needs. However, users should be aware that joining seams require Barrier Pro X Tape, an additional step in installation that may incur extra costs and effort.

The underlay performs well in compatibility across all wood and laminate flooring types, ensuring versatility for most installations. Though it doesn't rank highly among musical instruments and acoustic treatments, it has gained positive reviews with a 4.5-star rating from users praising its insulation qualities. Weighing 3 kg per roll, it is manageable for installation. For individuals looking to enhance sound and heat insulation while maintaining moisture protection under laminate or wood flooring, this underlay is a good option. Some may find the installation process slightly cumbersome, but the benefits of sound and moisture protection outweigh this minor drawback.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,495
Compatibility with Flooring Type
Compatibility with Flooring Type
Excellent heat retention and easy to cut and fit, offering a nice feel underfoot, especially with carpet tiles.
#2

6mm Super Gold Underlay - for All Wood, Laminate Flooring - Damp Proof Membrane - Great Sound & Heat Insulation - 1m x 15m Roll

Rating
9.4
Thickness
Material
Moisture Barrier
Thickness
Provides effective cushioning and thermal insulation that meets expectations.
Material
Delivers excellent quality and reliably supports wood and laminate flooring.
Moisture Barrier
Incorporates a moisture barrier that helps protect floors from dampness.
Sound Insulation
Offers strong sound insulation, significantly reducing noise between floors.

The 6mm Super Gold Underlay by FloorPro is designed to support all wood and laminate flooring types. Its 6mm thickness offers a good balance between comfort and support, which is important for protecting your floor and improving the feel underfoot. This underlay comes with a gold foil moisture barrier, which helps prevent dampness from coming up through the floor — a useful feature if you're installing over concrete or in areas prone to moisture.

It also provides excellent sound insulation, reducing noise by up to 26dB, making it a solid choice if you're concerned about sound between floors. Additionally, it offers heat insulation, which can help keep rooms warmer and potentially save on energy costs. The roll size (1m x 15m) covers 15 square meters, which works well for medium-sized rooms. One thing to keep in mind is that the product requires a special tape (Barrier Pro X Tape) for sealing seams, so you’ll need to get that separately for installation.

This underlay suits most wood and laminate floors but may not be suitable for thicker or specialty flooring types that require different underlayments. It is a reliable, versatile underlay that combines moisture protection, sound dampening, and heat insulation in one product, making it ideal for most standard laminate and wood floor installations.

Rating
9.4
Thickness
Material
Moisture Barrier
Thickness
Provides effective cushioning and thermal insulation that meets expectations.
Material
Delivers excellent quality and reliably supports wood and laminate flooring.
Moisture Barrier
Incorporates a moisture barrier that helps protect floors from dampness.
Sound Insulation
Offers strong sound insulation, significantly reducing noise between floors.
#3

30m2 Deal - AcuStick® Supreme 6mm Gold Underlay for Wood or Laminate Flooring - Free Barrier Tape

Rating
9.1
Moisture Barrier
Sound Insulation
Moisture Barrier
The included moisture barrier effectively protects flooring from dampness, ensuring long-term durability.
Sound Insulation
It provides a comfortable cushioning that enhances the feel of wood and laminate floors, contributing to a warmer and quieter environment.

The AcuStick® Supreme 6mm Gold Underlay is designed for use under wood and laminate flooring, covering 30 square meters with two rolls included. Its 6mm thickness offers good cushioning, which enhances comfort and sound insulation, making floors feel quieter and warmer. The material is wood-based, which can be beneficial for thermal properties, especially if you have underfloor heating, as it supports heat flow well.

The product includes a moisture barrier that protects flooring from dampness, an important feature to prevent damage over time. The free barrier tape provided assists with installation. This underlay is well suited for homeowners seeking a solid balance of comfort, warmth, and sound reduction under laminate or wood flooring, particularly in dry rooms or those equipped with underfloor heating.

Rating
9.1
Moisture Barrier
Sound Insulation
Moisture Barrier
The included moisture barrier effectively protects flooring from dampness, ensuring long-term durability.
Sound Insulation
It provides a comfortable cushioning that enhances the feel of wood and laminate floors, contributing to a warmer and quieter environment.

Buying Guide for the Best Laminate Underlayments

Choosing the right laminate underlayment is crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of your laminate flooring. Underlayment provides a smooth surface for the laminate to rest on, helps with sound absorption, and can offer moisture protection. When selecting an underlayment, consider the specific needs of your space, such as the type of subfloor, the level of moisture, and the amount of foot traffic. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision that best suits your requirements.
ThicknessThickness refers to how thick the underlayment material is. This is important because thicker underlayments can provide better sound insulation and cushioning underfoot. Underlayments typically range from 2mm to 6mm in thickness. For areas with high foot traffic or where extra comfort is desired, a thicker underlayment (4mm-6mm) is recommended. For standard residential use, a 2mm-3mm underlayment is usually sufficient. Consider your comfort needs and the level of sound insulation required when choosing the thickness.
MaterialThe material of the underlayment can affect its performance in terms of sound absorption, moisture resistance, and durability. Common materials include foam, cork, and rubber. Foam is lightweight and provides basic cushioning and sound reduction, making it suitable for most residential applications. Cork offers superior sound insulation and is naturally resistant to mold and mildew, ideal for multi-story buildings or areas where noise reduction is a priority. Rubber is highly durable and provides excellent moisture protection, making it suitable for basements or areas with potential water exposure. Choose the material based on the specific needs of your space.
Moisture BarrierA moisture barrier is a layer within the underlayment that prevents moisture from seeping through the subfloor and damaging the laminate flooring. This is particularly important in areas prone to moisture, such as basements, kitchens, or bathrooms. Some underlayments come with an integrated moisture barrier, while others may require a separate layer. If you are installing laminate flooring in a moisture-prone area, ensure that the underlayment includes a moisture barrier to protect your flooring from potential water damage.
Sound InsulationSound insulation refers to the underlayment's ability to reduce noise transmission between floors. This is important in multi-story buildings or homes with active households. Underlayments with higher sound insulation ratings can significantly reduce the noise of footsteps and other impacts. Look for underlayments with a high Sound Transmission Class (STC) or Impact Insulation Class (IIC) rating if noise reduction is a priority. For quieter environments, a standard underlayment may suffice, but for noisier areas, opt for one with enhanced sound insulation properties.
Compatibility with Flooring TypeNot all underlayments are compatible with all types of laminate flooring. Some laminate floors come with pre-attached underlayment, which may not require an additional layer. It's important to check the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific laminate flooring to ensure compatibility. Using an incompatible underlayment can void warranties and affect the performance of your flooring. Always verify that the underlayment you choose is suitable for use with your laminate flooring to ensure optimal results.