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10 Best Laminate Underlayments 2025 in the UK

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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 by1,245
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 by1,245
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

3mm Acoustic Silver Underlay for Wood or Laminate Flooring - 15m2 Roll

Rating
9.4
Thickness
Material
Moisture Barrier
Thickness
The product offers a good balance of thickness and strength, suitable for leveling minor floor imperfections without being overly bulky.
Material
The underlay is easy to cut and lay, allowing for a seamless and snug fit beneath laminate flooring.
Moisture Barrier
Its waterproof membrane provides reliable moisture protection, helping to preserve the floor's longevity.
Sound Insulation
Sound insulation is effective, contributing to a noticeably quieter room environment.
Compatibility with Flooring Type
Installation is straightforward, making it a practical choice for typical residential wood or laminate flooring setups.

The 3mm Acoustic Silver Underlay by Royale is designed for wood and laminate flooring, offering a decent thickness that helps level minor floor imperfections. Its standout feature is the silver foil waterproof membrane, which acts as a moisture barrier to protect floors from dampness—a key factor for maintaining the longevity of laminate or wood floors. This underlay also provides good sound insulation, which can significantly reduce noise, making it a smart choice if you want a quieter room.

The material and design cater well to residential use, and it comes in a convenient 15m² roll for easy coverage. To maintain the warranty, you need to use Barrier Pro X Tape to join seams properly, adding a small installation step. The product has strong customer ratings, indicating reliability and satisfaction.

This underlay fits well for homeowners looking to improve floor comfort, moisture protection, and sound reduction without complex installation. If you’re seeking heavy-duty moisture protection or very thick cushioning, this might not be the best fit, but for typical wood or laminate flooring setups, it strikes a good balance between performance and ease of use.

Rating
9.4
Thickness
Material
Moisture Barrier
Thickness
The product offers a good balance of thickness and strength, suitable for leveling minor floor imperfections without being overly bulky.
Material
The underlay is easy to cut and lay, allowing for a seamless and snug fit beneath laminate flooring.
Moisture Barrier
Its waterproof membrane provides reliable moisture protection, helping to preserve the floor's longevity.
Sound Insulation
Sound insulation is effective, contributing to a noticeably quieter room environment.
Compatibility with Flooring Type
Installation is straightforward, making it a practical choice for typical residential wood or laminate flooring setups.
#3

Royale - 2mm White Foam Underlay for Any Laminate/Real Wood Floor - 1m x 15m (15m2 Roll Size) - Acoustic Flooring Underlay

The Royale 2mm White Foam Underlay is designed for use under laminate and real wood floors. Its 2mm thickness is on the thinner side, making it suitable for installations where height clearance is limited but offering less cushioning and sound absorption compared to thicker options. Made from foam, it provides basic comfort and some level of sound insulation, helping reduce floor noise, though it may not deliver strong acoustic performance.

The product does not explicitly mention a moisture barrier, so it may not offer significant protection against dampness from below, which is a consideration if installing over concrete or in moisture-prone areas. It is compatible with most laminate and hardwood floors, making it a versatile choice for general residential use. The roll size covers 15 square meters, convenient for medium-sized rooms.

Customer feedback is positive, with high ratings reflecting satisfaction with its performance for typical floor installations. For those seeking a straightforward, budget-friendly underlay to improve comfort and reduce minor noise under laminate or wood flooring, this Royale foam underlay is a fitting option. However, if moisture protection or superior sound insulation is a priority, thicker or specialized underlays with built-in barriers might be more suitable.

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.