How to Install Laminate Floor Underlay
- 1). Look at the subfloor that will be supporting your laminate. Is it wood or concrete? Wood floors need room to breathe to prevent moisture buildup. You will need to cover concrete floors with a moisture-proof barrier to stop moisture from flowing upward and damaging the laminate.
- 2). Get sound-absorbent foam padding if you will be installing the laminate in upper-story rooms. This will prevent sound from traveling to rooms below.
- 3). Prepare the subfloor. Make sure it is level and free of dust and debris. Cut off any nails that are poking out. Sand down any high spots in wood subfloors. On concrete subfloors, you can use a self-levelling compound to even out any valleys.
- 4). Cut your moisture barrier (if needed) and lay it out on the subfloor. Attach pieces together with packing tape. You want the plastic pieces to overlap by at least 8 inches.
- 5). Cut the foam padding and lay out above the moisture barrier. Attach pieces together with packing tape. Unlike the moisture barrier, these do not overlap. Attach them at the edges.
- 6). Install your laminate flooring.
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