Underlay is the term for a thin material such as fiber, felt, rubber or foam, that is laid between the subfloor and the floor. Underlays are useful for stability, insulation, sound reduction, cushioning and moisture protection. Underlay is commonly used for floating wood floors. Fixed floors do not usually incorporate an underlay as they are fixed directly to the subfloor.
Beyond these functions, underlay can also extend the lifespan of your flooring by reducing stress and wear, while providing a smoother, more comfortable surface underfoot. It helps cover small imperfections in the subfloor, offers added warmth, and in certain types such as moisture-resistant or acoustic underlays protects against dampness and reduces noise between floors. Choosing the right underlay depends on the flooring material, the room’s purpose, and the conditions of the subfloor.
Underlayment is a must! Some flooring options come with an underlay attached to the underside of the flooring panels. If there is an underlay attached you are still required to use a moisture barrier, which is either a painted or 80 micron HDPE plastic underlay.
Since our laminate and engineered wood flooring ranges make use of a floating floor installation, the underlay must be evenly distributed across your subfloor. Underlayment is what allows the floor to float, gives it stability, support, noise reduction, and supports the locking systems in between planks to assure the sturdiest flooring project.
For years the underlay we today call “combilay” has been a most suitable and cost effective underlay for the flooring industry.
Combilay is made of a 2mm thick aerothene that is laminated onto a clear 80 micron virgin plastic moisture membrane, with a 100mm overlap on the one side that is to be taped down.
The next generation of “Floating Floor” underlay is now here. FINIXPE underlay is a premium acoustic underlay made up of a 2mm sound dampening high performance Irradiated Cross-Linked Polyethylene (IXPE) extra fine foam , with an overlapping vapour barrier of 80 micron HDPE (High Density Polyethylene), for extra moisture protection at the joints.
Easy to install with easy peel tape to adhere to the overlap
A commercial crumb underlay designed for domestic or commercial installations for both soft and hard flooring. Manufactured from a high content of selected, recycled tyres bound in a unique latex formulation that delivers exceptional resilience and durability.
A combination underlay consisting of a 2mm rubber underlay laminated with a 300 micron moisture membrane made of virgin plastic.
TAL Superscreed SL is a residential grade self-levelling and smoothing underlayment compound manufactured from rapid-setting shrinkage-compensated cement and selected aggregates, and specially formulated to achieve the smooth and flat surface required for the installation of resilient floor coverings in residential installations.
Can also be used in light commercial installations.
Designed application thickness:1-12mm in a single layer.
"*" indicates required fields
