Concrete Subfloors? Here's the Best Vinyl Plank Underlayment
Installing vinyl plank flooring can transform dull concrete floors into beautiful, livable spaces. But simply laying planks directly on concrete can cause problems like echoes, cold floors, and even moisture damage.
That's why using the right underlayment underneath vinyl planks is so important, especially for concrete subfloors. Selecting the proper underlay addresses issues with hardness, noise, and moisture penetration from concrete slabs.
Problems With Installing Vinyl Planks Directly on Concrete
Concrete's dense, unyielding surface causes several undesirable effects when vinyl plank flooring is installed on top of it.
Hardness and Lack of Resiliency
The firm flatness of concrete offers no "give" or flexibility, making vinyl planks prone to damage from impacts. The hardness also prevents the planks from conforming to slight variations in the floor, resulting in uneven seams and gaps.
Thermal Conductivity Makes Floors Cold
Concrete readily conducts ambient temperature, causing vinyl plank floors to feel uncomfortably cold during winter months. Without insulation from underlayment, it saps warmth from bare feet.
Noise and Echo Amplification
Sound reverberates sharply off concrete subfloors rather than being dampened. Every footstep and dropped item echoes loudly throughout rooms. An unprotected vinyl floor provides no barrier against this noise transmission.
Moisture Concerns with Concrete
Even properly cured concrete can transmit some ground moisture. This water vapor easily damages vinyl plank flooring from below, causing planks to warp, peel up, or discolor.
Benefits of Using Underlayment
Quality underlayment offers solutions to vinyl plank issues caused by concrete floors. It brings comfort, protection, and insulation to create an enjoyable living space.
Cushioning Comfort
Flexible underlayment materials like foam or cork provide a slight yet noticeable springiness under each step. This resiliency makes long periods of standing or walking on hard floors less tiring.
Insulates Against Noise and Cold
Underlayments muffle contact noise from foot traffic and furniture shifting above. They also block thermal conductivity, preventing chill from seeping up into vinyl planks from concrete.
Creates More Even Surface
Thin underlayment layers can conform to minor irregularities in concrete that rigid planks can't accommodate. This helps smooth out slight bumps or divots for a flatter floor.
Moisture Protection for Concrete
Special moisture barrier underlayments keep ground humidity from passing through into vinyl flooring above. Some even actively wick water away, providing a permanently dry environment.
Underlayment Types for Concrete Subfloors
Selecting the optimal underlayment involves weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each leading material type:
Foam Underlayments
- Pros: Excellent cushioning and comfort. Available in various densities and thicknesses.
- Cons: Can compress or deteriorate over time. Not as effective for sound proofing.
- Best Options: High density polyfoam with attached moisture barrier film.
Felt Underlayments
- Benefits: Effective sound dampening. Thin for low profile.
- Limitations: Minimal comfort improvement or thermal benefit.
- Top Picks: Heavy density reinforced felt, 40 oz/sq yd or higher.
Cork Underlayments
- Why it Excels on Concrete: Natural resilience recreates "give" of wood. Muffles noise.
- Disadvantages: Can crumble over decades. Not waterproof without coating.
- Highly Rated Options: >3mm pure cork with attached cork moisture barrier.
Key Underlayment Features for Concrete
Consider these performance metrics when selecting the best underlayment for vinyl plank flooring over concrete:
Cushioning Ability
Higher thickness and foam density provide better shock absorption and anti-fatigue qualities.
Compression Resistance
Avoid underlayments that excessively compact from weight over time. Optimal balance of rigidity and flexibility.
Moisture Barrier Qualities
Essential for concrete installs. Poly film or cork layers block both liquid water and water vapor transmission.
Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Impact Insulation Class (IIC) Ratings
Higher numbers = better sound proofing. Compare products' test data to select optimal noise reduction.
Other Concrete Subfloor Preparation Tips
Proper slab testing and addressing unevenness also helps vinyl plank flooring success on concrete:
Ensuring Proper Slab Dryness
Test moisture content before installing floor. Wait until concrete moisture levels are suitable per manufacturer specs.
Testing for Moisture
Use calcium chloride testing or relative humidity probes to verify acceptably dry concrete per vinyl plank guidelines.
Addressing Unevenness
Level significant non-flatness with appropriate patching material. Otherwise cushioned underlayment will conform better than rigid planks.
Installing Underlayment on Concrete
Follow best practices when putting down underlayment over concrete for vinyl plank flooring:
Subfloor Prep Steps
Grind down high points. Fill divots. Vacuum away all loose grit, dirt and dust.
Laying Underlayment Correctly
Unroll underlayment perpendicular to vinyl plank direction. Butt edges tightly but do not overlap seams.
Joining Seams Properly
On moisture barrier films, overlap edges 6-12" and seal with waterproof tape. For foam, cork or felt use underlayment seam tape.
The Best Underlayment for Vinyl Planks on Concrete
Based on all evaluation criteria, these emerge as top underlayment recommendations for vinyl plank flooring over concrete subfloors:
Top 3 Recommendations
- 2-3mm Foam Underlayment With Vapor Barrier Film
- 6mm Cushioned Cork Underlayment With Cork Moisture Barrier
- High Density Rubber Core Felt Underlayment
Honorable Mentions
- XL Brands PolyPropylene Underlayment
- MP Global QuietWalk High Density Foam
Best Budget Pick
Blue Hawk 2-in-1 Ultra Light Foam Underlayment
Choosing and properly installing quality underlayment makes all the difference when installing vinyl plank flooring over concrete. Take time to understand your needs and match them to the underlayment options that provide the best moisture protection, sound insulation, and comfort.
Even concrete can be an excellent foundation for beautiful and enjoyable vinyl plank flooring.