Should You Use Padding Under Vinyl Plank Flooring?

vinyl plank floors are a popular flooring choice due to their affordability and waterproof properties. Their snap-together plank design allows for easy DIY installation. But should you use padding underneath vinyl plank flooring? There are good arguments on both sides to consider.

We'll look at the different types of paddings available and provide recommendations on when to use padding and what types work best.

What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Vinyl plank flooring provides the look of wood or tile floors in an affordable and resilient vinyl format. The planks click or snap together over an existing hard surface floor or subfloor. Benefits of vinyl plank floors include:

• Durability to withstand scratches, stains, and dents
• Affordability compared to natural stone, hardwood or porcelain tiles
• Waterproof and moisture-resistant
• Easy DIY installation that floats over existing floors

What Is Padding?

Padding, also called underlayment, is a thin cushioned layer that is installed underneath flooring materials. Underlayment pads out slight imperfections in the subfloor to create a smooth, even surface for installing flooring. Benefits of using padding under vinyl planks include:

• Provides comfort and ergonomic support
• Absorbs noise for quieter floors
• Insulates against cold from concrete floors
• Forms moisture barrier to prevent damage
• Protects flooring lifespan by absorbing impacts

Padding Makes Vinyl Floors More Comfortable

One of the best reasons to use padding under vinyl plank flooring is added comfort. Quality padding creates a supportive, ergonomic walking surface that's easier on your joints, back, and feet. This can be especially beneficial if you'll be standing for long periods of time.

Thicker padding offers more plush softness and bounce with each step. This cushioning also helps prevent fatigue over lengthy periods on your feet. So for laundry rooms, kitchens, and other high-traffic areas, padding can make vinyl floors more comfortable.

It Absorbs Noise for Quieter Floors

Padding also helps absorb both impact noise and airborne noise for quieter vinyl plank flooring.

When walking across hard flooring materials, noise gets amplified as footsteps reverberate sharply. Padding muffles this echoing impact noise between footsteps and the hard subfloor. This cushioning also reduces noise transfer between floors in multi-level homes.

In addition, quality acoustic padding dampens airborne noises like voices from transmitting as easily through floors. This improves sound insulation for more privacy.

Padding Insulates Vinyl Floors

Underlayment padding also provides important thermal insulation benefits under vinyl plank flooring.

Padding acts as a barrier against cold emanating from concrete subfloors, helping vinyl floors feel warmer underfoot. This makes floors more comfortable, especially for basement renovations or floors over concrete slabs.

Some padding types also improve energy efficiency by reducing heat loss. This can lead to savings on energy bills over time. Overall, padding's insulating properties help regulate temperature.

It Forms a Moisture Barrier

Installing padding under vinyl plank flooring also safeguards against moisture damage. Quality moisture-resistant padding creates a barrier to prevent moisture seepage.

In areas prone to spills or high humidity like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, padding blocks liquid from seeping underneath and causing issues. This moisture barrier protects the longevity of vinyl plank flooring.

Additionally, impermeable padding prevents moisture accumulating under floors which can cause mold, mildew, and staining over time. Proper underlayment helps guard against deterioration.

Padding Protects Vinyl Lifespan from Impacts

Underlayment also plays a pivotal role in protecting vinyl plank floors from dents, scratches, and other damage stemming from impacts.

Quality padding absorbs the brunt of forces from heavy footsteps, moving furniture, falling objects, and more. This cushioning prevents these impacts from deteriorating vinyl floors over time.

Thicker, denser padding offers increased protection and shock absorption. So while padding adds initial costs, it saves money in the long run by enabling vinyl flooring products to last their full lifespan.

Reasons Not to Use Padding

However, there are a few reasons not to use additional padding with vinyl plank flooring:

• Padding adds extra costs upfront to flooring projects
• The layer of padding can make floors feel slightly higher which takes adjusting
• Installing padding on your own increases complexity for DIYers

Types of Padding

If you decide to use padding, which type works best? There are a few common options, each with their own mix of benefits.

Foam

Foam padding made from polyurethane or recycled rubber tire foam provides an affordable, cushioned padding for vinyl floors.

Foam is supportive yet springs back well. It comes in various thicknesses and densities to dial-in desired softness and sound insulation.

Felt

Felt underlayment offers firm support with natural sound absorbing properties. It withstands pressure well, making it a good concrete subfloor padding.

Sturdy pressed felt padding also won't break down easily and provides longevity. Just avoid felt for damp areas which can cause mold or mildew growth within it over time.

Cork

For an eco-friendly padding option, cork underlayments provide natural moisture resistance. Cork insultates effectively and offers comfortable resilience.

As a renewable plant-based material, cork makes great padding that's also antimicrobial and won't foster mold growth. Yet, it is porous so avoid cork padding for particularly damp spaces.

Rubber

Rubber underlayment delivers exceptional acoustic damping properties. Dense rubber padding absorbs heavy impacts while providing cushioned comfort.

Rubber stands up well to furniture legs, high heels, and other concentrated weight without flattening. This makes it ideal for heavy traffic areas. Just know, thicker rubber padding comes at a higher price point.

Deciding whether to use padding under vinyl plank flooring depends on your specific project's budget, location in the home, and needs.

In general, quality foam or cork provide great shock absorbing padding at reasonable price points. Yet make sure to follow your vinyl floor manufacturer's guidelines on appropriate underlayments for warranty purposes.

For tricky installations beneath appliances or intricate areas, hiring a professional installer is often advisable. But in straightforward areas, foam padding can be simple to install as a DIY homeowner.

Ultimately, padding improves vinyl plank flooring's longevity, comfort, and resilience. Just weigh the pros and cons relative to your vinyl flooring plans when choosing whether to pad or not.