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10 Best Hardwood Floor Underlayments 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

ROBERTS Black Jack Underlayment - 600 sq. ft. Roll - 43" x 167.5' x 2.5 mm

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,290
Sound Insulation
Ease of Installation

Most important from
775 reviews

Sound Insulation
Our floors are quiet and have a very soft feel when you walk on them, thanks to this underlayment.
Ease of Installation
The underlayment was fairly easy to lay down, making installation straightforward even for non-professionals.

The ROBERTS Black Jack Underlayment is well-suited for use under laminate and engineered wood flooring, offering a solid blend of performance and value. One of its primary strengths is the extensive coverage provided by the 600 sq. ft. roll, which is cost-effective compared to purchasing smaller individual rolls. The 2.5 mm thickness provides a good balance, offering cushioning and reducing sound transmission, with impressive IIC and STC ratings of 70 and 66 respectively, making it a good choice for noise reduction.

Additionally, it is compatible with radiant heated floors, adding versatility for various installation settings. It's user-friendly with an easy installation process that includes plastic overlap and an adhesive strip for convenience. The product is highly regarded by professional installers and has a substantial history of usage, with over 60 million sq. ft. sold, indicating reliability and trust in its performance.

Potential drawbacks include its weight of nearly 10 pounds, which might be cumbersome for some users during installation. The product's origin from China might also be a consideration for those prioritizing locally-sourced materials. The ROBERTS Black Jack Underlayment is a robust option for homeowners and professionals looking for effective moisture and sound insulation for laminate or engineered wood floors with the added benefit of ease of installation.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,290
Sound Insulation
Ease of Installation

Most important from
775 reviews

Sound Insulation
Our floors are quiet and have a very soft feel when you walk on them, thanks to this underlayment.
Ease of Installation
The underlayment was fairly easy to lay down, making installation straightforward even for non-professionals.
#2

QuietWalk LV Luxury Vinyl, Laminate, or Wood Underlayment (Float, Glue, or Nail) w/Vapor Barrier- Sound Reduction, Compression Resistant, Moisture Protection 6'x60’ Roll (Covers 360 sf) QW360LV

Rating
10.0
Sound Insulation
Thickness
Compatibility with Flooring Type

Most important from
223 reviews

Sound Insulation
Installed in a second floor to avoid bothering the neighbors downstairs.
Thickness
Not too thick as to cause any flexing with LVP joints, but still enough cushion to make walking on it pretty quiet.
Compatibility with Flooring Type
Worked out great for our LVP installation.

The QuietWalk LV Luxury Vinyl, Laminate, or Wood Underlayment is a versatile option that caters to various flooring types, including floating, glue-down, and nail-down methods. It excels in sound insulation, thanks to its recycled fiber construction, which effectively absorbs noise and prevents it from traveling between rooms. This characteristic makes it particularly useful for households with multiple floors or rooms where sound control is essential. Additionally, the underlayment is compression-resistant, ensuring durability under consistent foot traffic and maintaining the integrity of your flooring seams.

Moisture protection is another strong point, as the DriWick technology and attached vapor barrier prevent moisture from damaging your floors, making it suitable for both concrete and wood subfloors. The product's compatibility with in-floor radiant heat systems is also notable, allowing for even heat distribution without risking thermal shock to the flooring material. Made from recycled synthetic fibers, it is an environmentally friendly choice and is certified for safe indoor air quality with no VOCs or off-gassing.

On the downside, the underlayment's thickness is on the thinner side at 0.06 inches, which might not provide the same level of cushioning as thicker options. Moreover, while it covers a substantial area of 360 square feet per roll, the weight of 30 pounds per roll could make handling and installation challenging for some users. Despite these minor drawbacks, its ease of installation and wide compatibility make it a solid choice for various flooring projects.

Rating
10.0
Sound Insulation
Thickness
Compatibility with Flooring Type

Most important from
223 reviews

Sound Insulation
Installed in a second floor to avoid bothering the neighbors downstairs.
Thickness
Not too thick as to cause any flexing with LVP joints, but still enough cushion to make walking on it pretty quiet.
Compatibility with Flooring Type
Worked out great for our LVP installation.
#3

Wood Fiber Flooring Underlayment, 6mm (1/4 Inch) Thickness - 180 Sq Ft, Natural Soundproofing Insulation, for Laminate, Vinyl, LVT, LVP, or Hardwood

Rating
9.8
Sound Insulation
Ease of Installation

Most important from
428 reviews

Sound Insulation
"The sound deadening is impressive, significantly reducing the noise from walking on any solid surface flooring."
Ease of Installation
"Installation was painlessly easy, even without nails or screws, making it a breeze to lay down."

The STEICO Wood Fiber Flooring Underlayment is a solid choice for various flooring types, including laminate, vinyl, LVT, LVP, and hardwood. It boasts a 6mm thickness, which provides good sound insulation and helps enhance living comfort by reducing noise. Thanks to its natural wood fiber material, it offers a safe option free from VOCs and glue additives, which is great for maintaining indoor air quality. Moreover, the product is PEFC certified, ensuring sustainable sourcing of materials.

One of its unique strengths is the 'Vapor Open' technology, which prevents moisture accumulation and allows air to circulate, thus offering protection against minor leaks and moisture-related issues. This feature helps in extending the life of your flooring. Installation seems manageable as the product can be layered for leveling purposes, and it supports the click-lock system of floors, preventing squeaks and the 'springy' effect when walking. However, at 50 pounds for the entire package, it might be a bit cumbersome to handle during installation. The product spans 180 square feet, but since it comes in two packages, users need to ensure they have enough coverage for their entire flooring project. This underlayment is especially beneficial for users looking for an eco-friendly, sound-insulating, and moisture-resistant option for their flooring projects.

Rating
9.8
Sound Insulation
Ease of Installation

Most important from
428 reviews

Sound Insulation
"The sound deadening is impressive, significantly reducing the noise from walking on any solid surface flooring."
Ease of Installation
"Installation was painlessly easy, even without nails or screws, making it a breeze to lay down."

Buying Guide for the Best Hardwood Floor Underlayments

Choosing the right hardwood floor underlayment is crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of your flooring. Underlayment serves as a protective layer between the subfloor and the hardwood, providing benefits such as moisture resistance, sound insulation, and added comfort. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your specific needs.
Moisture BarrierA moisture barrier is a layer within the underlayment that prevents moisture from seeping up from the subfloor into the hardwood. This is particularly important in areas prone to dampness or humidity, such as basements or bathrooms. If you live in a humid climate or are installing flooring in a moisture-prone area, look for underlayments with a strong moisture barrier to protect your hardwood from warping and damage.
Sound InsulationSound insulation refers to the underlayment's ability to reduce noise transmission between floors. This is important in multi-story homes or apartments where you want to minimize the sound of footsteps and other noises. Underlayments with higher sound insulation ratings are ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and other areas where quiet is desired. If noise reduction is a priority, choose an underlayment specifically designed for sound insulation.
ThicknessThe thickness of the underlayment can affect both comfort and insulation properties. Thicker underlayments provide better cushioning and can help with minor subfloor imperfections, making the floor feel more comfortable underfoot. However, they may also raise the height of the floor, which could be an issue with door clearances or transitions to other flooring types. Consider the thickness based on your comfort preference and the specific requirements of your installation area.
Material TypeUnderlayments come in various materials such as foam, cork, rubber, and felt. Each material has its own set of benefits. Foam is lightweight and easy to install, cork offers excellent sound insulation and is eco-friendly, rubber provides superior moisture resistance, and felt is durable and provides good cushioning. Choose the material based on the specific benefits you need, such as sound insulation, moisture resistance, or environmental considerations.
Compatibility with Flooring TypeNot all underlayments are suitable for all types of hardwood flooring. Some underlayments are designed specifically for engineered hardwood, while others are better suited for solid hardwood. Ensure that the underlayment you choose is compatible with the type of hardwood flooring you are installing to avoid issues with installation and performance.
Ease of InstallationEase of installation can vary between different underlayments. Some come with adhesive backing for quick installation, while others may require additional tools or steps. If you are planning to install the underlayment yourself, look for options that are user-friendly and come with clear instructions. Professional installation might be necessary for more complex underlayments.

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