10 Best Laminate Underlayments 2025 in the United States

The QuietWalk LV Underlayment is a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their flooring experience with luxury vinyl, laminate, or wood floors. One of its standout features is the superior sound reduction offered by the recycled fibers, which can significantly minimize noise transfer between rooms, creating a quieter living environment. This makes it particularly beneficial for apartments or multi-story homes where noise can be a concern.

Another great aspect is its compression resistance. This underlayment effectively supports the seams of your flooring, ensuring that it won’t flatten over time even with consistent foot traffic. Additionally, it includes a moisture barrier that protects your floors from potential damage due to moisture vapor emissions, making it suitable for use over both concrete and wood subfloors.

Moreover, the product is environmentally friendly, made from recycled synthetic fibers without harmful VOCs, which is a plus for indoor air quality. It’s also compatible with in-floor radiant heating systems, allowing for even heat distribution while protecting your flooring from thermal shock.

The 3in1 Vapor Barrier Flooring Underlayment by Bestlaminate is designed to cater to those looking for effective solutions for their laminate flooring projects. With a thickness of 2mm, it strikes a balance between durability and flexibility, making it suitable for various flooring types, including wood and cement subfloors. One of its standout features is the pre-attached self-sealing tape strip, which enhances installation ease, as it helps to ensure a secure and moisture-resistant fit.

This underlayment also includes a vapor block overlap, an important aspect for those concerned about moisture issues, particularly in areas with higher humidity. The 3-in-1 design means it serves multiple purposes: it acts as a vapor barrier, provides sound insulation, and adds cushioning underfoot, which is a great bonus if you're looking for comfort.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. While the 2mm thickness offers decent protection, users with heavy foot traffic or those looking for higher sound insulation might find it a bit lacking compared to thicker underlayments available on the market. Additionally, as it's primarily foam material, it may not provide the same level of sturdiness as some other materials, so it's essential to assess your specific needs before purchasing. The product is eco-friendly, shipped in recyclable bags, which is a plus for environmentally conscious buyers.

The ROBERTS Black Jack Underlayment is designed for use under laminate and engineered wood flooring, making it a versatile option for many homeowners. With a thickness of 2.5 mm, it provides a good balance of cushioning and support. The large 600 sq. ft. roll is cost-effective compared to buying multiple smaller rolls, which is a plus for those covering large areas. This underlayment is particularly suitable for use over radiant heated floors, adding to its versatility.

One of its standout features is the sound insulation, with an IIC rating of 70 and an STC rating of 66, which means it effectively reduces noise transmission, making it a good choice for multi-story homes or apartments. Installation is made easier with the included plastic overlap and adhesive strip, although beginners might still find it a bit challenging without prior experience. Since it is made from synthetic materials, it may not be the best choice for those looking for eco-friendly options. Additionally, while it is effective at reducing sound, it might not completely eliminate noise for those needing extreme soundproofing.

In conclusion, the ROBERTS Black Jack Underlayment is a reliable and cost-effective option that provides good sound insulation and is easy to install, making it a suitable choice for most laminate and engineered wood flooring projects.