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8 Best Lvt Underlayment 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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
Chosen by1,244
Thickness
Sound Absorption
Compatibility

Most important from
223 reviews

Thickness
Not too thick as to cause any flexing with LVP joints, but still enough cushion to make walking on it pretty quiet.
Sound Absorption
The combination of the cork backing on the LVT, the acoustic layer in the LVT, and this product seems to be as much assurance of a quiet floor as I could find.
Compatibility
Worked out great for our LVP installation.
Thermal Insulation
Makes a cold kitchen a totally cozy hangout on those chilly mornings.

The QuietWalk LV Luxury Vinyl, Laminate, or Wood Underlayment offers a range of impressive features that make it a versatile choice for various flooring types. Its compatibility with floating, glue-down, and nail-down installation methods ensures flexibility for different flooring projects. The underlayment excels in sound absorption, utilizing recycled fibers to reduce noise, making it ideal for homes where sound control is essential. Its compression-resistant structure maintains floor integrity under heavy foot traffic, which is a significant advantage for areas with high usage.

The moisture protection feature is particularly noteworthy, with DriWick technology allowing concrete subfloors to breathe and an attached vapor barrier to prevent moisture damage, offering peace of mind in moisture-prone areas. Additionally, it's safe for indoor air quality as it contains no VOCs, making it a healthy choice for households. The product is also compatible with in-floor radiant heat systems, ensuring heat distribution without risking thermal shock to the flooring material.

One potential drawback is the thickness, which is 0.06 inches; while sufficient, it might not be the thickest option available, potentially influencing its thermal insulation capability slightly. However, its ease of installation and coverage of 360 square feet per roll makes it convenient for large projects. Made in the USA with recycled materials, it is an environmentally friendly option. This underlayment offers substantial benefits for those seeking sound reduction, moisture protection, and versatile installation options for luxury vinyl, laminate, or wood floors.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,244
Thickness
Sound Absorption
Compatibility

Most important from
223 reviews

Thickness
Not too thick as to cause any flexing with LVP joints, but still enough cushion to make walking on it pretty quiet.
Sound Absorption
The combination of the cork backing on the LVT, the acoustic layer in the LVT, and this product seems to be as much assurance of a quiet floor as I could find.
Compatibility
Worked out great for our LVP installation.
Thermal Insulation
Makes a cold kitchen a totally cozy hangout on those chilly mornings.
#2

Wood Fiber Flooring Underlayment, 3mm (1/8 Inch) Thickness - 180 Sq Ft, Natural Soundproofing Insulation, for Laminate, Vinyl, LVT, LVP, or Hardwood

Rating
10.0
Thickness
Sound Absorption
Ease of Installation

Most important from
428 reviews

Thickness
Using two layers allowed for adjusting larger imperfections and provided a cost-effective solution.
Sound Absorption
The sound deadening properties significantly reduce impact noise, making walking on the floor much quieter.
Ease of Installation
Installation was painlessly easy without the need for nails or screws, absorbing imperfections and reducing squeaks.

The Wood Fiber Flooring Underlayment by STEICO is a versatile option that can be used with various types of flooring, including laminate, vinyl, LVT, LVP, and hardwood. With a thickness of 3mm (1/8 inch), it offers a good balance between providing enough cushioning and maintaining structural integrity.

One of its standout features is its natural soundproofing insulation, which has been tested and certified in the US for superior sound control, enhancing living comfort by reducing noise levels. Additionally, the product is made from pure wood fiber material without any glue additives, making it VOC and emissions free, and thus healthier for indoor environments.

The wood fiber material is certified per PEFC guidelines, ensuring environmental responsibility. Another notable benefit is its high compression strength, which helps protect the flooring.

Rating
10.0
Thickness
Sound Absorption
Ease of Installation

Most important from
428 reviews

Thickness
Using two layers allowed for adjusting larger imperfections and provided a cost-effective solution.
Sound Absorption
The sound deadening properties significantly reduce impact noise, making walking on the floor much quieter.
Ease of Installation
Installation was painlessly easy without the need for nails or screws, absorbing imperfections and reducing squeaks.
#3

Schluter Ditra-XL Uncoupling and Waterproofing Membrane for Ceramic and Stone Tile Application - Quick Installation, Made of Polyethylene, 7mm Thickness, 175 Square Feet - DITRA-XL/175

Rating
9.8
Compatibility
Ease of Installation

Most important from
212 reviews

Compatibility
Perfect for installing over OSB, with plenty of helpful videos available for guidance.
Ease of Installation
This underlayment is incredibly easy to work with, making tile installation much faster and simpler.

The Schluter Ditra-XL Uncoupling and Waterproofing Membrane is a versatile and effective underlayment for ceramic and stone tile installations. With a thickness of 7mm, it provides a substantial base that helps prevent tile cracking by neutralizing stress between the substrate and tiles. It's made of polyethylene, which serves as an excellent moisture barrier, protecting moisture-sensitive substrates like plywood and OSB, making it suitable for various environments including bathrooms and kitchens.

The product is designed to be compatible with a wide range of substrates, including concrete, plywood, OSB, and gypsum, and can be used with heated floors, enhancing its flexibility in different installation scenarios. Additionally, its unique structure supports even distribution of heavy loads, making it ideal for high traffic areas and spaces with heavy furniture.

The quick installation features, such as cutting grooves and air release vents, simplify the setup process, allowing for precise adjustments and faster adhesive setting. Given its ease of installation and strong protective features, this membrane is especially beneficial for users looking to ensure durability and stability in their tile flooring projects.

Rating
9.8
Compatibility
Ease of Installation

Most important from
212 reviews

Compatibility
Perfect for installing over OSB, with plenty of helpful videos available for guidance.
Ease of Installation
This underlayment is incredibly easy to work with, making tile installation much faster and simpler.

Buying Guide for the Best Lvt Underlayment

Choosing the right LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) underlayment is crucial for ensuring the longevity, comfort, and performance of your flooring. Underlayment serves as a base layer between the subfloor and the LVT, providing benefits such as sound reduction, moisture protection, and added comfort. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your specific needs and installation environment.
ThicknessThickness refers to the depth of the underlayment material. It is important because it affects the comfort underfoot, sound absorption, and the ability to mask minor subfloor imperfections. Underlayments typically range from 1mm to 6mm in thickness. Thinner underlayments (1-2mm) are suitable for areas with low foot traffic and where height is a concern. Medium thickness (3-4mm) offers a balance of comfort and sound reduction, ideal for most residential spaces. Thicker underlayments (5-6mm) provide maximum comfort and sound insulation, perfect for high-traffic areas or multi-story buildings. Choose the thickness based on the level of comfort and sound reduction you need.
Sound AbsorptionSound absorption measures the underlayment's ability to reduce noise, both within the room and between floors. This is important for creating a quieter living environment, especially in multi-story homes or apartments. Underlayments are rated by their Impact Insulation Class (IIC) and Sound Transmission Class (STC). Higher ratings indicate better sound absorption. For quiet environments, look for underlayments with higher IIC and STC ratings. If noise is not a major concern, standard sound absorption levels will suffice.
Moisture BarrierA moisture barrier is a feature that prevents moisture from seeping through the subfloor and damaging the LVT. This is crucial in areas prone to moisture, such as basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. Some underlayments come with an integrated moisture barrier, while others require a separate layer. If you are installing LVT in a moisture-prone area, choose an underlayment with a built-in moisture barrier or plan to add a separate moisture barrier layer.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to how well the underlayment works with your specific type of LVT flooring. Some LVT products have specific underlayment requirements to maintain their warranty and performance. It's important to check the manufacturer's recommendations for underlayment to ensure compatibility. Choose an underlayment that is recommended or approved for use with your LVT to avoid any issues with installation or warranty.
Thermal InsulationThermal insulation refers to the underlayment's ability to retain heat and provide a warmer floor surface. This is particularly important in colder climates or rooms where you want to maintain a comfortable temperature. Underlayments with good thermal insulation properties can help reduce heating costs and provide a more comfortable living environment. If you live in a colder area or want to improve the warmth of your floors, look for underlayments with high thermal insulation ratings.
Ease of InstallationEase of installation refers to how simple it is to lay down the underlayment. This can be important if you are planning a DIY installation. Some underlayments come with features like self-adhesive strips or interlocking edges that make installation quicker and easier. If you are installing the underlayment yourself, look for products that are designed for easy installation to save time and effort.

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