10 Best Underlayment For Laminate Flooring On Concrete 2026 in the United States

The QuietWalk LV underlayment is a solid choice for those looking to install laminate, luxury vinyl, or wood flooring over concrete. One of its standout features is its superior sound reduction capability, which is particularly beneficial for homes where noise can be an issue. The recycled fibers effectively absorb sound, making your flooring feel more solid and quieter underfoot. The compression-resistant design also ensures that it can handle foot traffic without warping or losing support over time.

Moisture protection is another significant advantage. With its unique DriWick technology, the underlayment allows concrete to breathe, preventing moisture buildup that could damage the flooring above. This is crucial for installation on concrete subfloors. The attached vapor barrier further enhances protection, which is especially appealing for those living in humid climates.

Compatibility is a plus, as it works with various installation methods, whether you're opting for floating, glue-down, or nail-down techniques. It even accommodates in-floor radiant heat systems, allowing for even heat distribution and added comfort. The thickness of 0.06 inches might not be sufficient for some users who prefer a thicker underlayment for enhanced insulation or sound dampening. Additionally, while it covers a generous area of 360 square feet, larger projects may require multiple rolls, which could increase the overall cost. Some users might also find the installation process slightly more complex compared to simpler options. Lastly, the fact that it is made from recycled materials and has no VOCs makes it a safe choice for indoor air quality, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. This underlayment is a versatile and effective option for many flooring projects, particularly where sound reduction and moisture protection are priorities.

The QuietWalk LV 300 is a high-quality underlayment designed to work well with laminate, luxury vinyl, and engineered wood flooring, especially suitable for installations on concrete. It offers strong moisture protection thanks to its patented DriWick technology and integrated 6-mil vapor barrier, which helps keep floors dry and prevents damage from concrete moisture. Sound reduction is another key strength; its dense recycled fiber construction absorbs impact noise, making rooms quieter—a big plus in open or large spaces. It also resists compression well, meaning it can handle heavy furniture or foot traffic without losing support or causing floor damage.

The underlayment is compatible with radiant heating systems, adding warmth and comfort underfoot. At about 0.06 inches thick, it provides a good balance between cushioning and stability without raising the floor too much. Installation is straightforward since the material is lightweight and easy to cut, suitable for do-it-yourself projects. Being eco-friendly and GREENGUARD Gold certified means it has low chemical emissions, which is great for indoor air quality.

While it supports a range of laminate and vinyl types (at least 4mm thick), it might not be the best fit for very thin or specialty flooring. Also, at 300 square feet per roll, it’s ideal for medium to larger areas but could be more than necessary for small rooms. QuietWalk LV 300 represents a solid choice when effective moisture and sound protection are needed, combined with durability and easy installation for laminate flooring on concrete.

The QuietWalk Laminate and Floating Wood Flooring Underlayment with Attached Vapor Barrier is designed for use with laminate and floating wood floors, making it a versatile option for different flooring setups. One of its standout features is the superior sound reduction, thanks to its recycled fiber construction, which absorbs sound effectively and prevents it from traveling to other rooms. This makes your floors feel more solid and less noisy underfoot, which is a significant advantage for households with multiple levels or rooms where sound containment is important.

The product is also compression-resistant, meaning it maintains its structure and support even under consistent foot traffic, which helps in extending the life of your flooring seams and installation. Additionally, the moisture protection feature, with its Dri-Wick technology, is particularly beneficial for concrete subfloors, as it allows them to breathe and prevents moisture from becoming trapped, which can cause damage. The attached vapor barrier provides an extra layer of protection against moisture, making it suitable for both concrete and wood subfloors. For those concerned about indoor air quality, this underlayment is certified to have no VOCs or off-gassing, ensuring a safer home environment.

It is also compatible with in-floor radiant heat systems, allowing heat to permeate evenly and protecting the floor from thermal shock. However, it’s worth noting that if you plan to nail or glue down your laminate or wood flooring, you’ll need to opt for the QuietWalk Plus instead. Moreover, for those using luxury vinyl flooring, the QuietWalk LV would be a better fit. At a thickness of 0.13 inches, it strikes a balance between providing adequate insulation and being easy to handle during installation. Covering 100 square feet per roll, it’s a convenient size for most room installations. The blue color and rectangular shape (400 x 36 x 0.13 inches) make it easy to cut and fit into place. This product is made in the USA from recycled synthetic fibers, adding an eco-friendly angle to its list of benefits. The main drawback is that it might not be suitable for more specialized flooring needs, such as luxury vinyl or installations requiring adhesive.