I'm not a floor wiz by any means.. we currently have old laminate floor in our living room and the wife wants to update. We have cheap unattached foam underlayment below it with no issues. The wife picked out a new style but it has attached pads. Any issues with attached? I know there would be a gap around every seam.. is there a durability issue with this? Such as cracking at the seams (since there is no padding under the seams) or causing gaps or anything? Or should I quit worrying and do what the wife asks? I told her we are holding off until I ask on here lol. I'm a big guy (300lbs) and even though the underlayment is thin walking along the seams with a gap doesnt sound durable,but I'm not a floor guy so i have no intelligence on the subject either
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Laminate floors (planks): Attached vs unattached underlayment?
- Thread starter Sh40674
- Start date
kd3pc
Well-known member
we have always removed the current foam, and then either used new foam or laminate with the foam attached. I would pick out the floor you like, and then ask the maker of that floor what they suggest for their product.
I have found that when the flooring is wider than 2.5- 3 inches the un-foamed edge is not an issue, narrower flooring could be an issue when there is "too much foam". Shorter laminates may have issues with connection strength, with out proper support.
I have found that when the flooring is wider than 2.5- 3 inches the un-foamed edge is not an issue, narrower flooring could be an issue when there is "too much foam". Shorter laminates may have issues with connection strength, with out proper support.
JR 42
Well-known member
There shouldn't be an issue with the flooring itself due to the attached pad. It's a problem if you're concerned about sound transmission to the floor below (like in a condo with IIC requirements) or are relying on the separate pad to also function as a moisture barrier (not a good idea IMO, 6- mil poly is cheap).
It's not as easy anymore to find laminate or floating LVP without pad attached, seems like most products have cork or foam on the back.
It's not as easy anymore to find laminate or floating LVP without pad attached, seems like most products have cork or foam on the back.
Toomanytools?
Well-known member
Continuous pad helps with vapor barrier, that is a concern if our laying a floor over a non heated space such as concrete slab.
Decided to try it. Will find out over christmas break. Told the guy at menards I was interested in that or a more expensive one if they have issues.. he was real with me, told me to save my money as they haven't had any complaints related to attached. Also clued me in to bring my receipt back today as it will be going on sale so I could get the sale difference back. Wish they were all like that