Underlayment For Laminate Flooring Menards: Making Your Floors Last And Feel Great

Devan Mayer 19 Aug 2025

When you're thinking about putting down new laminate floors, you know, there's often a lot more to it than just picking out the planks themselves. A big part of getting it right, and making sure your new floor feels good and sticks around for a long time, involves something called underlayment. This is a very important layer that goes down before your laminate, and it really makes a difference. It's almost like the unsung hero of your flooring project, quietly working to give you a better result. So, if you're planning a trip to Menards for your flooring needs, getting a good grasp on underlayment is a smart move.

You might be wondering, actually, why this extra step is so talked about. Well, underlayment for laminate flooring, especially when you're getting it from a place like Menards, does a whole lot of good things. It helps with noise, protects against dampness, and even makes the floor feel softer under your feet. People often skip this part, thinking it's not a big deal, but that can lead to problems down the road. It's like building a house without a proper foundation; it just won't hold up as well.

This guide is here to walk you through everything you might want to know about underlayment for laminate flooring, focusing on what you can find and think about at Menards. We'll talk about what it is, why it's so helpful, the different kinds you might see, and, you know, some tips for putting it down. By the time we're done, you'll feel much more ready to pick out the right stuff and get your flooring project going smoothly.

What is Underlayment and Why It Matters for Laminate?
Types of Underlayment You Might See at Menards
Choosing the Right Underlayment at Menards
Tips for Putting Down Underlayment with Your Laminate
Frequently Asked Questions About Laminate Underlayment

What is Underlayment and Why It Matters for Laminate?

Underlayment, in a way, is a special layer that goes between your subfloor—that's the base of your floor—and the laminate planks you're putting down. It's not just some extra thing; it's a very important part of a good flooring system, as a matter of fact. Think of it as a helpful buffer, doing several jobs at once to make your new floor work better and last longer.

The Protective Layer

Basically, underlayment acts like a shield. It helps keep your laminate planks safe from the rougher surface of the subfloor. Without it, you know, the constant rubbing and shifting could wear down your laminate over time. This protective barrier is a big deal for the long-term health of your floor.

Making Surfaces Flat

Even if your subfloor looks pretty good, it often has tiny bumps or dips. Underlayment, actually, can help smooth out these small differences. It creates a more even surface for your laminate to sit on, which is important for the planks to click together properly and stay that way. A truly flat base helps prevent gaps and creaks later on.

A Moisture Blocker

One of the biggest helpers underlayment provides is keeping moisture away from your laminate. Laminate, you see, doesn't like water very much; it can swell and warp. Many underlayments come with a built-in moisture barrier, which is really important, especially if you're putting flooring in a basement or on a concrete slab. This barrier helps keep dampness from coming up and hurting your floor.

Giving Comfort and Lasting Power

Adding underlayment, so, also makes your floor feel better to walk on. It gives a bit of cushion, making the laminate feel less hard and cold. This little bit of give also helps your laminate last a good long while. It lessens the shock from footsteps and daily use, which, you know, helps keep the planks from getting damaged over time.

Quieting the Steps

Laminate floors, sometimes, can be a bit noisy when you walk across them. Underlayment, in fact, does a great job of soaking up some of that sound. It reduces the hollow sound and the clicking noises that laminate can sometimes make. This is especially good if you live in a multi-story home or just prefer a quieter living space, as a matter of fact.

Types of Underlayment You Might See at Menards

When you head to Menards, you'll probably see a few different kinds of underlayment, each with its own special qualities. Knowing what each type offers, you know, can help you pick the best one for your specific needs and the kind of laminate you're putting down.

Foam Underlayment

This is often the most budget-friendly choice, and it's pretty common. Foam underlayment, so, gives some sound dampening and a little bit of cushion. It's good for light traffic areas and where moisture isn't a big worry. Some foam types also have a moisture barrier attached, which is a good thing to look for, actually.

Felt Underlayment

Felt underlayment, you know, is usually a bit thicker and denser than foam. It offers better sound control and a more solid feel underfoot. It's often made from recycled materials, which is a nice bonus. This type is generally a good pick for laminate floors, giving them a more substantial feel, as a matter of fact.

Cork Underlayment

Cork is a natural choice that's known for its excellent sound-blocking abilities and insulation properties. It's a bit more expensive, perhaps, but it's really good for reducing noise, especially in apartments or homes where sound travels easily. Cork also resists mold and mildew, which is a very helpful feature.

Combination Underlayments

Many underlayments, you'll find, combine different features into one roll. You might see foam with an attached vapor barrier, or a felt layer with extra sound-dampening material. These combo products, so, are often very convenient because they do several jobs at once, simplifying your project a little bit. Menards, you know, often carries a good selection of these multi-purpose options.

Choosing the Right Underlayment at Menards

Picking the right underlayment for laminate flooring at Menards means thinking about a few things unique to your home and project. It's not a one-size-fits-all situation, you know, so taking a moment to consider your specific needs will help you make a smart choice.

Thinking About Your Subfloor

First off, consider what kind of subfloor you have. Is it plywood, OSB, or concrete? Concrete subfloors, you know, usually need an underlayment with a strong moisture barrier because concrete can let dampness through. Wood subfloors are a bit more forgiving, but a moisture barrier is still a good idea, just to be safe, as a matter of fact.

Moisture Needs

If you're putting laminate in a basement or a room that tends to get humid, a separate or built-in moisture barrier is, you know, absolutely necessary. Laminate and water do not mix well, and a good barrier can save you a lot of headaches later on. Menards will have options clearly marked with moisture protection, so that's something to look for.

Sound Control

Are you worried about noise? Maybe you live in a multi-level home, or you just don't like the sound of footsteps echoing. If so, you know, look for underlayments that specifically mention sound dampening or noise reduction. Thicker felt or cork options, or those with special sound-absorbing layers, will be your best bet, generally speaking.

Menards Shopping Perks

When you're at Menards, you'll find they offer convenient ways to get your underlayment. As the information suggests, you can often get free shipping on qualified underlayment products, or, you know, buy online and pick up in store today in the flooring department. This can save you time and hassle, especially if you're buying a lot of material for a big project. It's a very helpful service, actually.

Tips for Putting Down Underlayment with Your Laminate

Once you've picked out the right underlayment from Menards, putting it down correctly is the next big step. It's not overly complicated, but paying attention to a few details, you know, will make a big difference in how your laminate floor turns out.

First, make sure your subfloor is very clean and dry. Any dust, dirt, or debris can cause issues later on. Sweep and vacuum thoroughly, and, you know, check for any moisture. If there's dampness, you need to address that before laying anything down, otherwise, it could be a real problem.

When you roll out the underlayment, typically, make sure it lays flat. You want to avoid any wrinkles or bumps, as these can show through your laminate. Cut the underlayment to fit the room, leaving a small gap around the edges, maybe a quarter-inch or so, to allow for expansion. This little space is important, as a matter of fact.

Many underlayments have tape strips or require special tape to seal the seams between rolls. This is very important for moisture protection and, you know, keeping the underlayment from shifting. Make sure all seams are tightly sealed. Some types, too, will just butt up against each other without tape, so check the instructions for your specific product.

Work in sections, putting down a few rows of underlayment, and then, you know, immediately laying your laminate planks over it. This helps keep the underlayment from getting damaged or moving around while you're working. Don't lay out the whole room's underlayment all at once unless you're very careful not to walk on it too much before the laminate goes down.

Remember to follow the specific instructions that come with your underlayment and laminate flooring. Every product, you know, might have slightly different recommendations. These guidelines are there to help you get the best possible result, so paying attention to them is a very good idea.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laminate Underlayment

Do you need underlayment for laminate flooring with attached pad?

Generally speaking, if your laminate flooring already has a pad attached, you usually don't need a separate underlayment for cushioning or sound. However, you know, if you're putting it over concrete or in a basement, a separate moisture barrier is often still a very good idea. It's like having an umbrella, you know, even if you have a rain jacket, just in case.

What is the best underlayment for laminate flooring over concrete?

For concrete, the very best underlayment will include a strong moisture barrier. You might find rolls that are a combination of foam or felt with a plastic film attached, you know, specifically designed to block dampness. Cork can also be a good choice, but it often needs an additional vapor barrier over concrete, as a matter of fact.

Can I use red rosin paper as underlayment for laminate?

No, you know, red rosin paper is not a good substitute for proper laminate underlayment. It doesn't offer moisture protection, sound dampening, or cushioning. It's mostly used as a simple slip sheet for other types of flooring. For laminate, you really need a product made for that purpose to ensure your floor lasts and performs well.

Choosing the right underlayment for your laminate flooring project from Menards is a smart step that pays off in the long run. It's like, you know, setting up your floor for success, giving it a solid base, protection from dampness, and a quieter, more comfortable feel. Taking the time to understand your options and put it down correctly will make your new laminate floor a source of joy for many years. You can learn more about flooring choices on our site, and also check out this page for more home improvement tips.

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