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Looking to reduce noise and enhance the comfort of your vinyl plank flooring? Choosing the right soundproof underlayment can make all the difference.
Soundproof underlayment minimizes airborne noise and improves the Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Impact Insulation Class (IIC) ratings of your flooring, making your home quieter and more serene.
Based on 50 hours of research, our comprehensive guide will help you find the best soundproof underlayment for vinyl plank flooring.
With options that offer superior sound absorption and are easy to install, you can achieve great results without extensive effort. Key features to consider include water resistance, cutability, and overall quality.
High-quality underlayment works effectively, ensuring your investment is worth the money. Whether dealing with noisy neighbors or simply wanting to create a peaceful environment, selecting the right underlayment is essential.
We’ll explore top-rated products that meet these criteria, offering good quality and effective noise reduction. This guide is designed to provide you with user-friendly, clear, and professional insights, helping you make an informed decision for your flooring needs.
That's why investing in the best soundproof underlayment for vinyl plank flooring is a smart choice for enhancing both comfort and tranquility in your home.
Soundproof underlayment is a layer of material placed between the subfloor and the vinyl plank flooring to reduce noise transmission. It absorbs impact sound, such as footsteps, and airborne noise, making rooms quieter.
Typically made from foam, rubber, or cork, it also provides additional benefits like moisture protection and thermal insulation.
This underlayment improves the overall acoustic quality of your space, making it more comfortable and serene. So if you are considering soundproof underlayment for your flooring, you enhance both the performance and longevity of your flooring, ensuring a better living environment.
Soundproof underlayment is essential for anyone looking to enhance the acoustic comfort of their home. By absorbing impact noise and reducing airborne sound, it significantly lowers noise levels between floors.
This is especially beneficial in multi-story homes or apartments where noise can easily travel between levels.
In addition to noise reduction, soundproof underlayment provides added comfort underfoot. It acts as a cushion, making walking on vinyl plank flooring more comfortable.
This is particularly valuable in areas where you spend a lot of time standing, such as kitchens or living rooms.
Moreover, soundproof underlayment offers moisture protection, preventing water from seeping through to the subfloor. This helps in maintaining the integrity of both the flooring and the subfloor, extending their lifespan.
It also contributes to better thermal insulation, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, which can lead to energy savings.
Best Overall
We are highly rated for: Quality, value, ease of installation, comfort, and sound-dampening
Photo: Amazon
Last updated on 2024-07-05 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon
The BlueStep Underlayment with Moisture Barrier is a top-rated choice for those seeking the best soundproof underlayment for vinyl plank flooring. This 200 sq. ft. roll offers built-in moisture protection, eliminating the need for additional films.
Its standard sound absorption effectively quiets foot traffic and reduces household noise, making it ideal for active homes. Designed for laminate, engineered wood, and solid hardwood floor systems, this underlayment is easy to install with the included tape for seam connection.
We particularly appreciate the quality and value of BlueStep Underlayment. Its sturdy construction provides the necessary comfort under engineered hardwood, and the adhesive strip simplifies installation.
The cushioned foam underlayment smooths out minor subfloor imperfections and increases thermal and sound insulation, enhancing overall comfort. While opinions are mixed on adhesion and flatness, sound damping and moisture protection benefits make this product a worthy investment.
Best Runner-Up
We are highly rated for: Quality, sound dampening, comfort, performance, and ease of installation
Photo: Amazon
Last updated on 2024-07-05 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon
The QuietWalk LV Luxury Vinyl, Laminate, or Wood Underlayment is a top choice for those seeking the best soundproof underlayment for vinyl plank flooring. This versatile product covers 360 sq. ft. per roll and is compatible with floating, glue-down, or nail-down installation methods, making it suitable for various flooring types, including luxury vinyl, laminate, and wood.
This underlayment excels in sound reduction, thanks to its recycled fiber construction, which absorbs sound and prevents it from traveling to other rooms. The dense, compression-resistant structure supports the seams of your floor and maintains integrity under consistent foot traffic.
The unique DriWick technology allows concrete subfloors to breathe, preventing trapped moisture vapor emissions, while the attached vapor barrier protects the overlying floors from damage. This feature makes it ideal for use over both concrete and wood subfloors. Additionally, the product is certified for clean and safe indoor air quality, with no VOCs or off-gassing from materials.
Compatible with in-floor radiant heat systems, this underlayment allows heat to permeate evenly, protecting the floor covering material from thermal shock. Pairing this underlayment with the QuietWarmth Radiant Heat System is recommended for added comfort.
We highly appreciate the quality, sound dampening, comfort, and ease of installation of the QuietWalk LV underlayment. It's a great product that works well and is easy to install, making it an excellent investment for enhancing your flooring's performance and comfort.
Best Affordable
We are highly rated for: Ease of installation, quality, cushioning, soundproofing
Last updated on 2024-07-05 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon
The ROBERTS Black Jack Underlayment is a top contender for the best soundproof underlayment for vinyl plank flooring. This product covers 100 sq. ft. with dimensions of 28 ft. x 43 in. x 2.5 mm, making it a versatile choice for laminate and engineered wood flooring. The dense, closed-cell structure offers a reliable moisture barricade, ensuring your floors remain protected from subfloor moisture.
One of the standout features of this underlayment is its ease of installation. The plastic overlap and adhesive strip simplify the process, making it quick and hassle-free. This product is also appreciated for its cushioning and sound reduction capabilities, providing a comfortable and quiet flooring experience.
We like the quality and performance of the ROBERTS Black Jack Underlayment. It’s easy to work with, perfect for underlay, and offers a cushy floor. Additionally, the soundproofing properties add significant value, and the ease of cutting and laying makes it a practical choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
However, some users have reported concerns about its sturdiness, mentioning that it may tear or scuff easily. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall performance and affordability of the ROBERTS Black Jack Underlayment make it an excellent choice for those seeking a cost-effective solution for their flooring needs.
If you're looking for an affordable and effective soundproof underlayment, the ROBERTS Black Jack Underlayment offers great value with its ease of installation, sound reduction, and cushioning benefits.
Best Bang
We are highly rated for: Quality, ease of installation, value, sound reduction
Photo: Amazon
Last updated on 2024-07-05 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon
The QuietWalk Laminate and Floating Wood Flooring Underlayment with Attached Vapor Barrier is an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their flooring experience. Covering 100 sq. ft. per roll, this underlayment is designed for use with laminate and floating wood floors, offering a range of features that make it stand out.
One of the key benefits is its superior sound reduction. Made from recycled fibers, this underlayment absorbs sound effectively, preventing it from traveling to other rooms and making click-together floating floors sound solid underfoot. The dense intertwined structure is compression-resistant, supporting the seams of your floor and ensuring it won’t compress under consistent foot traffic.
Moisture protection is another highlight. The unique Dri-Wick technology allows concrete subfloors to breathe, preventing moisture vapor emissions from becoming trapped. The attached vapor barrier further protects the overlying floors from potential damage. This underlayment is also compatible with in-floor radiant heat systems, allowing heat to permeate evenly and protecting the floor covering material from thermal shock.
Made of recycled synthetic fibers in the USA, this product is certified for clean and safe indoor air quality with no VOCs or off-gassing from materials. It is also easy to install, thanks to the plastic overlap and adhesive strip, making it a convenient option for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals.
The QuietWalk Underlayment offers a perfect balance of quality, ease of installation, and value, making it a top choice for those seeking an effective soundproofing solution for their vinyl plank flooring.
Best Budget
We are highly rated for: Ease of installation, noise reduction, performance, value, quality
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Last updated on 2024-07-05 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon
The Laminate & Wood Flooring Underlayment with Vapor Barrier is an exceptional choice for those seeking top-notch soundproofing and moisture protection for their vinyl plank flooring. Covering 100 sq. ft. per roll, this underlayment is compatible with both floating and glue-down installation methods and is approved for floors with a pre-attached pad.
One of the standout features is its superior sound reduction. Made from recycled fibers, this underlayment absorbs sound effectively, preventing it from traveling to other rooms and ensuring that click-together floating floors sound solid underfoot. The dense intertwined structure is designed to be compression-resistant, supporting the seams of your floor and maintaining its integrity under consistent foot traffic.
Moisture protection is another key benefit. The unique DriWick technology allows concrete subfloors to breathe, preventing moisture vapor emissions from becoming trapped. The attached vapor barrier further protects the overlying floors from potential damage. Additionally, this product is compatible with in-floor radiant heat systems, allowing heat to permeate evenly and protecting the floor covering material from thermal shock.
Made of recycled synthetic fibers in the USA, this underlayment is certified for clean and safe indoor air quality, with no VOCs or off-gassing from materials. The advanced vapor barrier is "self-healing," offering protection from moisture even when the flooring is mechanically fastened. For those needing a product compatible with luxury vinyl flooring, QuietWalk LV is recommended.
The Laminate & Wood Flooring Underlayment offers exceptional value for its quality, ease of installation, and performance, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious homeowners seeking effective soundproofing and moisture protection.
Best Luxury
We are highly rated for: Quality, ease of installation, moisture protection, sound absorption
Photo: Amazon
Last updated on 2024-07-05 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon
The Luxury Vinyl Plank Floor Underlayment is an exceptional choice for those seeking premium soundproofing and moisture protection for their vinyl plank flooring. Covering 200 sq. ft. per roll, this underlayment is specifically designed for luxury vinyl plank, luxury vinyl tile, and multi-layer flooring like WPC, SPC, and rigid core vinyl planks.
One of the standout features is its superior moisture protection. The built-in moisture blocking film effectively protects your floors from harmful subfloor moisture, eliminating the need for additional films. This feature ensures your floors remain in pristine condition, even in moisture-prone areas.
Sound absorption is another key benefit. This underlayment helps to quiet sounds from foot traffic, reducing noise in active households and minimizing the hollow sound often associated with floating floors. The cushioned foam underlayment also enhances comfort by smoothing out minor subfloor imperfections and irregularities, increasing both thermal and sound insulation.
Installation is a breeze with this product. The easy roll-out design and included tape make connecting seams simple and efficient. Additionally, the printed grid lines help create fast, accurate cuts, ensuring a perfect fit every time.
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. While the underlayment is ideal for vinyl flooring, it may require frequent replacements in high-traffic areas. Additionally, at 1mm thick, it may not be as effective on uneven subfloors. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Luxury Vinyl Plank Floor Underlayment remains a top choice for those seeking luxury, comfort, and performance.
This underlayment offers exceptional value for its quality, ease of installation, and effective moisture and sound protection, making it an excellent choice for luxury vinyl plank flooring.
Selecting the best soundproof underlayment for vinyl plank flooring involves considering several key factors to ensure optimal performance and comfort. Here’s what to look for:
Material Composition
Soundproof underlayments are typically made from materials like foam, rubber, cork, or a combination. Foam and rubber are known for their excellent noise reduction and cushioning properties.
Cork, while also effective for soundproofing, adds the benefit of being eco-friendly. Each material has its unique advantages, so choose one that best meets your specific needs.
The thickness of the underlayment plays a crucial role in its effectiveness. Thicker underlayments generally provide better sound absorption and cushioning.
A thickness of 1.5 to 3mm is often sufficient for most vinyl plank flooring applications. Ensure the underlayment is compatible with your flooring type to avoid any installation issues.
Look for underlayment with high Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Impact Insulation Class (IIC) ratings.
The STC rating measures how well the material reduces airborne noise, while the IIC rating indicates its effectiveness in reducing impact noise. Higher ratings mean better soundproofing capabilities.
If you’re installing vinyl plank flooring in areas prone to moisture, such as basements or kitchens, choose an underlayment with a built-in moisture barrier.
This feature prevents water from seeping through the flooring, protecting both the vinyl planks and the subfloor from damage.
Consider how easy the underlayment is to install. Some products come with self-adhesive strips or are designed to be rolled out and cut easily, making the installation process quicker and more straightforward.
An easy-to-install underlayment can save you time and effort during the installation process.
Some underlayments offer additional features like thermal insulation, which can help regulate temperature and potentially reduce energy costs.
Others may include antimicrobial properties to prevent mold and mildew growth, ensuring a healthier indoor environment.
Carpet underlayment is not suitable for vinyl plank flooring. Carpet underlayments are typically too thick and soft, which can cause the vinyl planks to shift or buckle over time.
This instability can lead to gaps and uneven surfaces, compromising the integrity of your flooring.
Additionally, carpet underlayments do not provide the necessary moisture barrier required for vinyl plank flooring.
Vinyl flooring often needs a specific type of underlayment designed to protect against moisture and provide the right support.
Without the proper underlayment, moisture can seep through, damaging both the vinyl planks and the subfloor.
To ensure the longevity and performance of your vinyl plank flooring, use an underlayment specifically designed for it.
These underlayments offer the right combination of soundproofing, moisture protection, and stability, ensuring a durable and comfortable flooring installation.
Always check the manufacturer's recommendations for the best results.
The right soundproof underlayment can greatly enhance the performance and comfort of your vinyl plank flooring. It reduces noise, provides added cushioning, and offers essential moisture protection.
Investing in a high-quality underlayment ensures a quieter, more comfortable, and longer-lasting flooring experience. Carefully consider the material, thickness, sound ratings, and additional features to make an informed decision.
This thoughtful approach will result in a more enjoyable and durable flooring installation, adding value to your home and improving your living environment.
QuietWalk Plus is often considered the best due to its comprehensive features and ease of installation.
A thickness of 1.5 to 3mm is typically sufficient for effective soundproofing.
While possible, it is not recommended as underlayment enhances noise reduction, comfort, and moisture protection.
