What flooring underlayment means
Flooring underlayment is a thin layer between the subfloor and the finished floor that smooths small flaws, adds cushion or sound control, and sometimes blocks moisture.
Also called underlay, foam underlayment.
Where it matters on a flooring job
Some floors come with an attached pad, and adding another one can void the warranty. Read the product sheet before you buy underlayment for it.
What it costs
Jobs that involve flooring underlayment are priced in the laminate flooring installation cost guide: about $2,600 typical, usually $1,500 to $4,100. The guide shows its sources and what moves the price. The flooring cost calculator prices a job line by line.
Work it out
- Free calculator: Flooring cost calculator
- Cost guide: Laminate flooring installation cost
- Tools, templates and guides: Free flooring resources