10 Best Underlayment For Hardwood Floors 2025 in the United States

The STEICO Wood Fiber Flooring Underlayment offers a 6mm (1/4 inch) thickness, which is a good middle ground for sound reduction and cushioning under hardwood and similar flooring types like laminate and vinyl. Its main strength lies in natural soundproofing, thanks to the wood fiber material that has passed rigorous acoustic testing, making it a solid choice if noise reduction is important in your home. The underlayment is breathable and features “vapor open” technology, helping to prevent moisture buildup that can damage hardwood floors, although it is not a full plastic moisture barrier, so it may not be ideal in very damp areas without additional protection.

The QuietWalk LV underlayment is a solid choice for anyone looking to install luxury vinyl, laminate, or wood floors. One of its standout features is its superior sound reduction capability. The recycled fibers effectively absorb sound, making floating floors feel more solid underfoot, which is great for reducing noise between rooms. Additionally, the moisture protection provided by the DriWick technology is a significant advantage, especially for those installing over concrete subfloors. It allows for moisture vapor to escape, while the attached vapor barrier protects the flooring above from potential damage.

The QuietWalk Laminate Flooring Underlayment is a well-regarded choice for those installing laminate, floating engineered wood, or luxury vinyl plank floors that are 5mm thick or more. It stands out with its excellent sound reduction, thanks to recycled fiber materials that absorb noise effectively, making floors feel more solid and less hollow underfoot. Its compression-resistant felt provides good support for click-together flooring systems, helping maintain stability over time and under foot traffic.