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10 Best Underlayment For Vinyl Plank Flooring Vapor Barrier 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

360 Sq Ft Acoustical Underlayment with Vapor Barrier for Luxury Vinyl Flooring

The QuietWalk LV Underlayment offers a solid choice for anyone looking to install luxury vinyl, laminate, or wood flooring. One of its standout features is the superior sound reduction; made from recycled fibers, it effectively absorbs sound, ensuring a quiet environment, which is particularly beneficial for multi-level homes or apartments. Additionally, the compression-resistant material supports the seams of your flooring, making it durable against constant foot traffic.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,103
Thickness
Sound Absorption
Compatibility with Vinyl Plank Flooring

Most important from
360 reviews

Thickness
Despite being bulkier, it does not cause any flexing with LVP joints, ensuring a stable and durable flooring surface.
Sound Absorption
Worked out great for LVP installation, providing enough cushion to make walking on it pretty quiet.
Compatibility with Vinyl Plank Flooring
Worked out great for LVP installation, providing enough cushion to make walking on it pretty quiet.
#2
9.8 score

ROBERTS Black Jack Underlayment - 600 sq. ft. Roll - 43" x 167.5' x 2.5 mm

The ROBERTS Black Jack Underlayment is a solid choice for those looking to install vinyl plank flooring, particularly due to its efficient use of material and performance features. With a thickness of 2.5 mm, it provides a good balance of cushioning and sound reduction, making it suitable for both residential and commercial settings. The IIC and STC ratings of 70 and 66 respectively indicate that it effectively minimizes sound transmission, which is beneficial in multi-story homes or apartments. Its compatibility with radiant heated floors is a significant plus for users looking to maintain warmth in their living spaces.

Rating
9.8
Sound Absorption
Compatibility with Vinyl Plank Flooring

Most important from
782 reviews

Sound Absorption
The underlayment was fairly easy to lay down, and it was perfect for providing a quiet and soft feel to the floors once settled.
Compatibility with Vinyl Plank Flooring
Despite some installation quirks, the underlayment is high quality, durable, and easy to cut without tearing.
#3
9.6 score

Wood Fiber Flooring Underlayment, 3mm (1/8 Inch) Thickness - 270 Sq Ft, Natural Soundproofing Insulation, for Laminate, Vinyl, LVT, LVP, or Hardwood

The Wood Fiber Flooring Underlayment is designed to enhance the comfort and quality of your vinyl plank flooring installation. Its 3mm thickness offers decent cushioning while also ensuring a strong support system for your floor, which can help to prevent squeaking and prolong the lifespan of the flooring. Thanks to the natural wood fiber material, this underlayment provides excellent soundproofing, making it ideal for spaces where noise reduction is a priority.

Rating
9.6
Thickness
Sound Absorption
Compatibility with Vinyl Plank Flooring

Most important from
428 reviews

Thickness
Using two layers allows for better handling of larger imperfections and increases overall stability.
Sound Absorption
Significantly reduces impact noise, making walking on solid surface flooring quieter.
Compatibility with Vinyl Plank Flooring
Absorbs minor subfloor imperfections, providing a smooth, gap-free surface.

Top 10 Best Underlayment For Vinyl Plank Flooring Vapor Barrier 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

360 Sq Ft Acoustical Underlayment with Vapor Barrier for Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Thickness: 0.06 inches
Material: Recycled Fiber
Vapor Barrier: Yes
Sound Absorption: Yes
Compatibility with Vinyl Plank Flooring: Yes

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Buying Guide for the Best Underlayment For Vinyl Plank Flooring Vapor Barrier

Choosing the right underlayment for vinyl plank flooring with a vapor barrier is crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of your flooring. Underlayment provides a smooth surface for the vinyl planks, adds cushioning, reduces noise, and can protect against moisture. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs and the conditions of your installation area.
ThicknessThickness refers to how thick the underlayment material is. This is important because it affects the comfort underfoot, sound absorption, and the ability to smooth out minor subfloor imperfections. Underlayments typically range from 1mm to 6mm. Thinner underlayments (1-2mm) are suitable for areas where height is a concern or where the subfloor is already smooth. Medium thickness (3-4mm) provides a good balance of comfort and sound reduction, while thicker options (5-6mm) offer maximum cushioning and noise dampening, ideal for high-traffic areas or multi-story buildings.
MaterialThe material of the underlayment can affect its performance in terms of durability, moisture resistance, and sound absorption. Common materials include foam, cork, and rubber. Foam is lightweight and provides good cushioning and sound reduction, making it a popular choice for residential use. Cork is eco-friendly, offers excellent sound insulation, and is naturally resistant to mold and mildew, suitable for areas where moisture might be a concern. Rubber is highly durable, provides superior sound insulation, and is ideal for commercial spaces or areas with heavy foot traffic.
Vapor BarrierA vapor barrier is a layer within the underlayment that prevents moisture from seeping through from the subfloor to the vinyl planks. This is crucial in areas prone to moisture, such as basements, kitchens, or bathrooms, as it helps prevent mold and mildew growth and protects the flooring from damage. Underlayments with an integrated vapor barrier are convenient and provide added protection. If moisture is not a significant concern in your installation area, you might opt for an underlayment without a vapor barrier.
Sound AbsorptionSound absorption refers to the underlayment's ability to reduce noise transmission. This is particularly important in multi-story buildings or rooms where noise reduction is desired. Underlayments are rated by their Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Impact Insulation Class (IIC) ratings. Higher ratings indicate better sound insulation. For residential use, an STC rating of 50 and an IIC rating of 50 are generally sufficient. For more demanding environments, look for higher ratings to ensure optimal noise reduction.
Compatibility with Vinyl Plank FlooringNot all underlayments are suitable for use with vinyl plank flooring. It's important to choose an underlayment that is specifically designed for vinyl planks to ensure proper performance and avoid issues such as shifting or damage to the flooring. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for compatibility to ensure you select an appropriate underlayment for your vinyl plank flooring.

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