Best Underlayment for Vinyl Plank Flooring: A Designer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Underlayment for Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring in 2025

Vinyl plank flooring has become a go-to material for homeowners and designers who want the look of hardwood without the maintenance headaches. But to get that perfect, seamless finish and long-term durability, what goes underneath truly matters. As a seasoned interior designer who’s guided dozens of US clients through flooring remodels, I can tell you: choosing the best underlayment for vinyl plank flooring isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about matching your lifestyle, subfloor, and even the local climate for best results.

Whether you’re working with a concrete basement, a creaky old wood subfloor, or a brand-new room addition, the right underlayment makes or breaks your floor’s feel and sound. And if you’re DIY-ing your flooring, understanding the basics stops costly mistakes before you even unbox your first plank. If you’re short on time, this table breaks it down.

Type of UnderlaymentBest ForKey Benefits FoamAbove-grade plywood, concrete subfloorBasic sound dampening, affordable CorkMulti-story homes, apartmentsSuperior noise reduction, natural mold resistance FeltWarm climates, radiant floorsSoft underfoot, stable moisture barrier Moisture Barrier OnlyBasements, ground-level on concreteBest for waterproof planks, protects from subfloor moisture Plan Before Modeling

I always start by assessing the subfloor and the vinyl plank product. Not all LVPs need underlayment—if they have an attached pad, adding extra could void your warranty. Check your product details before purchase! In one recent remodel, a client nearly doubled her spending on unnecessary felt underlayment, not realizing her planks already included a premium attached pad. If you’re exploring options on layout, the 2D Floor Planner can help you map tricky spots that might need extra prep—like kitchens or basements where moisture is a concern.

Choose the Right Tools

Laying vinyl planks is wonderfully forgiving, but investing in a quality underlayment cutter and vapor barrier tape can save you time and frustration. Most modern underlayments snap or roll together—but for large spaces or complex rooms, consulting a Free Floor Plan Creator to plan your workflow ensures you won’t run out of product mid-job. Always wear knee pads—you’ll thank me!

Common Mistakes & Fixes

One of the biggest mistakes is skipping the underlayment when it’s needed. I had a client last year who installed LVP directly on basement concrete without a vapor barrier. Within a season, planks started to cup, and a musty smell set in. We had to rip up and redo the job—all because of a $0.25/sq. ft. underlayment mistake! Consult the manufacturer’s specs every time, and for DIY-ers, check out a DIY room decor inspiration page for step-by-step visuals.

Client Collaboration Insights

Clients often ask how much underlayment impacts comfort and sound. If you live above neighbors, cork underlayments significantly deaden both footfall and airborne sound. Recent Statista data shows acoustic improvements are a top remodel request for urban apartments in 2025. When collaborating with clients digitally, sharing a sample of each underlayment (and even walking barefoot!) can be the clincher for final decisions.

FAQ

1. Do all vinyl plank floors need underlayment?
2. Not always. Many high-end LVPs include an attached pad. If installing over concrete or below grade, always use a moisture barrier unless the product says otherwise.
3. What’s the best underlayment for concrete subfloors?
4. A moisture barrier is essential. For extra warmth or sound dampening, layer with foam or cork—but only if your planks allow it.
5. Is cork overkill for vinyl plank flooring?
6. If you need top-tier sound insulation or suffer allergies (mold resistance!), cork is excellent. For ground floors or basements, stick with moisture barriers.
7. How thick should underlayment be for LVP?
8. Most vinyl planks use 1–2mm underlayment. Too thick makes floors unstable and voids warranties.
9. Can I use old carpet underlay for vinyl?
10. No—carpet underlay is too soft and can cause plank joints to fail over time.
11. Does underlayment impact heating?
12. Yes, especially with radiant floors—look for thin, heat-conductive felt or specialized products that allow proper heat flow.
13. What if noise is my main concern?
14. Choose cork or specialized acoustic foam for the best reduction; felt works for mild improvement.
15. Is installation DIY-friendly?
16. Definitely! Just follow the manufacturer’s guides, and prep your space with help from digital planning tools.
17. How does underlayment affect resale value?
18. Quality prep (right underlayment, properly installed) boosts both value and buyer impressions. Appraisers note the difference, especially in noisy condos.
19. Tips for first-time installers?
20. Go slow around edges, overlap moisture barriers, and always trim with a fresh utility blade.
21. Where can I plan my flooring before buying?
22. Explore options with a room visualization platform to avoid surprises (and extra trips to the hardware store).
23. Is foam or felt better?
24. Foam is cheaper and fine for basic jobs; felt offers a bit more sound absorption and comfort, especially in bedrooms.