Do You Need an Underlayment for Vinyl Plank Flooring?: Understanding When and Why Underlayment Matters in Vinyl Plank Installation

I still remember the first project where a client asked, “Do I really need to put an underlayment beneath my vinyl plank flooring?” It’s such a common—and surprisingly nuanced—question, especially with today’s variety of rigid core and flexible plank products. The short answer: sometimes yes, sometimes no. Let’s break down what matters, share some real stories, and help you make the best call for your space.

Project Planning: The Foundation of Good Flooring

Before grabbing your first box of vinyl planks, pause for some honest assessment of your existing subfloor. Is it concrete or plywood? Smooth or riddled with old glue spots? Many modern vinyl products, especially those labeled as “LVP” (luxury vinyl plank), offer built-in underlayments or claim to not need them, but don’t let marketing alone guide you. In my Milwaukee reno last year, the subfloor had subtle dips—a quick check with a level told us extra cushioning was needed to avoid that hollow sound underfoot.

If you're drawing up your floor plan and tallying materials, consider reviewing options on a 2D floor planner platform. Mapping out what's underneath is every bit as important as the pattern you see up top.

Choose the Right Tools—And Materials

Underlayment isn’t just for comfort; it serves multiple roles: moisture protection, sound dampening, and minor levelling. For concrete subfloors, especially in basements, a vapor barrier is usually non-negotiable. In the recent ASID 2025 trends report, soundproofing is on the rise as open-concept homes and upstairs bedrooms become more common. Foam or cork underlayments shine here—but always double-check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your plank.

Some click-lock vinyl planks come with pre-attached pads. For those, adding another layer can void your warranty (a fine print detail a surprising number of DIYers miss!). Thoroughly reading product technical sheets before purchase can save big headaches down the line.

Common Mistakes & Fixes from Real Remodels

One DIYer I coached tried laying planks directly on plywood, skipping underlayment, and soon noticed increased foot noise echoing through their small apartment. The fix required uninstalling part of the flooring, laying a thin sound-dampening layer, and reassembling. On another job, skipping a moisture barrier over basement concrete led to subtle plank cupping after a heavy spring storm—another hard-learned lesson.

When in doubt, consult resources specifically about the right preparation—using a floor planning tool can help you visualize the installation layers and catch possible issues early.

Client Collaboration Insights

Having open, clear discussions with clients about budget and expected comfort levels always pays off. In upscale projects, most are happy to invest in premium underlayment for a softer feel and reduced noise, particularly in kid-friendly spaces or multi-unit homes. Houzz’s 2025 Design Insights found homeowners who invested in sound-reducing underlayment reported higher satisfaction even years after install. It’s often one of those "you don’t notice until you don’t have it" upgrades.

For a deeper dive into personalizing underlayment choices, an online room planner lets you compare finishes, underfoot feel, and sound properties—all virtually, saving time and budget before making your final decision.

FAQ

1. Is underlayment always required for vinyl plank flooring?
2. Not always—many products have pre-attached pads. But you generally need it over concrete, below-grade, or for comfort and sound reduction.
3. What type of underlayment is best for basements?
4. Moisture barriers or vapor barriers paired with thin foam are safest under vinyl planks in basements.
5. Can you put extra underlayment over built-in pad planks?
6. Adding another layer can void the warranty—always check manufacturer specs first.
7. How do I know if I need a vapor barrier?
8. If installing over concrete or in potentially damp areas (like basements), a vapor barrier is essential to prevent moisture issues.
9. Do I need underlayment for floating floors?
10. Some floating floors require it for stability and noise reduction; check the product’s instructions carefully.
11. How much does underlayment add to the flooring cost?
12. Depending on material, expect $0.30 to $1 per square foot. Using a floor plan estimator helps you budget accurately.
13. Will underlayment help with uneven subfloors?
14. It can mask minor imperfections, but severe unevenness needs to be addressed first for a successful installation.
15. What’s the best underlayment for sound reduction?
16. Cork and dense foam are effective at dampening sound, which is ideal for upstairs rooms or multi-family buildings.
17. How do I install underlayment under vinyl planks?
18. Roll it out perpendicular to the direction of planks, trimming to fit and taping the seams (if required).
19. Does skipping underlayment affect resale value?
20. Probably not directly, but poorly installed floors with excess noise or moisture problems certainly could.
21. Is there a difference in underlayment for rigid core versus flexible LVP?
22. Yes—rigid core often needs less padding; flexible LVP benefits more from thicker, resilient underlayments.
23. Can I DIY both underlayment and vinyl plank installation?
24. Absolutely! Many homeowners get great results—just be methodical and check each step with a detailed guide or your product’s installation manual.