The day had finally come. After years of dreaming, my kitchen was ready for a much-needed makeover. I had decided on beautiful, durable laminate flooring, but then the question popped up: “Do I need underlayment?” I knew underlayment was essential for hardwood floors, but was it necessary over linoleum? A bit confused, I started digging for answers. Turns out, there’s no simple “yes” or “no” to this question – it all depends on your situation and the type of linoleum you have.
Image: phenergandm.com
The decision can be a tricky one. Underlayment adds a layer of comfort and insulation to your floors, but it can also increase the height of your laminate flooring, potentially creating tripping hazards or problems with doors and appliances. So, how do you know if underlayment is right for you? Let’s dive into the world of laminate flooring and underlayment, and explore the considerations for installing them over linoleum.
Understanding Linoleum and Laminate Flooring
Linoleum: A Time-Tested Flooring Choice
Linoleum is a resilient flooring material made from natural ingredients like linseed oil, wood flour, and rosin. It’s known for its durability, resistance to moisture, and attractive appearance. Linoleum has been used for decades, often found in kitchens and bathrooms due to its hard-wearing and hygienic qualities.
Laminate Flooring: A Modern Flooring Solution
Laminate flooring has gained popularity for its affordability, durability, and variety of styles. It mimics the look of wood, tile, or stone, but is composed of several layers including a wear layer, core layer, and a backing layer. The wear layer protects the floor and is responsible for its appearance, while the core layer provides structural support, and the backing layer adds stability.
Image: www.bestlaminate.com
The Case for Underlayment Over Linoleum
Underlayment, as its name suggests, is a layer installed beneath your flooring to provide extra protection and support. It acts as a cushion, reducing noise and improving the overall comfort of walking on your flooring. Here’s why underlayment can be beneficial when installing laminate flooring over linoleum:
1. Smoothing Out Uneven Surfaces:
Linoleum can become uneven over time, particularly if the subfloor is uneven, or the linoleum layers have begun to separate. Underlayment can help flatten out these imperfections, creating a smoother surface for the laminate planks to sit on. This promotes a more seamless installation and contributes to a more aesthetically pleasing final result.
2. Reducing Noise:
Laminate flooring, while durable, can be noisy, especially underfoot. Underlayment helps absorb sound, minimizing the echoing of footsteps. This is particularly beneficial in areas like kitchens and dining rooms where sound levels can easily be amplified.
3. Enhancing Comfort:
Underlayment adds a layer of cushioning, making your laminate flooring more comfortable to stand and walk on. This is especially important in areas where you spend a lot of time, like the kitchen or living room.
4. Providing Insulation:
Certain types of underlayment can provide a layer of thermal insulation, improving the comfort of your home by reducing heat loss through the floor, especially in colder climates.
5. Protecting Against Moisture:
While linoleum is inherently resistant to moisture, underlayment can offer an additional layer of protection, preventing any potential moisture from damaging your laminate flooring. This is important if your subfloor is susceptible to moisture or if you’re installing laminate flooring in a bathroom or laundry room.
The Considerations Against Underlayment
While underlayment does have its merits, there are also some factors to consider before making your decision:
1. Increased Floor Height:
Underlayment adds height to your flooring, potentially causing problems with doors, appliances, and transitions to other flooring types. Before choosing underlayment, carefully measure your door clearances and appliance heights to ensure the added height won’t create any accessibility issues.
2. Potential Tripping Hazards:
An uneven or poorly installed underlayment can create tripping hazards, particularly near doorways or transitions. Ensure you install the underlayment properly, and if you’re uncertain about the process, consider hiring a professional installer for peace of mind.
3. Cost:
Underlayment adds an extra cost to your flooring installation. While it’s a worthwhile investment for many applications, consider your budget when making your decision. If cost is a major concern, you may want to explore other options, such as a specialized moisture barrier instead of underlayment.
Expert Tips for Laminate Flooring Over Linoleum
Here are some tips to make the installation of your laminate flooring over linoleum a success:
1. Assess Your Linoleum:
Before starting your project, inspect your existing linoleum for any damage. Check for loose tiles, cracks, or significant imperfections. If there are any major issues, consider having the linoleum repaired or replaced before installing laminate flooring. Also, determine if the existing linoleum is adhered to the subfloor, or if it is a floating floor, as this will affect how you approach the installation.
2. Smooth Out Your Base:
If your linoleum is uneven, you may need to use a leveling compound to smooth out the surface before installing your laminate flooring. This will create a stable base for the planks, reducing the likelihood of movement and ensuring the overall durability of your flooring installation. This will also reduce the need for an underlayment if the result is a smooth surface and you wish to minimize the overall height of the flooring.
3. Choose the Right Underlayment:
If you decide to use underlayment, select a type appropriate for your project. There are various types of underlayment available, including foam, cork, and rubber underlayments. Consider factors like noise reduction, comfort, and moisture resistance when choosing the right type for your needs.
4. Consult a Professional:
If you’re unsure if underlayment is right for your project, or you’re concerned about the installation process, consider consulting with a flooring specialist. They can evaluate your situation, advise on the best course of action, and assist with the installation process if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
FAQs About Installing Laminate Flooring Over Linoleum
Q: Can I install laminate flooring directly over linoleum?
A: Yes, you can, but it’s not always ideal. If your linoleum is smooth, in good condition, and well-adhered to the subfloor, you can potentially install laminate flooring directly over it. However, if your linoleum is uneven, damaged, or has a floating installation, underlayment may be necessary to create a stable and smooth base for your laminate flooring.
Q: Does the type of linoleum affect the need for underlayment?
A: Yes. Linoleum can be adhered to the subfloor or it can be a “floating” floor. If the linoleum is adhered to the subfloor and in good condition you may not require underlayment. However, if it is a floating floor, it may be more prone to movement and underlayment could provide additional stability.
Q: What are the benefits of using underlayment?
A: Underlayment offers several advantages, including smoothing out uneven surfaces, reducing noise, enhancing comfort, providing insulation, and protecting against moisture damage.
Q: What are the drawbacks of using underlayment?
A: The drawbacks of using underlayment include the added height to your floor, which could impact door clearances and appliance compatibility. It can also increase the cost of your flooring installation.
Q: What kind of underlayment should I use?
A: The type of underlayment to use depends on your specific needs. Consider factors like noise reduction, comfort, and moisture resistance when choosing the right underlayment. Consult with a flooring specialist for guidance on selecting the most appropriate underlayment for your project.
Do I Need Underlayment For Laminate Flooring Over Linoleum
Conclusion:
Installing laminate flooring over linoleum can be a great way to refresh your kitchen or bathroom. Deciding whether or not to use underlayment is a personal choice, factoring in your needs, budget, and the condition of your current flooring. If you want to even out uneven surfaces, reduce noise, add comfort, or provide insulation, underlayment can be a wise investment. However, if you’re concerned about door clearances, appliance compatibility, or cost, you may want to explore other options like leveling compounds or specialized moisture barriers. No matter what you choose, remember to assess your linoleum, select the right underlayment (if needed), and consider getting professional help if you’re unsure about the installation process.
Are you planning a flooring renovation in your kitchen or bathroom? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
