The importance of the underlay
You are about to buy a new floor. You have spent hours scrolling online, looking at samples in different lighting, and you have finally found it: the perfect floor. The color is just right, the texture feels good, and you can already imagine it perfectly. And then, almost as an afterthought, comes the question: "Which underlay do you want with it?"
Why the underlay is just as important as the floor itself
For many people, this is the moment they think: "Ugh, is that really necessary? Can’t I save a few dozen euros here? It’s just a thin mat, what difference does it really make?"
Which is a logical thought. After all, you won’t see it once the floor is installed. Still, the underlay is one of the most important choices you make. It’s the foundation that determines how your floor will look in ten years.
Our flooring specialist Martin explains why in this video in less than a minute.
Leveling for a smooth finish
Martin calls this “leveling.” Simply put, the underlay ensures that small imperfections in your subfloor are evened out. A small bump in the concrete or a leftover patch of old glue; the underlay smooths these out. This allows your new floor to lie perfectly flat, which is essential for a clean and durable final result.
Stability and protection of the click connection
Modern floors have a smart click connection. Every time you walk across the floor, some pressure is put on these connections. A good underlay acts as a shock absorber. It distributes the pressure and absorbs the load, protecting the click connection. This prevents gaps or movement in the floor over time and significantly extends its lifespan.
Sound insulation and comfort
An underlay also greatly contributes to acoustic comfort. It dampens impact noise, which is the sound of footsteps. This creates a much more pleasant and quieter atmosphere in the room. If you live in an apartment, a sound-insulating underlay is often even required to prevent noise disturbance to neighbors.
In short: don’t skip this step
Cutting corners on your underlay is actually cutting corners on the lifespan and comfort of your new floor. It’s the invisible but essential foundation that ensures you enjoy your choice for many years.
If you have any questions after watching the video or want advice on which underlay suits your situation and chosen floor best, feel free to contact us. We are happy to help.