Best Subfloor For Vinyl Plank Flooring (2024 Updated)

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When it comes to installing vinyl plank flooring, choosing the right subfloor is crucial for the long-term durability and stability of your floors. The subfloor is the layer between your existing floor and the new vinyl planks, and it needs to be strong, level, and moisture-resistant to prevent any damage or warping. Here are five key points to consider when looking for the best subfloor for vinyl plank flooring:

1. Levelness: A level subfloor is essential for the proper installation of vinyl plank flooring. Any unevenness or bumps can cause the planks to shift or buckle, leading to unsightly gaps and a shorter lifespan for your floors.

2. Moisture resistance: Vinyl plank flooring is water-resistant, but moisture can still seep through the subfloor and cause damage over time. A moisture-resistant subfloor, such as plywood or cement backer board, can prevent this problem.

3. Stability: The subfloor needs to be stable and strong enough to support the weight of the vinyl planks and any furniture or foot traffic. Avoid using materials that are prone to warping, such as particleboard or MDF.

4. Compatibility: Make sure the subfloor is compatible with the adhesive or floating installation method you plan to use for your vinyl plank flooring. Some adhesives may require a specific type of subfloor or underlayment.

5. Cost: Finally, consider the cost of the subflooring materials and installation. Some options, such as plywood or cement backer board, may be more expensive but offer better durability and moisture resistance.

By keeping these key points in mind, you can choose the best subfloor for your vinyl plank flooring and enjoy beautiful, long-lasting floors for years to come.

10 Best Subfloor For Vinyl Plank Flooring

1. Soundstep Lv Underlayment With Self-Sealing System For Plank And Luxury Vinyl Tile, Black.

The SOUND STEP Flooring Underlayment is a high-quality product designed to support all luxury vinyl and multilayer flooring installations. Its primary function is to absorb unwanted noise and prevent it from traveling to other rooms, creating a peaceful and quiet environment in your home.

In addition to its noise-reducing capabilities, the SOUND STEP Flooring Underlayment also serves as a moisture barrier, protecting your overlying flooring investment from harmful moisture. This underlayment is specifically designed to cover the subfloor, providing reliable protection from elevated PH levels found in concrete that can migrate to the seams of the overlying floors.

The SOUND STEP Flooring Underlayment is engineered to meet the highest industry standards, with an IIC (Impact Sound Transmission Test) rating of 70 and an STC (Sound Transmission Loss Test) rating of 62. These ratings indicate that the underlayment effectively reduces sound transmission from impact and airborne sources.

Moreover, the Delta IIC rating of 22 demonstrates the SOUND STEP Flooring Underlayment's ability to enhance the overall sound insulation of your flooring system. This rating is calculated by taking the difference between the IIC rating of the underlayment and the IIC rating of the bare subfloor, providing a measure of the underlayment's acoustical performance.

The SOUND STEP Flooring Underlayment features a self-sealing overlap system, which ensures a tight and secure seal between each panel, preventing any moisture or sound from penetrating through the seams. The underlayment is also easy to install, with a simple roll-out design that eliminates the need for any additional adhesives or tools.

Overall, the SOUND STEP Flooring Underlayment is an excellent choice for those looking to enhance the acoustic and moisture protection of their luxury vinyl or multilayer flooring. With its exceptional noise reduction and moisture barrier capabilities, this underlayment is sure to provide a long-lasting and reliable solution for your flooring needs.

2. Usa-Made Spacers For Floating Floor Installation. Suitable For Laminate, Vinyl Plank, Engineered Hardwood, Lvt, Bamboo, And Subfloor Panels.

The Tfloor Laminate Flooring Spacers are an innovative product that are designed to make DIY flooring installation a breeze. Made in the USA and Canada using high-quality, durable materials, these spacers are the perfect tool for installing laminate wood, vinyl plank, engineered hardwood, LVT, bamboo, subfloor panels, or any floating floor material.

The patented T shape design of the Tfloor Spacers ensures that they never fall, slip, tip or get stuck, even if the wall is high. This means that there is no need for carpet tape, painters tape, or any other fasteners to hold them in place, making the installation process faster and more efficient.

The Tfloor Spacers are versatile and can be used to install any wood flooring material that requires an expansion gap of 1/4" – 3/8". For a 1/2" gap, simply combine two spacers back to back and turn them on their side.

One of the key benefits of using the Tfloor Laminate Flooring Spacers is that they make it easy to achieve a professional-looking finish. The spacers ensure that the correct gap is maintained between the flooring and the walls, which is essential for allowing the flooring to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity.

Another advantage of using the Tfloor Spacers is that they are incredibly easy to use. Simply place the spacers between the wall and the flooring and tap the flooring into place. The T shape of the spacers ensures that they stay in place and do not move during the installation process.

Overall, the Tfloor Laminate Flooring Spacers are a must-have tool for anyone who is installing laminate wood, vinyl plank, engineered hardwood, LVT, bamboo, subfloor panels, or any floating floor material. They are made in the USA and Canada using high-quality, durable materials and are designed to make DIY flooring installation fast, easy, and professional-looking.

3. Naacoo 20 Pack Flooring Spacers For Laminate, Vinyl, Hardwood, Bamboo, Lvt & Subfloor Panels. Compatible For Any Type Of Flooring With 1/4'' Or 1/2'' Gap.

NAACOO Flooring Spacers are the perfect addition to any flooring installation kit. Unlike other triangular spacers, these gaskets come in two sizes, 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch, making them suitable for larger gaps. With a quantity of 20 pieces in each pack, users can install their laminate wood flooring more conveniently and easily.

The newly designed flooring spacers on the market feature a big triangle design, which ensures stability and stays in place. These spacers can install any wood flooring material requiring an expansion gap of 1/4"- 1/2”. Floor Spacers help users to install new laminate or hardwood flooring quickly, efficiently, and accurately.

Unlike thin spacers that typically come with installation kits, NAACOO's triangular spacers won't fall, slip, tip over, or get stuck. Users only need to put them on the floor, and they won't tilt or fall down randomly. The stable triangle design ensures that the spacers always maintain the expansion gap required between the floor and the walls, making the flooring installation project nice and easy.

Flooring spacers are the best solution for installing laminate, vinyl plank, engineered hardwood, bamboo, LVT, subfloor panels, or any floating floor material. By using spacers, users can maintain the required expansion gap between the floor and walls, which is essential for the longevity of the flooring.

NAACOO offers a lifetime warranty on all their floor spacers. If the product ever fails, users can email the company for a new original replacement free of charge. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in their warranty policy.

In conclusion, NAACOO Flooring Spacers are a must-have for anyone looking to install new flooring. The stable triangle design, two sizes, and quantity of 20 pieces make them a versatile and convenient tool for any DIY project. The lifetime warranty ensures that users can trust the quality of the product and have peace of mind during their flooring installation project.

4. Dricore Certiguard Premium Underlayment W/ Moisture Barrier For Hardwood, Laminate, Lvt & Vinyl Plank Flooring – Sound Reducing & Waterproof (100 Sq. Ft. Roll)

DRICORE CERTIGUARD Premium Floor Underlayment is the perfect solution for anyone looking to create a beautiful, comfortable living space with an exceptional flooring experience. This innovative product is engineered to provide a moisture barrier, thermal break, and sound reduction for hard surface finished flooring, making it an ideal choice for hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), and engineered hardwood.

DRICORE CERTIGUARD is a waterproof underlayment that is made with high-density plastic and can support up to 6,600 pounds per square foot. It has a low profile of 5/16" (0.8 cm) which maximizes headroom and covers minor floor variations, ensuring superior in-room noise reduction. Its unique construction holds pressure without becoming "foamy," ensuring there's no squeaking at the floor joints.

One of the key features of DRICORE CERTIGUARD is its innovative Air Gap Technology, which ensures a positive airflow beneath finished floors for year-round protection against moisture. Concrete continually releases moisture, and if trapped, it can cause damage to floors. The multiple raised structures of DRICORE CERTIGUARD act as a moisture barrier to prevent this from happening.

Installing DRICORE CERTIGUARD is an easy and hassle-free process. Its convenient overlapping design holds the roll taut under your floors, eliminating the need to tape the sides. The underlayment softens floors and is the most premium underlayment for maximum comfort and protection.

DRICORE CERTIGUARD comes with a 25-year limited warranty, giving you complete peace of mind in your purchase. The underlayment is perfect for anyone looking to create a beautiful, comfortable, and long-lasting flooring experience.

In conclusion, DRICORE CERTIGUARD Premium Floor Underlayment offers exceptional features that make it stand out in the market. It provides a moisture barrier, thermal break, and sound reduction for hard surface finished flooring, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to create a beautiful and comfortable living space. Its innovative Air Gap Technology ensures year-round protection against moisture, and its easy installation process makes it hassle-free for anyone to use. With a 25-year limited warranty, DRICORE CERTIGUARD is a premium underlayment that offers maximum comfort and protection for your floors.

5. Quietwalk Laminate Flooring Underlayment With Vapor Barrier – 360 Sq. Ft. Coverage

QuietWalk laminate flooring underlayment is a premium quality product designed to provide superior sound reduction, compression resistance, and moisture protection. It comes with an attached vapor barrier and covers up to 360 sq. ft. per roll, making it an excellent choice for laminate, floating engineered, and luxury vinyl plank flooring installations.

One of the key benefits of QuietWalk underlayment is its superior sound reduction capabilities. Made from recycled fibers, it absorbs sound and prevents it from traveling to other rooms, resulting in a more peaceful and relaxing living environment. The dense recycled fiber structure also supports the click-together mechanism of the overlying floor, maintaining its supportive configuration under consistent traffic.

Another noteworthy feature of QuietWalk underlayment is its excellent compression resistance. The product's dense recycled fiber structure enables it to support the click-together mechanism of the overlying floor, maintaining its supportive configuration under consistent traffic.

QuietWalk underlayment also offers moisture protection, allowing installation over concrete while managing vapors from becoming bulk moisture. The attached vapor barrier protects the overlying floors from harmful moisture, preventing damage and prolonging their lifespan.

The product is certified clean and safe for indoor air quality, with no volatile organic compounds or off-gassing from materials. It is also approved for in-floor radiant heat systems, allowing heat to permeate evenly while protecting the floor covering material from thermal shock.

Installation of QuietWalk underlayment is easy, with a roll-out design that allows for seamless joining of the seams. It can be installed over wood or concrete subfloors, making it a versatile option for many different flooring applications.

In summary, QuietWalk laminate flooring underlayment is a high-quality product that provides superior sound reduction, compression resistance, and moisture protection. Its attached vapor barrier and easy installation make it a popular choice for many different flooring installations.

6. Dricore Subfloor Panel With Air Gap Technology For Moisture Protection And Warm, Soft Finished Floors. Covers 495 Sq Ft In A Bundle Of 132 Panels.

DRICORE Subfloor Membrane Panel is a high-quality flooring insulation product that comes with Air Gap Technology to protect against moisture and small water leaks, ensuring better indoor air quality. The product is designed to provide a solid foundation that can support any type of finished floor and furniture, making it ideal for renovation, refinishing floors, basement refinishing, and floor insulation.

The tongue and groove design of the DRICORE Subfloor Membrane Panel makes installation easy, fast, and convenient. A 495 sq. ft. room can be completed in an afternoon, making it a perfect DIY project for homeowners. The secondary layer of oriented strand board (OSB) provides a solid foundation that can support any type of finished floor and furniture.

One of the major benefits of using DRICORE Subfloor Membrane Panel is that it elevates finished floors to create a thermal break from the cold concrete floors, resulting in warmer floors that feel comfortable all year round. The premium flooring membrane panel has an R-value of 3.0 that helps to keep the room warm.

DRICORE Subfloor Membrane Panel is compatible with all types of finished flooring, including laminates, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), engineered hardwood, carpet, and tile. The subfloor is soft enough to support carpet and strong enough to support up to 6642 lbs. per sq. ft.

DRICORE Subfloor Membrane Panel comes with a 25-year limited warranty, which gives customers confidence in their purchase. The product is perfect for solid hardwood floors, wooden floors, and basement finishing, offering a layer of protection against moisture and cold coming from the concrete.

Overall, DRICORE Subfloor Membrane Panel is an excellent flooring insulation product that provides a solid foundation for any type of finished floor and furniture. With its Air Gap Technology, tongue and groove design, and 25-year limited warranty, DRICORE Subfloor Membrane Panel is the perfect choice for homeowners looking to improve their indoor air quality, make their floors warmer, and protect against moisture and water leaks.

7. 200 Sq.ft Roll Of 3mm Thick Floorlot Blue Underlayment With Moisture Barrier For Laminate And Hardwood Floors.

The Floorlot Blue Flooring Underlayment with Moisture Barrier is an essential component for any laminate, engineered wood, or solid hardwood floor system. The roll size measures 200 sq. ft., providing ample coverage for most standard flooring installations.

What sets this underlayment apart is its built-in moisture blocking film, which protects floors from harmful subfloor moisture. Unlike other underlayment options, there is no need for additional films, making installation quicker and easier.

In addition to moisture protection, the Floorlot underlayment also provides standard sound absorption. This helps minimize the hollow sound commonly associated with floating floors and reduces noise from foot traffic. These features are especially important in active households where minimizing sound is crucial.

Installation of this underlayment is straightforward and hassle-free. Simply roll it out and connect the seams with the included tape. The cushioned foam underlayment helps smooth out minor subfloor imperfections and irregularities, maximizing comfort underfoot.

The Floorlot Blue Flooring Underlayment also provides thermal and sound insulation, making it an ideal choice for homeowners looking to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The added insulation helps reduce energy costs and creates a more comfortable living environment.

Overall, the Floorlot Blue Flooring Underlayment with Moisture Barrier is a versatile and practical choice for any flooring installation. Its moisture protection, sound absorption, and easy installation make it a top choice for homeowners and contractors alike.

8. 360 Sq Ft Acoustical Underlayment With Vapor Barrier For Luxury Vinyl Flooring

The 360 Sq Ft Acoustical Underlayment with Vapor Barrier for Luxury Vinyl Flooring is a high-performing product designed to enhance the sound, heat, and moisture protection of luxury floating and glue-down floors. This underlayment is the perfect fit for homeowners seeking to improve the quality of their floors while also protecting their homes from unwanted noise, moisture, and heat.

One of the primary benefits of this underlayment is its acoustical sound reflection capabilities. The product is designed to absorb sound and reduce traveling to other rooms. This means that homeowners can enjoy a quieter and more comfortable living space, free from the noise of footsteps or other sounds that may travel through the floor.

In addition to its sound-reducing properties, the underlayment is also compatible with the QuietWarmth heating flooring system. The built-in thermal insulation ensures that heat is distributed evenly throughout the floor, creating a comfortable and cozy living space. This feature is particularly beneficial during the winter months when homeowners may be looking for ways to keep their homes warm and comfortable.

The underlayment is also moisture-resistant, thanks to its Dri-Wick material. This moisture-resistant feature is essential in protecting the flooring from damage caused by moisture, such as mold and mildew growth. Homeowners can rest assured that their floors are well-protected from moisture, which is particularly important in areas such as the basement or bathroom.

Furthermore, the underlayment is environmentally friendly, as it is constructed from recycled materials. This feature ensures that homeowners can enjoy a high-performing product while also contributing to the protection of the environment. The underlayment provides coverage for 360 square feet, making it an ideal fit for homeowners with large living spaces.

In conclusion, the 360 Sq Ft Acoustical Underlayment with Vapor Barrier for Luxury Vinyl Flooring is an excellent investment for homeowners seeking to enhance the quality of their floors. With its superior sound reflection, heat compatibility, moisture-resistance, and environmentally friendly construction, the underlayment is the perfect fit for those looking to improve their living space.

9. Premium 3-In-1 Floor Underlayment With Tape & Vapor Barrier – 600 Sqft, 3mm Thick, Super Quiet & Heavy Duty.

The AMERIQUE 600SQFT Premium 3MM Thick Super Quiet Floor Underlayment Padding with Tape & Vapor Barrier 3-in-1 Heavy Duty is an excellent flooring accessory that offers superior performance and durability. This product is designed to provide an enhanced level of comfort and protection to your flooring, making it perfect for wood, bamboo and laminate floors.

One of the key features of this product is its coverage area of 600Sqft. It comes with self-adhesive strips and overlap film, which makes installation quick and easy. This feature helps to save time and money while ensuring that your flooring is well-protected. Additionally, the product has a bright blue color that adds a touch of elegance to your flooring.

The AMERIQUE 600SQFT Premium 3MM Thick Super Quiet Floor Underlayment Padding with Tape & Vapor Barrier 3-in-1 Heavy Duty is also equipped with a moisture vapor barrier and tape, which provides mold and moisture protection. This feature ensures that your flooring is well protected against moisture and mold, which can cause major damage to your floor. The moisture vapor barrier also prevents water from penetrating through the underlayment, which helps to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

Furthermore, this product is non-allergenic, which means that it is safe for use by people with allergies or sensitivities. It is also designed with anti-crush technology that ensures excellent performance and long life. The 3MM closed foam technology used in this product also provides sound reduction, making it an ideal accessory for homes and offices.

In conclusion, the AMERIQUE 600SQFT Premium 3MM Thick Super Quiet Floor Underlayment Padding with Tape & Vapor Barrier 3-in-1 Heavy Duty is a high-quality flooring accessory that offers superior performance and durability. It is easy to install, provides moisture and mold protection, and offers excellent sound reduction. With its bright blue color, this product adds a touch of elegance to your flooring while ensuring that it is well-protected.

10. Roberts Premium 2-In-1 Underlayment For Laminate And Engineered Wood Floors – 100 Sq. Ft.

The ROBERTS Black Jack 100 sq. ft. 2-in-1 Underlayment is a premium flooring accessory that offers a comprehensive solution for laminate and engineered wood floors. It comes in rolls that cover 100 square feet and measure 28 feet in length, 43 inches in width, and 2.5 mm in thickness.

One of the key features of this underlayment is its dense, closed-cell structure that provides exceptional resistance to moisture, mold, and mildew. This makes it an ideal choice for use in areas where these issues are prevalent, such as basements or high-humidity environments.

In addition to its resistance to moisture, the ROBERTS Black Jack 2-in-1 Underlayment also provides cushioning and sound reduction, making it an excellent choice for use in living areas or bedrooms. It also helps to level out minor subfloor imperfections, ensuring a smooth and even surface for your flooring.

The installation process for this underlayment is simple and straightforward thanks to its plastic overlap and adhesive strip. This allows for easy and secure attachment to your subfloor, providing a stable base for your laminate or engineered wood flooring.

Overall, the ROBERTS Black Jack 100 sq. ft. 2-in-1 Underlayment is a versatile and reliable choice for anyone looking to install laminate or engineered wood flooring. Its combination of moisture resistance, cushioning, sound reduction, and leveling capabilities make it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications, while its ease of installation ensures a hassle-free process for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Best Subfloor For Vinyl Plank Flooring FAQs

Are there any specific subfloor requirements for installing luxury vinyl plank flooring?

Yes, there are specific subfloor requirements for installing luxury vinyl plank flooring. The subfloor needs to be clean, flat, and level. Any bumps or dips in the subfloor can cause the vinyl planks to shift or buckle over time. If the subfloor is made of concrete, it needs to be fully cured and free of cracks. If installing over a wood subfloor, it should be at least 5/8 inch thick and have no more than 3/16 inch difference in height between adjacent panels. Additionally, the subfloor should be dry and have a moisture content of less than 12% to prevent mold and mildew growth. It's important to follow the manufacturer's specific subfloor requirements for the type of luxury vinyl plank flooring being installed to ensure a successful and long-lasting installation.

Can you install vinyl plank flooring directly on concrete without a subfloor?

Yes, you can install vinyl plank flooring directly on concrete without a subfloor. However, it is important to ensure that the concrete is clean, level, and free from any moisture or cracks. Moisture can cause the vinyl planks to warp and buckle over time, so it is recommended to use a moisture barrier or sealant before installing the flooring. If there are any cracks or uneven areas in the concrete, it is important to level them out before installation.

It is also important to choose a vinyl plank flooring that is specifically designed for use on concrete. Some vinyl planks are designed for use over a subfloor and may not be suitable for direct installation on concrete. Additionally, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation to ensure a proper and long-lasting installation. Overall, with proper preparation and installation, vinyl plank flooring can be successfully installed directly on concrete without a subfloor.

How do you prepare a subfloor for vinyl plank flooring installation?

To prepare a subfloor for vinyl plank flooring installation, first, inspect the subfloor for any damages and repair them. Then, clean the subfloor thoroughly by removing any debris, dirt, or dust. Ensure that the subfloor is level and smooth by sanding high spots and filling low spots with a self-leveling compound. If installing over a concrete subfloor, ensure that it is dry and free of moisture by conducting a moisture test. Install a vapor barrier if necessary. Finally, lay down an underlayment to provide cushioning and support for the vinyl planks. The underlayment should be appropriate for the subfloor type and thickness of the vinyl planks being installed. Following these steps will ensure a smooth and durable installation of vinyl plank flooring.

Is plywood or OSB better for a subfloor under vinyl plank flooring?

Both plywood and OSB can work well as a subfloor for vinyl plank flooring, but there are some differences to consider. Plywood tends to be more stable and resistant to moisture than OSB, making it a better choice in areas with high humidity or potential for water damage. It also tends to have a smoother surface, which can help prevent any imperfections from showing through the vinyl planks. OSB, on the other hand, is typically cheaper and can be more durable, making it a good choice for areas with heavy foot traffic. However, it may not hold up as well over time if exposed to moisture. Ultimately, the choice between plywood and OSB will depend on the specific needs of the project and the conditions of the space where the flooring will be installed. Consulting with a flooring professional can help ensure the best choice is made for the subfloor.

What is the best type of subfloor for vinyl plank flooring?

The best type of subfloor for vinyl plank flooring is a smooth and flat surface. A concrete subfloor is the most ideal option, as it provides a solid and stable base for the vinyl planks. If the subfloor is made of wood, it should be free of any bumps, dips, or protrusions to ensure a smooth finish. Plywood subfloor is also a good option for vinyl plank flooring, but it should be at least 5/8 inch thick and should not have any moisture issues. It is essential to ensure that the subfloor is clean, dry, and level before installing vinyl plank flooring. Any imperfections in the subfloor can cause the vinyl planks to warp, buckle, or separate over time. A professional installer can assess the subfloor and recommend the best type of subfloor preparation for a successful vinyl plank flooring installation.

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