best type of underlay for laminate flooring

bruce wayne

guys,

I'm getting laminate flooring put down in the downstairs of my house. It will be going onto a concrete base (thats been there for 50 years), and I am torn over the type of underlay to put down.

I have narrowed it down to 2 choices

foam with moisture barrier something like this ?
http://www.superfloorstore.ie/underlays/alu_foil_underlays,_15m_x_1m_3mm.html

or something like this
http://www.superfloorstore.ie/underlays/softboard_fibre_underlay10m2_.html

ovbiously sound insulation is not the issue here, heat retention is. Would the fiber underlay be overkill, is the foil backed foam good enough

the fiberboard would cost 200 quid more and be about 3mm thicker.

any ideas ?

thanks

builditwell

Hi Bruce

Both will do the job but if you can afford the difference go with the fiber board great to work with and will give you extra thickness to floor. Get a sample if you can and place on floor with a piece of the laminate to check for door clearance and obstacles etc etc.


Regards
Builditwell

Kashkai

I used polystyrene foam boards (6mm thick) from B & Q over a polythene sheet. They worked a treat as they level out minor floor variations, help with heat retention and cut down on noise as you walk across the floor. They are simple to lay and cut.

Cmar-Ireland

I used the fibre boards when I did my sitting room. Price around for them. Mine were about €30 per pack (10m2)
They give a very solid feel underfoot. No bounce at all.

Don't forget the poly sheeting first.