Laminate Flooring Help

[jackie_parish]

Could anybody tell if you can lay laminate over normal carpet underlay with the proper underlay on top of that? I have wooden floor boards underneath.
Thanks

[divadee]

I wouldnt have thought so as carpet underlay is a lot thicker and softer so it could make your laminate unstable and rise and dip in places.

[philc]

Hi!

I'd say it depends on what sort of underlay you have down already and what underlay you are proposing to use under the laminate.

If it is just foam stuff you have, personally I would get it all up, clear the decks (this also gives you a chance to check the state of the floorboards, which is never a bad idea), make sure everything is level and use the acoustic board/underlay which will give you a nice draughtproof, flat surface for the laminate. It costs a few quid more than the laminate 'roll' underlay, however, especially over floorboards, it should give you a decent finish.

If you have a very solid or acoustic-type underlay already, this should be fairly firm and flat, so you might be okay.

With floors I always try to do a solid job, because a) they are often in constant use and b) how often do you have to lay a floor? I think it's worth spending the time and cash because laminate is pretty rigid stuff and if you don't have a flat, solid surface to start off with, things can get into a real pickle when you start considering where you will be putting weight on it and the finish into doorways etc.

Good luck!

Phil ;)

[jackie_parish]

Thanks very much for the advise folks very much appreciated :)