Laminate Flooring Underlay - any recommends?

MaggieBaking

I've bought the laminate flooring already from Wickes, it's to go in the kitchen, lounge, and tiny square of a hallway on top of a concrete floor.

Don't need a very cheap option, but considering the flooring was inexpensive - anyone have any recommends?

missesther

I use this stuff from B&Q (it's 3mm) for laminate. (http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=11577508&fh_view_size=10&fh_eds=%3f&fh_location=%2f%2fcatal!!!1%2fen_GB%2fcategories%3C{9372013}%2fcategories%3C{9372028}%2fcategories%3C{9372109}%2fspecificationsProductType%3dunderlay_for_wood___laminate_flooring&isSearch=false)

I think you can use 1.8mm underlay with laminate but it's like bubble wrap and we tried it and it just kept ripping. Much prefer the 3mm stuff. HTH.

Oh and it covers about 10sqm in one pack for less than £20.

MaggieBaking

Thanks very much missesther Good reviews too

missesther

You're welcome.

har0ld

That B&Q stuff is very lovely but not really necessary. The foam underlay on a roll is perfectly suitable and very cheap - I would consider using the foil backed version for a little thermal insulation as depending on the age of the property concrete floors can be very cold underfoot.
The thicker underlays are really for use on slightly more uneven floors and on wooden floors where a little more sound insulation required.

missesther

har0ld wrote: »

That B&Q stuff is very lovely but not really necessary. The foam underlay on a roll is perfectly suitable and very cheap - I would consider using the foil backed version for a little thermal insulation as depending on the age of the property concrete floors can be very cold underfoot.
The thicker underlays are really for use on slightly more uneven floors and on wooden floors where a little more sound insulation required.

Hi, the only reason I didn't suggest this was because I have used this before and it was fiddly to use (ripped and moved a lot), for less hassle I would suggest the 3mm stuff, but if you want to stay as cheap as possible then yes, I would use the foam underlay on a roll.

MaggieBaking

Thanks both, I get the feeling our floor isn't going to be flat so a bit of help bumping out imperfections would be useful. The cold underfoot I don't think will be a problem and I'm happier to pay a little more for a better product. I'm also paying a day rate so would probably work out cheaper to get stuff that's easier to handle!

Thanks for the advice

ListysDad

Maggie. Are you aware that fitting laminate will mean you lose your floor insulation so cost you a lot in energy ultimately? The 3mm stuff they sell is an utter waste of time for insulation purposes. If you want good insulation and the convenience of laminate then instead fit a proper underlay such as wool with granulated rubber backing first. If the laminate is 8mm or less you will also have to fit 6mm ply under for rigidity but if 8mm plus then put the lam straight on top of the underlay. That way you'll get close to carpet insulation PLUS the convenience of laminate.

MaggieBaking

Taken us ages to get the fella in to do the flooring and it's being done this weekend. As recommended above I'm going with this product http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=11577508&fh_view_size=10&fh_eds=%3f&fh_location=%2f%2fcatal!!!1%2fen_GB%2fcategories%3C{9372013}%2fcategories%3C{9372028}%2fcategories%3C{9372109}%2fspecificationsProductType%3dunderlay_for_wood___laminate_flooring&isSearch=false

But call me a blonde... How many packs do I need for 33m (with a little extra for good luck?)

MaggieBaking

Anyone? I was hoping to buy this tonight

hotcookie101

I can't see where it says how many m2 the packs are. But from the sizes they give it seems like each pack is maybe 9.9m2 (908cm x102cm) so by that you would need 4 full packs