Laminate Underlay

gizzmansl2

Hello, I plan to lay 6mm lower end laminate down in my bedroom and it already has floorboards with tiny gaps and 1-3mm uneveness here and there BUT I heard the best type of underlay for me is fibreboard so I would like to know is it ok to lay the fibreboard straight down on the floorboards and the laminate on the top or should i re-inforce/bump it up with an extra sheet of underlay roll or something on top of the fibreboard?

Any help and advice would be great as im a novice
Cheers

Ransoman

Hi Gizzmansl2. Laminate underlay requires a vapour/damp barrier. Most underlay types double as this (Foam etc) but Fibreboard does not. Therefore you will need to place a layer of poly sheet over the top which is then taped all round the edges. B&Q sell the vapour barrier on the same shelf as this underlay.

sk240

Hi,

As its a bedroom, its probably not on the ground floor? if so you dont need the vapour barrier.

I used a foam sheet type underlay with my floor, it should take up most of the unevenness.
http://tradepriced.co.uk/techni-board_underlayment.html

It conforms better than the fibreboard, and is not springy like the foam on a roll. it also does act as vapor barrier if you do need it

gizzmansl2

Ah thanks for the reply guys, I have brought that exact stuff from ebay already.... techni-board which is great news and yes it is upstairs so I take it I wont need a moisture barrier but just that techni-board?
Thanks

Ransoman

If there is any chance that water will be spilled on the floor then fit the barrier as the fibreboard is very good at absorbing moisture and takes an age to dry. My parents found out when a radiator sprang a leak in the only room they decided not to fit the barrier.

gizzmansl2

Ah good tip, I did not think of that. Can you recommend a good one online as I proberly cant make it to B&Q.
Cheers

sk240

techni-board is waterproof, its a foam rather than fibre board :-)

gizzmansl2

sk240 wrote: »

techni-board is waterproof, its a foam rather than fibre board :-)

Ah ok so there is quite a big diff between the 2 even though they both look similar and have same prices. I wish websites would state this kind of stuff as both B&Q and Wickes offef fibreboard for about £25 but you can get techni-board on ebay for same price which is by my reckoning much better. Thanks guys

vansboy

I'm guessing the Techi board is similar to the board sold in Homebase. More expensive than fibreboard, but better insulation properties.

VB

gizzmansl2

vansboy wrote: »

I'm guessing the Techi board is similar to the board sold in Homebase. More expensive than fibreboard, but better insulation properties

Yes thats what I thought. I hope it will do the job, I will let you all know in a few weeks anyway.