Laminate Flooring Underlay for Residential Projects
Underlay is a crucial part of any laminate flooring project. It affects how comfortable your floor feels and how long it lasts. I believe choosing the right underlay is vital for homes with multiple floors because it makes a real difference.
Key Benefits of Laminate Flooring Underlay in UK Homes
Noise Reduction: I suggest using a modern acoustic underlay like Duralay Silentfloor Gold. It can cut room noise by up to 30%. This helps create quieter spaces, a great benefit for busy homes or multi-level apartments.
Thermal Insulation: A good underlay traps heat well. It can cut heat loss through the subfloor by up to 10–11%. Your floors feel warmer, and you could see lower heating bills. I find this a big plus for homes in the UK.
Moisture Protection: I recommend an underlay with a built-in vapour barrier. This protects your laminate from dampness coming up from the subfloor. It’s a key feature for UK homes where humidity can be a problem.
Stabilizing and Smoothing: Installers usually lay laminate as a floating floor. I’ve found that the underlay provides a stable base. It smooths out small bumps in the subfloor by a few millimetres. This gives you a smooth finish and helps the locking system work correctly.
Extended Flooring Lifespan: A quality underlay can make your laminate floor last up to 50% longer. It absorbs shock from people walking and from furniture. This reduces wear on the floor. You’ll spend less on future repairs.
UK Laminate Flooring Underlay Market Size, Demand, and Trends
The UK Laminate Flooring Underlay market has been steadily expanding due to the combined effects of residential refurbishments, new multi-story housing developments, and growing awareness of the importance of comfort, durability, and energy efficiency in flooring. Key trends and drivers include:
Market Size & Growth
The UK laminate underlay sector is estimated to reach £120–150 million in annual sales, with projected growth of 4–6% per year over the next five years.
Urban areas and high-density housing developments are primary contributors, as residents seek quieter, warmer, and more durable flooring solutions.
Consumer & Contractor Demand
Noise Reduction: Acoustic underlays that reduce walking noise by 20–30 decibels are increasingly sought after for multi-story apartments and family homes.
Thermal Insulation: Underlays that enhance heat retention are gaining importance, especially in energy-conscious households with rising heating costs.
Moisture Protection: Damp-proof and vapour-barrier underlays are a must in the UK’s humid climate to prevent floor damage.
Longevity & Stability: Consumers value underlays that smooth subfloor irregularities and extend laminate lifespan by 30–50%.
Emerging Trends
Eco-Friendly Materials: Sustainable underlays using recycled content, such as wood fibre or rubber, are increasingly preferred.
Compatibility with Underfloor Heating: Underlays designed to maximize heat transfer efficiency are a growing segment.
DIY-Friendly Products: Easy-to-install underlays with adhesive tapes or interlocking edges appeal to the DIY market.
Top 5 Laminate Flooring Underlay Suppliers in the UK
Choosing the right underlay supplier for your laminate flooring is a big deal. From my experience, it affects how comfortable your floor feels, how long it lasts, and how quiet your room is. I’ve picked out my top five UK suppliers, looking at their products, quality, price, and what makes them special.
1. Wickes: A Great Choice for Green Wood Fibre Underlay
Key product: Green wood fibre laminate underlay
Price: £2.19 per m² (£22 per pack)
Standout features:
Made from 100% wood fibre that can be sustained and recycled
It has no glue or resin, which I think is great for green-conscious homes
It is good at blocking sound and can handle a lot of pressure
Simple to install with foil tape
Compatibility: It works well on concrete or wood subfloors. I find it’s best for click-together laminate floors.
Something to think about: It doesn’t have a built-in damp barrier. I suggest you add a separate one.
2. Carpet Underlay Shop: A Huge Selection for Any Project
Highlighted products:
Royale 7mm professional Sonic Gold Underlay: £7.98 per m²
Royale Supreme Gold Foil 6mm Underlay: £2.33 per m²
Fibreboard Underlay 5mm: £2.53 per m² (7m² per pack)
Thermo Pro X Multi-Surface Underfloor Heating Underlay: £3.25 per m²
Advantages:
They have a massive selection. You can find underlays for wood, laminate, and even floors with heating.
They offer sound and heat insulation. Some gold foil options also protect against dampness.
My take: I think this shop is perfect if you need a specific solution for a certain room or performance goal.
3. British Flooring: The Go-To for Top Brands
Major brands available: Royale, Duralay, Cloud 9, Plushwalk
Product range:
Cloud 9 Contract 8mm Underlay: £94.79 (large pack)
Cloud 9 Cumulus 11mm: from £3.99 per m²
Fibreboard Underlay 5mm/7mm: 7m² pack from £19.50
Key benefits:
You can choose from PU foam, fibreboard, and rubber underlays.
Their products can help with soundproofing and keeping moisture out. I’ve seen them used to even out lumpy subfloors.
You can find options from budget-friendly to high-end for any home project.
4. B&Q: A Versatile Choice for DIY Projects
Product types: Foam, cork, XPS, fibreboard
Thicknesses: Most are 3mm and 5mm
Focus:
Provides insulation and comfort for laminate and vinyl click floors
Good shock absorption and easy-to-fit styles for DIY jobs
What I like: Their selection is easy to browse. You’ll find choices that work for different subfloors and how soft you want the floor to feel.
5. UK Flooring Direct: My Recommendation for High-Performance Underlays
Featured brand: Duralay
Performance: This brand is known for reducing noise and protecting from damp.
Best use cases:
Areas in your home with a lot of foot traffic
Rooms that need extra moisture protection under the laminate
Product selection: They stock a wide range. I feel it’s good for both simple home jobs and more challenging ones.
Cost-Effective Chinese Laminate Flooring Underlay Suppliers for the UK Market
For UK homeowners and contractors looking for high-performance yet cost-effective laminate flooring underlays, several Chinese manufacturers provide products that combine quality, affordability, and compliance with UK standards. Key suppliers include:
🇨🇳 1. Baier Flooring Materials Co., Ltd.
Website： https://www.baierfloor.com/
Product Lines:
SPC Underlay: Waterproof, fire-resistant, scratch-resistant; ideal for high-humidity areas.
EVA Foam Underlay: Excellent acoustic performance; suitable for multi-level residential properties.
IXPE Foam Underlay: High thermal insulation; compatible with underfloor heating systems.
Technical Advantages:
ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and CE certified; meets international quality and environmental standards.
Advanced manufacturing ensures product stability and long-term durability.
How It Solves UK Market Pain Points:
Moisture Protection: SPC underlay prevents damp penetration, perfect for the UK’s wet climate.
Noise Reduction: EVA foam underlay reduces sound transmission between floors.
Underfloor Heating Compatibility: IXPE underlay provides thermal insulation for energy-efficient flooring.
🇨🇳 2. Changzhou NTS New Materials Technology Co., Ltd. (NTS Underlay)
Product Lines:
EVA Foam Underlay: Thickness from 2mm to 12mm for different comfort and soundproofing needs.
IXPE Foam Underlay: Antimicrobial properties suitable for hygiene-sensitive areas.
PE Membrane Underlay: Excellent moisture resistance for damp environments.
Technical Advantages:
Made from eco-friendly materials; compliant with REACH and ROHS standards.
Customizable to meet specific customer requirements.
How It Solves UK Market Pain Points:
Environmental Compliance: Meets UK and European green building standards.
Variety & Flexibility: Multiple thicknesses and materials suit different project needs.
Moisture Protection: PE membrane underlay works well under UK damp conditions.
🇨🇳 3. Jiangsu Zhongxinhe New Materials Technology Co., Ltd.
Product Lines:
EVA Foam Underlay: Antibacterial, mold-resistant, and moisture-proof; ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
IXPE Foam Underlay: High thermal insulation for underfloor heating compatibility.
Rubber Underlay: High compressive strength; suitable for Commercial Applications.
Technical Advantages:
State-of-the-art production equipment ensures high-quality products.
OEM/ODM services available for customized solutions.
How It Solves UK Market Pain Points:
Damp Resistance: EVA underlay prevents moisture issues in wet UK climates.
Underfloor Heating Compatibility: IXPE underlay enhances thermal efficiency for underfloor heating.
Commercial Suitability: Rubber underlay withstands heavy loads, ideal for commercial flooring.
Laminate Flooring Underlay Showdown: UK’s Top 5 vs China’s 3 High-Value Suppliers
| Supplier | Key Product Lines / Models | Thickness Range | Certifications | Main Advantages | UK Market Pain Points Addressed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wickes (UK) | Green Wood Fibre Underlay | 3–6 mm | FSC, CE | Eco-friendly, sound reduction | Works on concrete/wood, click laminate compatibility |
| Carpet Underlay Shop (UK) | Royale 7mm Sonic Gold, Royale Supreme Gold 6mm, Fibreboard 5mm, Thermo Pro X | 5–7 mm | ISO 9001 | Large selection, sound & heat insulation | Solutions for underfloor heating, damp protection |
| British Flooring (UK) | Cloud 9 Contract 8mm, Cloud 9 Cumulus 11mm, Fibreboard 5–7mm | 5–11 mm | ISO 9001, CE | PU foam, fibreboard, rubber underlays | Soundproofing, moisture protection, leveling uneven subfloors |
| B&Q (UK) | Foam, Cork, XPS, Fibreboard | 3–5 mm | CE | Shock absorption, easy to install | Comfort and insulation for DIY projects |
| UK Flooring Direct (UK) | Duralay Range | 3–10 mm | ISO 9001 | Noise reduction, damp protection | High-traffic areas, underfloor heating compatible |
| Baier (China) | SPC Underlay, EVA Foam, IXPE Foam | 2–12 mm | ISO 9001, ISO 14001, CE | Waterproof, sound absorption, thermal insulation | Damp resistance, noise reduction, underfloor heating compatibility |
| NTS Underlay (China) | EVA Foam, IXPE Foam, PE Membrane | 2–12 mm | REACH, RoHS, ISO | Eco-friendly, customizable, antimicrobial | Damp resistance, green compliance, flexible thickness for various projects |
| Jiangsu Zhongxinhe (China) | EVA Foam, IXPE Foam, Rubber Underlay | 3–15 mm | ISO 9001, CE | Mold-resistant, high compressive strength |
Damp-proof, underfloor heating, commercial-grade support |
Key Takeaways from the Comparison:
Thickness Flexibility: Chinese suppliers generally provide a wider thickness range (up to 15 mm) suitable for both residential and commercial projects.
Moisture Protection: Chinese SPC, IXPE, and EVA underlays are particularly strong for UK’s damp climate.
Acoustic & Thermal Performance: Both UK and Chinese suppliers offer noise reduction, but IXPE/EVA foam underlays from China give high-performance thermal insulation, ideal for underfloor heating.
Sustainability: UK suppliers often focus on wood-fibre and eco-friendly certification; Chinese suppliers also provide recycled rubber/EVA options and meet ISO/REACH/ROHS standards.
Cost-Effectiveness: Chinese suppliers provide high-value options addressing multiple UK pain points—price-performance balance makes them attractive for bulk or large-scale projects.