Top Underlay Solutions for Laminate Flooring in Canada: A Comprehensive Brand Review
In 2025, several leading brands are offering innovative and high-performance underlay solutions that cater to diverse project needs, from moisture protection and sound insulation to eco-friendliness.
This guide will provide an in-depth review of the top underlay brands in Canada, highlighting their flagship products and key features. Whether you’re a contractor, supplier, or flooring professional, understanding these brands and their products will help you make informed decisions for your projects. From well-established names like DMX Plastics Limited to environmentally-conscious options like Amorim Cork Composites Canada Inc., we will explore a variety of underlay solutions tailored to meet the specific requirements of laminate flooring, ensuring long-lasting results and superior comfort.
1. DMX Plastics Limited – A Top Underlay Maker for Canadian Laminate Floors
DMX Plastics Limited is a top Canadian underlay maker. They are well-known in the laminate flooring world for their product, DMX 1-Step 2.0. I recommend this underlay for tough, damp areas. It’s great for basements and humid spots across Canada.
Key Features of DMX 1-Step 2.0 Underlayment
Great Moisture Protection:
The special dimple design creates an air gap under your floor. I like how this lets moisture escape and dry up. This reduces the chance of mold and mildew, which is essential for any basement project.
Health and Safety:
The underlay uses a closed-cell foam material. It is waterproof, has no VOCs, and is odorless. I believe this improves your home’s air quality and helps create a healthier space.
Compressive Strength & Durability:
It can handle pressure up to 12,000 lbs/sq. ft. (83 psi). In my opinion, this gives excellent support for many floor types. You can use it with laminate, engineered hardwood, and vinyl planks that are at least 5 mm thick.
Thermal Performance:
It has a high R-Value of 3.5 per inch. This can make your floors feel up to 6.5°C (12°F) warmer than bare concrete. I find this is a huge plus in Canada, where basement floors often get very cold.
Sound Insulation:
I am impressed by its sound-blocking features:
IIC (Impact Insulation Class): 72
STC (Sound Transmission Class): 62
Delta IIC: 26
These numbers show it helps reduce noise between floors. This will make your home quieter.
Installation and User Benefits
Simple DIY Installation:
I like that this is easy for DIY projects. You don’t need special tools, just scissors or a utility knife. The rolls are light (about 17 lbs) and cover 100–150 sq. ft. each. It also comes with vapor tape, which I find helps create a tight seal for a quick setup.
Certified Quality:
This is the one dimpled underlay that has a certification from the North American Laminate Floor Association. This assures me it meets high industry standards for your project.
Long-Term Assurance:
It comes with an impressive 25-year warranty. I think this makes it a dependable, long-lasting choice for business or home flooring jobs.
Summary: To sum it up, I believe DMX Plastics Limited offers a great, easy-to-install underlay solution for Canadian homes where you need to manage moisture, warmth, and sound. Based on my experience, DMX 1-Step 2.0 is a solid choice. I recommend it to contractors and DIYers who want a dependable, health-focused underlay for their laminate flooring projects.
2. Dura Undercushions Ltd. – My Go-To Rubber Underlay for Laminate Floors in Canada
Dura Undercushions Ltd. is a top Canadian underlay maker. They have been based in Montreal since 1957. From my experience, they create high-quality rubber underlays for laminate and engineered hardwood flooring. Their products are excellent for soundproofing, are very durable, and meet green building standards.
Key Products: DURA-SON and DURA-SON MB
Their main products are DURA-SON and DURA-SON MB. You see them used in both homes and commercial buildings. They are great for condos, hotels, offices, and houses.
The DURA-SON 3.5 mm underlay gets an IIC (Impact Insulation Class) rating of 74 on a 6″ concrete slab with a suspended ceiling. I believe this is one of the best ratings for a Canadian sound-blocking underlay.
I recommend this for any project that needs very good noise reduction and strong, lasting floor support.
Main Features and Technical Advantages
100% Recycled Tire Rubber: It is made from only recycled tires, with no fillers, metals, or fibers. This helps the product perform well for a long time.
Excellent Soundproofing: It gives you great insulation against both impact and airborne noise. It performs much better than foam, felt, and cork, which is useful for areas with high foot traffic or heavy loads.
Resists Crushing: The material maintains 80% extended compression (ASTM D1055). This helps your floor avoid permanent dents and stay flat.
Advanced Moisture and Mold Guard: This underlay blocks mold, mildew, and fungus. It also reduces moisture buildup, which is important for health and floor life.
Works with Heated Floors: It lets heat pass through without breaking down or losing performance.
Bounces-Back Technology: This technology keeps the floor’s structure strong, even in high-traffic areas.
Environmental Responsibility and Health Benefits
Green Label + PLUS Certified (Carpet & Rug Institute CRI ID # CC-902245): This certification means it has low VOC emissions, creating safer indoor air quality.
LEED Certification Credits: Based on my experience with green building, using DURA acoustic membranes can help you earn up to six LEED credits. I suggest them for eco-friendly building projects.
The product is very stable over time. This gives it a longer product life and means you replace it less often.
3. Baier Floor – Specialized Underlay Solutions for Laminate Flooring Projects to Canada
Baier is an excellent choice for underlay solutions tailored to laminate flooring. Their high-quality options are perfect for home or business projects anywhere in Canada.
Top-Notch Underlay Types for Your Project
IXPE Underlay Baier’s IXPE underlay works seamlessly with laminate, wood, and luxury vinyl flooring (LVT/WPC/SPC thicker than 4mm). This earth-friendly material includes a built-in moisture barrier and provides excellent impact noise reduction. Based on my experience, Baier’s Magic series products featuring IXPE underlay offer:
-
Water resistance
-
Kid and pet resistance
These features make them ideal for busy homes and active family rooms.
Example: I recommend the Magic Plus line, which pairs an upgraded SPC core with IXPE underlay. This combination enhances durability and makes the floor incredibly quiet to walk on.
High-Density Underlay
Perfect for engineered wood and laminate floors, this underlay type provides excellent stability and support. It’s ideal for projects requiring long-lasting performance and stability, particularly in busy areas.
Silent Cork Underlay
Baier’s Silent Cork underlay is made from natural cork and offers superb insulation for both temperature and sound. This is an excellent choice for eco-friendly projects that also prioritize comfort. It can help meet green certification goals.
Everything Matches: Accessories
Baier also offers custom transitions and stair nosings to match their underlay products. This ensures a seamless and Professional finish for your laminate flooring installation.
Product Examples I Like
Laminate Exposition
This flooring line is known for its scratch resistance and affordable price. It perfectly demonstrates Baier’s commitment to delivering strong laminate options without compromising on quality.
Baier Magic SPC Series
Every product in this series comes with IXPE underlay, providing built-in sound absorption and moisture protection. These features make it an excellent choice for homes with children or pets.
4. Jona Panel Sales Inc. (EnStron Division) – Formaldehyde-Free Underlayment Excellence for Canadian Laminate Flooring
Jona Panel Sales Inc., as the exclusive Canadian distributor for the EnStron Division, offers high-density, formaldehyde-free EnStron underlayment panels. These panels are a top choice for professional and DIY laminate and resilient flooring projects across Canada, making them stand out in quality-driven installations.
Key Features of EnStron Underlayment – Eco-Friendly and Ultra-Durable
Fully Eco-Responsible Construction
Manufactured from 100% recycled fiber with no added Formaldehyde (NAF).
TSCA Title 6 compliant and CARB exempt (N-002-20B) for strict indoor air quality standards.
Acid-free composition prevents bleeding and staining under vinyl and resilient floor coverings.
GreenGuard and FloorScore certifications available, supporting LEED v4 requirements.
Superior Density and Strength
Core density at 46 lbs/cu. ft—double that of standard luan plywood. This results in high surface hardness, greater damage resistance, and improved subfloor support.
Each panel is sanded to 100 grit, delivering a smooth, even surface and minimizing prep time.
Thickness tolerance of ±0.005″ for consistent installation and easier handling.
Reliable, Proven Performance
Over 100 million square feet installed across projects over more than two decades—trusted by flooring professionals nationwide.
Comes with a robust 15-year limited warranty for peace of mind and long-term protection.
Installation and Flexibility – Designed for Canadian Projects
Contractor and DIY-Friendly
Convenient nailing patterns reduce installation time.
Downloadable resources: multi-lingual product literature, installation guides, and warranties readily available—no need for special tapes or adhesives.
No risk of panel acid-bleed, making it especially safe under luxury vinyl flooring.
Panel Sizes and Options
Available in multiple thicknesses and formats, including the common 4′ x 8′ x 3/8″ panel for varied project needs.
Canadian Distribution Network
Jona Panel Sales Inc. specializes in steady, reliable supply and customer support for projects anywhere in Canada.
5. Amorim Cork Composites Canada Inc. – Sustainable Cork Underlayments for High-Performance Laminate Flooring
Amorim Cork Composites Canada Inc. stands out as an innovative leader in underlayments for laminate flooring, expertly blending environmental responsibility with superior technical performance.
Go4Cork One Underlayment – Eco-Friendly Choice with Advanced Technology
Go4Cork One is Amorim’s latest underlayment, made with over 80% recycled and natural materials. It uniquely uses cork blended with PET foam sourced from recycled wind turbine blades.
Offers a 2-in-1 solution: The integrated vapor barrier protects from moisture, while the cork-PET layer provides stability and compensates for minor imperfections in the subfloor.
Tested and certified under strict MMFA and EPLF Group 1 standards, ensuring the highest reliability and suitability for quality laminate flooring projects.
Delivers excellent acoustic performance, reducing impact noise for a quieter indoor environment.
Complete Underlayment Lineup for Laminate Floors
Acousticork and Amorim NRT series: These cork-based options are designed for maximum impact noise reduction, thermal resistance, and water vapor resistance. They also help protect floors from damage due to dropped objects and prevent slippage.
Choose from cork-only or cork blended with recycled PU, rubber, or EVA. This flexibility supports both sustainability and high technical demands.
Key Performance Features Recognized by Flooring Professionals
Long-Term Durability: Independent lab tests confirm Amorim cork underlayments maintain their performance and comfort year after year, outlasting standard foam competitors. This long life means cost savings, as you’re less likely to need early floor replacements.
Certified Negative Carbon Footprint: Cork products actually remove more carbon from the atmosphere during tree growth than is emitted during production (study by EY consultants), making these underlayments a top choice for eco-conscious projects.
Leading Thermal and Acoustic Insulation: Cork’s natural structure insulates floors not just against noise but also cold, improving comfort in Canadian homes.
Flexibility in Applications: Suitable for new builds and renovations, these underlayments compensate for uneven subfloors and deliver protection that lasts.
Main Product Highlights
Go4Cork One: 80%+ recycled content, built-in vapor barrier, outstanding acoustic and durability properties, MMFA/EPLF-certified.
Amorim NRT 31–34: Cork layers pre-attached to various laminate, LVT, and SPC planks for quick installation and long-term sound protection.
Acousticork Rolls: Ideal for under laminate, wood, or ceramic, featuring high water resistance and effective energy absorption.
Sustainability and Value
Cork is 100% natural, ecological, and endlessly recyclable. Amorim’s approach combines renewable cork with recycled content from other industries, setting a benchmark in green flooring underlayment.
These solutions are laboratory-proven to retain their qualities for the life of the floor—ensuring your investment in quality underlayment leads to long-term comfort and floor protection.
6. Goodfellow Inc. – Premium Underlay Solutions for Laminate Flooring Projects in Canada
Goodfellow Inc. is well-known for its premium underlayments tailored to laminate and engineered hardwood floors across Canada. They offer a strong lineup designed to meet the needs of quality-focused projects, from condos and commercial spaces to residential renovations.
Types of Goodfellow Underlayment for Laminate Floors
Quiet Tan Underlayment
This is a premium foam product engineered for excellent support under laminate floors.
It is built to reduce the clacking sound of footsteps, enhance thermal insulation, and incorporate a built-in vapour guard.
Suitable for installation over any subfloor, including concrete and radiant heat, and works in basements.
Condominium-approved, making it versatile for both residential and commercial spaces.
White Foam 2mm Underlay
Made from polyethylene foam, this underlay is easy to handle, non-allergenic, odorless, and non-toxic.
Supplied in 200 sq. ft. rolls for streamlined installation and budgeting.
Compatible with all subfloor types, usable on, above, or below grade, and safe for radiant heat systems.
This broad availability across Canadian suppliers makes it reliable for larger projects requiring consistent quality.
Performance Metrics & Specialized Products
Meyci Aluminum Underlayment
2mm black EVA with an integrated aluminum vapor barrier and lip tape.
Offers Impact Insulation Class (IIC) of 63 and Sound Transmission Class (STC) of 62.
Strong option for reducing sound between floors in both laminate and engineered floating flooring installations over plywood or concrete.
Red UHD Underlayment
Built from 1.5mm high-density EVA with a 0.1mm vapor barrier for maximum sound reduction.
Delivers top-tier IIC 73 and STC 72 ratings, excelling in minimizing impact and airborne noise.
Works with laminate, vinyl, and engineered flooring, supporting varied flooring choices.
Protection Underlayment
A 1mm self-stick fabric roll specifically for protecting floors and surfaces during renovations.
Lightweight but durable, includes a vapor barrier for temporary or transitional project needs.
Key Advantages for Flooring Professionals
Flexible installation over any subfloor, including concrete, wood, and heated systems.
Products are suited for basements, condos, and high-traffic spaces.
Integrated vapor barriers and high thermal insulation in multiple underlays contribute to longer floor life and increased comfort.
Verified sound insulation: High IIC and STC ratings make these underlays a smart pick for noise-sensitive settings.
Simple handling: For example, White Foam 2mm in 200 sq. ft. rolls simplifies logistics, especially in larger jobs.
Goodfellow’s Competitive Edge
Wide choice of underlayments for different laminate flooring needs.
Moisture protection, thermal benefits, and certified sound dampening.
Compatibility with all subfloor and floating flooring systems, giving greater flexibility in project design and execution.
Reliable availability in Canada, supporting fast procurement for projects big or small.
Summary Table of Goodfellow Underlayments and Features:
| Product | Material / Feature | Key Technical Properties | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiet Tan | Premium foam, vapor guard | Condo-approved, insulation | Residential, condo, office |
| White Foam 2mm | Polyethylene foam | 200 sq. ft. roll, hypoallergenic | All subfloors, DIY |
| Meyci Aluminum | 2mm EVA, aluminum vapor barrier | IIC 63, STC 62 | Plywood/concrete subfloor |
| Red UHD | 1.5mm high-density EVA, red barrier | IIC 73, STC 72 | Laminate, vinyl, engineered |
| Protection | 1mm fabric, self-stick, vapor barrier | Renovation surface protection | Renovation, transit |
7. MP Global Products (Canada Division / Partner Manufacturer): Innovative & Eco-Friendly Laminate Flooring Underlayments
MP Global Products (Canada Division) has established itself as a standout supplier of innovative, sustainable underlayment solutions for laminate flooring projects of all sizes across Canada. With an operation that runs 24/7 with 145 staff, they specialize in meeting large-scale demands for contractors and manufacturers looking for advanced acoustic, moisture, and thermal protection.
Flagship Underlayments for Quality Laminate Flooring Projects
QuietWalk Series
QuietWalk: MP Global’s core product, engineered specifically for laminate floors. It’s known for resolving sound and moisture issues, making it the go-to underlay for both residential and commercial projects. Multiple truckloads ship daily to major flooring makers.
QuietWalk LV: A denser, thinner fiber underlayment that suits laminate, vinyl planks, and floors with attached pads. It features Dri-Wick vapor technology and boasts impressive sound metrics (STC 62, IIC 70). Made entirely from recycled fiber for eco-friendly appeal.
QuietWalk Plus / QuietBoard: These variants are tailored for specialized installation needs and accommodate a broader range of flooring types beyond standard laminates.
AquaLayer—Advanced Moisture Management
This premium underlay introduces the Hydro-Lock Vapor Barrier system. It allows moisture to pass through the surface and safely evaporate in the fiber core, preventing mold, mildew, and floor damage—a major upgrade for moisture-prone environments.
Key Features: Performance & Sustainability
Eco-Conscious Materials: Most MP Global underlayments use post-industrial recycled fibers, supporting sustainable procurement and reduced environmental impact.
Certified Indoor Air Quality: Free from VOCs and off-gassing, QuietWalk products are certified for clean, healthy indoor air.
Superior Comfort & Durability: They deliver outstanding sound absorption, compression resistance, and thermal insulation. These ensure quieter, warmer floors and extended product life.
Multi-Floor Compatibility: Suitable for floating, glue-down, or nail-down installations and compatible with radiant heating.
Flexible Sizing and Market Reach
Roll Options: Products are available in 50 to 360 sq. ft. per roll, catering to projects of any scale—from single rooms to entire buildings.
Mass Distribution: MP Global serves both contractors and distributors as a “One Source” for underlayment—consolidating logistics, making them a reliable partner for high-volume projects.
Industry Validation & Real-World Impact
Contractor & User Approval: Reviews highlight MP Global’s effective sound dampening, moisture control, and thermal comfort as key reasons for recommendation.
Case Example: When a major manufacturer faced persistent moisture problems, MP Global developed the AquaLayer film system. This breakthrough directs water through the underlayment to allow safe evaporation—solving long-term floor damage issues.