Do Hardwood Floors Need Underlayment? An Expert's Guide

When it comes to hardwood floors, subflooring isn't always necessary, but it does come with its benefits. Installing a subfloor provides greater stability and durability to the floor, helping to smooth out any imperfections in the subfloor. This ensures that your artificial wood floor will last for a long time. The lower layers also soften the subfloor and eliminate small falls and defects that could otherwise affect the new floors.

The even surface provided by a base layer creates more stability for your artificial wood floors, as well as protecting them from water damage and absorbing sound. No, you don't need a moisture barrier on the second floor unless there's any chance of water entering underneath the hardwood base. To get the most out of your subfloor, you'll need to look at what materials work best with the type of wood floor you have. The lower layer also cushions the feet when walking or standing on the wooden floor and insulates them from extreme changes in temperature.

While it is essential to correct major defects in the subfloor before mounting it, a perfect base is sought to level out minor defects and thus ensure stability. When deciding whether or not to install a plywood floor in the lower layer, it's important to consider the type of installation you're using. For example, if you use the floating method to install your new floor, the wooden boards won't actually be fixed to the subfloor. In this case, one of the best types of base that's perfect for you is black felt.

While it's important to correct the most significant cracks and defects in the subfloor before installation, a quality base can protect small ones to help ensure stability.Overall, installing a subfloor for your hardwood floors has many benefits, including greater moisture resistance and a more durable floor. It also provides extra support and insulation, making it more comfortable to walk on and helping to protect against extreme changes in temperature. While it may not be necessary for all hardwood floors, installing a subfloor can help ensure that your artificial wood floors last for years to come.