Attached or Seperate Cushion on Laminate?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Stephen on October 12, 2008 at 9:31am

What am I thinking, theres no one here, specially any other installers.

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Permalink Reply by Angela Vannett on November 12, 2008 at 9:54am

I have been sending invites to the local installers here that I know.. hopefully we can get some more flooring professionals on here soon though Stephen! :)

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Permalink Reply by Angela Vannett on November 12, 2008 at 9:53am

I like the separate padding with the laminate because the customer can choose which underlayment will fit their project the best. If it is a spare bedroom, or a rental, or a tight budgeted project.. a 3-in-1 combo roll would be an alright option. Where as, for a more high traffic area or for someone who is VERY concerned about the "click-clack" sound associated with floating floors, a closed-cell foam or an upgraded cork underlayment would be a better option. This would complete the flooring system so they are happier with the final outcome.

This is from a sales person's perspective... are there any comments from an installers perspective that would help in the information I share with my customers?

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Permalink Reply by Stephen on November 12, 2008 at 12:32pm

Hey thanks for helping Angela. Now theres a couple more installers here. Its mostly those onery inspectors posting though. :)


From my perspective on attached vs seperate, I like the attached better because its easier to run 6 mil plastic up the walls and in that sense it helps protect the floor from leaks coming from wet rooms like bathrooms and laundry rooms. I also wrap and seal up the doorways of those areas using silicone. Much like the way Pergo suggests installing under a dishwasher.

Alloc is one manufacture that lets you use two layers of underlayment with its flooring for height issues. The primary layer being a stiffer underlayment though. Course theres always the floating the substrate out for transitions I do allot.


Ciao !

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Permalink Reply by Steve Simonson on November 13, 2008 at 12:01am

I have seen significant tests that illustrate the the seperate layer vs. attached can have a MUCH better result for downward sound transmission and slightly better upward sound transmission. Given the wide variation between attached padding i am also skeptical that a "typical" attached pad has ANY value. (there are exceptions to that that are noteworthy and impactful, but those are few and far between.)

Have you seen hard core data to contradict my observations above Floor Guy?

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Permalink Reply by Scott Tullis on December 28, 2008 at 6:54pm

I feel that the customer gets a better end use with a separate pad typically.
Yes there are some good attached pads and they are easier/less work for the installer but the use of a quality pad makes a big difference for very little extra money. Easy sale to even the cheap customer on a budget.

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Permalink Reply by Tumbleweed on November 12, 2008 at 7:56pm

Since I prefer MP Global products like Quiet Walk and Silent Stride, obviously I prefer seperate. It is what I used in my house, and whenever I can get a customer to use it, I feel more comfortable about the install. Cheeper than cork, excellent moiture protection, great noise reduction, less sub floor prep, and mold, mildew, fungus resistant (a big plus with concrete subs).
I feel it gives the highest quality floor at an affordable price, and that is win/win for any installer.

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Permalink Reply by Jerome on November 13, 2008 at 11:11am

I prefer the separate padding. If their budget allows I use Sound Solutions underlayment.... rolls are very heavy. After I get the substrate flat ( a requirement) you can barely tell it floats..... you would think it's glued down.,.... stiff, solid and very quiet.

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Permalink Reply by slaw on November 13, 2008 at 4:57pm

For me definitely attached .For one it speeds up installation. Also given the choice people tend to cheap out on the cushion/underlayment .And what floorguy said

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Permalink Reply by Angela Vannett on November 14, 2008 at 9:39am

The score for the attached underlayment vs. separate underlayment is.......... Attached: 3 and Separate: 4...... We gotta close race here people... just need a few more electoral votes to roll in and we will have a winner! haha

I am Angela and I approve this message. :D

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Permalink Reply by Stephen on November 14, 2008 at 10:02am

Jerry, your not kidding that sound solution stuff is heavy! Especially the 6ft wide rolls.

If I had to pick a seperate cushion that would be it. But not for upstairs. :)

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Permalink Reply by Ben Thiesing on November 14, 2008 at 11:14am

The one thing that I have to add is the fact that a lot of times an attached underlayment does not extend to the very edge of the plank, allowing for a hollow channel under the highest stressed portion of the flooring. Not only does this allow for a "clacking" noise above the said channel, but does not support weight on the joint. A rolled underlayment, or panels such as the cork sheets, would allow for a 100% coverage, as well as offer a choice for height differentials to the customer/installer. This comes in handy when transitioning to existing Tile, Saltio and Carpet.

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