Flooring Underlay & Insulation
Duralay Timbermate Excel Silver Wood Floor & Laminate Underlay, 3.6mm, 15sqm
£84.95 £101.94 per roll Inc. VAT Ex. VAT
QuickStep Heat Livyn Underlay for Underfloor Heating, 1.5mm, 10sqm
£51.00 £61.20 per roll Inc. VAT Ex. VAT
QuickStep Comfort Underlay for Livyn Flooring, 1.15mm, 15sqm
£59.90 £71.88 per roll Inc. VAT Ex. VATGetting the underlay right does as much for a finished floor as the flooring itself, and this range brings together names built for exactly that job — Duralay, QuickStep, Elka, Timbertech, Wakol and Canopy among them. From standard 3mm rolls for everyday laminate and wood floors through to dedicated soundproofing mats rated up to 37dB and underlay built specifically for underfloor heating, it covers the groundwork almost any installation needs.
Key Features
- Real noise reduction where it matters — soundproofing-rated underlay cuts impact sound between floors, a genuine consideration in flats and multi-storey homes
- Underfloor heating compatibility built in — options like the QuickStep Heat Livyn and Xylotherm underlay are engineered to transfer heat efficiently rather than trap it
- A thickness for every subfloor — from a slim 1.15mm comfort layer to a substantial 7mm cushioned roll, so uneven or imperfect subfloors get the support they need
- Built-in damp protection on select rolls — an integrated membrane means one product does two jobs, saving a separate damp-proofing step
- Genuine comfort underfoot — thicker, cushioned underlays soften the feel of a hard floor, particularly valuable in bedrooms and living spaces
- Specialist tapes and finishing strips — self-adhesive tape and flanking bands complete the installation without needing a separate trip for fixings
Getting the Groundwork Right
An underlay does more than just sit under the floor — the right choice affects how a room sounds, how comfortable it feels underfoot, and even how well underfloor heating performs. Standard rolls from Duralay and Elka suit everyday laminate and wood installations, while QuickStep's Silentwalk and Unisound Combi ranges specifically target sound transmission, useful in flats or rooms above living spaces. For underfloor heating projects, purpose-built options like Xylotherm and QuickStep's Heat Livyn underlay are designed not to insulate against the heat they're meant to let through. Wakol's TS102 and TS160 mats add a further soundproofing option for larger commercial-scale installations.
Where These Products Work Best
- Flats and multi-storey properties — soundproofing-rated underlay reduces impact noise between floors
- Rooms with underfloor heating — purpose-built underlay like Xylotherm and Heat Livyn is designed to transfer heat efficiently
- Uneven or imperfect subfloors — thicker, cushioned rolls help smooth out minor subfloor irregularities
- Damp-prone ground floors — underlay with a built-in membrane adds protection without an extra product
FAQ
Do I need underlay for every type of flooring?
Most laminate, wood and some vinyl installations benefit from underlay, though requirements vary by flooring type — always check the specific manufacturer's guidance.
What does the dB rating on soundproofing underlay mean?
It measures how much impact sound the underlay reduces — a higher rating generally means better sound insulation between floors.
Can I use standard underlay with underfloor heating?
No, underfloor heating needs an underlay specifically designed for heat transfer, such as Xylotherm or QuickStep's Heat Livyn — standard underlay can insulate against the heat rather than let it through.
What's the difference between foam and rubber underlay?
Foam underlay is generally lighter and more affordable, while rubber tends to offer better sound reduction and durability, particularly for wood and laminate floors.
Do I need a separate damp proof membrane?
Not always — some underlays come with a built-in damp proof membrane, while others need a separate membrane laid first, depending on the subfloor and flooring type.