What is the best underlay for wood flooring?

Choosing the right underlay makes all the difference when fitting wood flooring. It adds comfort, improves insulation, and protects your floor over time. But picking the right thickness is key.

For wood flooring up to 15mm thick, we recommend using a 3mm underlay. This offers a perfect balance—thick enough to provide cushioning and insulation, but not so thick that it makes the floor feel soft or spongy. A thicker underlay under thinner flooring can lead to movement and even long-term damage.

If your wood flooring is over 15mm thick, opt for a 5mm underlay. This slightly denser base suits heavier floors and helps ensure a stable, secure fit.

And if you're lucky enough to have water-based underfloor heating, you'll want our specially designed 4mm underfloor heating underlay. It’s made to allow efficient heat transfer while still protecting the floor above.

By matching your underlay to your floor type and needs, you'll get the best performance, comfort, and longevity from your flooring.