First it will give you some added cushion to help make the floor softer to walk on.
Do i need underlayment for vinyl plank flooring on concrete.
Vinyl plank is a floating floor which means you don t ever actually attach it to the underlay.
This is where underlayment can do the trick.
If the subfloor is concrete then it is needed to help keep moisture out making it more comfortable to walk on and keeping the room warmer in the winter.
Second you may want an extra vapor barrier above the subfloor to reduce any risk of moisture.
If installing over concrete in a basement the vinyl planking is likely to be fine if there s a moisture issue but a moisture barrier will also help control air humidity in the space.
What kind of underlayment do i need.
The hardest part about it floating is to keep it square as you work.
You just lay it over top.
However you ll want to use one in every other application including covering existing hardwood floors vinyl flooring that isn t cushioned and concrete floors.
In almost every case yes depending upon the type of subfloor that you have.
You leave enough of a gap around the edge that it can expand contract flex whatever but that it s hidden by baseboard.
You also do not need an underlayment if your vinyl plank flooring has underlayment installed however you may need a vapor barrier.
If you are installing your vinyl plank flooring over a concrete subfloor you may want to use an underlayment for three reasons.