Laminate flooring/Concrete floor

[mika_98]

Hello all,

Just wondering if I could get some advice please. I am planning on laying laminate flooring on a concrete floor. The current floor doesn't seem too bad as far as moisture is concerned. However, as a precaution, I would like to go with some form of underlay with a moisture barrier and also something with good insulating properties as the floor is very cold!

Any suggestions on what I can use please? Is it possible to use a foam based board/fibre board with a layer of underlay on top? Or should I avoid this due to the risk of too many layers/movement between one surface and another. Or are such boards even suitable IF there is a risk of moisture?

If going for a foil backed underlay (built in dpm), which would you recommend? Most local retailers have offered what seems like a generic silver foiled, foam underlay and the quality doesn't seem to be that great.

I would be very grateful of any advice

 

[foxhole]

Any foam insulation will do .

 

[mika_98]

Thanks, really appreciate it. I will look into foam options.
One further question - Do I have to tape the joints on the underlay - If so, which tape would you recommend please?

 

[matlob]

Take a look at LVT which is waterproof and looks similar to wood effect laminate.

 

[dazlight]

Timbermate Excel is the best out there for underlays in my book.

 

[crazydaze]

I second Dazlight, Timbermate XL underlay is superb

 

[jerryflo]

I had a similar setup with concrete underneath, and proper prep made a huge difference. Make sure the surface is clean, level, and dry before laying the flooring—any moisture issues can cause problems down the line. I also used a good quality underlay with a built-in moisture barrier, which helped a lot with both insulation and comfort.