I am finding that YOUR videos are consistently productive for me, clear and direct, and I really appreciate your creating these and sharing them. Thank you.
One thing to be aware of regarding an underlayment, a lot of flooring companies that say not to use one will use it as an excuse to void your warranty on it if anything goes wrong. That info came to me directly from someone that deals with selling it daily and dealing with manufacturers on behalf of customers. I put one under mine anyway. I found that it helps with keeping those initial rows of a floating floor in place instead of sliding around.
I actually think this video is a sign from the “powers that be” that I CAN do my bathroom remodel on my own… this series will cover every item on the list down to moving from single to double vanity. Thanks, Jeff.
I have a small 6x6 concrete area I am putting floating floor on. I have had the boxes of flooring for a few months. I returned the junk underlayment I bought and ordered this!!! Love you guys!!
Thanks Jeff. Lots of positives for using this underlayment instead of DMX 1-Step. I understand you're not allowing yourself to mention the EVA flooring underlayment by name, but as a commenter I can. Anyhow, it looks like the best pricing for this underlayment is ordering online from Home Depot since. The link you provided has this at $0.75 sq/ft, but if you buy direct from Home Depot (in the USA) it costs $0.51 sq/ft. Thanks for another informative video.
The only downside is that you won’t be giggling to yourself nearly as much during the installation if the song “X Gon’ Give It to Ya” happens to be playing. Maybe that’s a non-issue for most folks, but I always enjoy things that have a coincidental musical theme to them. I suppose you could throw on some “Dancing Queen” and make do with this stuff, if that’s your thing. It seems like going from AbaTec to ABBA is a bit of stretch, but maybe it’s just me.
You’ve done it again Jeff! A wealth of great info for us DIY homeowners, I really enjoy your approach to any task. It’s clear ,concise and filled with very useful tips. I followed your tips on cabinet painting and they came out beautifully! I’m watching some on subway tile install now. After this I’m going to the floor! I really appreciate all your videos and input. You make my job easier and more enjoyable! Keep up the great work and many thanks!
Thanks again ! You awesome and always come through for me when I have a question. I have been doing this stuff for 40 years and few people can answer my questions, but you can and I cant tell you how much I appreciate you ! Keep up the good work.
Hello. I have been remodeling a old slab-on-grade 3 bedroom and enjoy your videos. This floor information is timely for me. As I watched I was formulating questions. Funny thing is you answered them, it wa like you were reading my mind. Many thanks. Blessings to you and your family...Leo
Awesome! I used DMX 1-step for basement floor room and it worked really well for LVP. You can hear little clicks if you walk around, I think that's common, but will prefer this product next time. Totally agree "working with a scroll" is accurate. It wasn't too bad and otherwise went down easy, floor was done within the day.
Getting a good underlayment with a cushion effect is key. When I laid my floor and then walked on it it feels so smooth doesn’t feeling like I’m walking on hard wood.
So let me get this straight. In another video, you recommended purchasing an underpad from a store other than Home Depot (such as Floor & Decor). This underpad is sold at Home Depot but it's the best underpad? Is it more expensive than the type you recommended from Floor & Decor? Is it worth the extra cost or should I buy an underpad from Floor & Decor? Thank you.
This is perfect timing. I just discovered that a contractor took advantage of my mom and veteran dad, and took a lot of shortcuts in the master bathroom. My hubs and I are going demo the floor, survey the damage, and do it the right way.
Hey Jeff! Thanks so much for the video. You've made a few videos on the topic, but I am curious about using underlayment with vinyl planks that have underlayment already on them. In a few videos, you have said that the underlayment that is attached to vinyl are insufficient. BUT, putting underlayment under some vinyl planks with underlayment voids their warranty. Do you still add this extra AbaTec underlayment if the panel has it's own underlayment and that risks the warranty? Thanks!
My local Home Depot’s don’t cary the Abatec. They do have the Lifeproof Universal Underlayment which the “floor guy” at the depot says is the same thing and might be made for HD by the same manufacturer.
Hey there Jeff! Perfect timing for posting this! 👍 We are currently renovation a 1910s house. Unfortunately, our contractor bailed on us and now we our DIY’ing (or DIOurselves). Nevertheless, we are grateful to have your videos and we are confident we can conquer DIY’ing! 💪😅 Currently, we are battling with the floors. Trying to figure out how to level the floors or wondering if we can cross our fingers that the under layment (such as this one) will suffice?? 🤞 Unfortunately, it’s not in our budget to rip up the hardwood tiger wood flooring nor repair it. So we can’t put in new subfloor. So we are using the hardwood flooring as our subfloor. However, we do notice about a 1/2” dip in one area. Apparently, the house is settling (because it’s a 100+ year old house on a hill) and the joists are warped. To mitigate the bounciness we’ve drilled wood screws into the hardwood to the joists. But this still doesn’t solve the dip. Flooring feels solid, but again.. how can we fix the dip or will under layment help??? Please help! 🙏😇
Is underlayment necessary? I am also planning to install vinyl flooring and the planks have a rubber material coming with them, so in that case is it necessary to have a separate underlayment?
Hello, Great videos lots of help. I want to instal luxury vinyl on my kitchen, dinning, bathroom and livingroom, I got a house built in 2019 Can I just put this underpayment and on top my luxury vinyl ?
Per the comment I would stay away from squishy foam underlayment. This underlayment is good and there are better--just be sure they don't tear easily or compress easily, otherwise they lose function and longevity. The 2mm Ultra Quiet from floor and decor as well as ECF from HD are more expensive and highly IIC and STC with higher delta ratings as well, slightly. Again, good material that Jeff speak about---I just have not had any noise concerns with the 3mm ECF cork/foam compared to other rooms with 2mm competitors in terms of sound. Comfort is about the same if you have quality interlocking floating floor. Key.
I bought this product based on your recommendation and against the advice of our contractor who said that in his experience and the flooring guy at lowes this underlayment should not be put under our CALI Vinyl Pro with Mute Step Interlocking Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring. He said that because the flooring goes together with tongue and groove locking system that the underlayment could cause the flooring to "give" and the more the flooring "gives" the more stress it causes on the tongue and groove connection. So I hope that I have done the right thing choosing to go ahead with this underlayment anyway. After having the contractor voice his concerns I watched many more of your videos and I noticed that you do not put this underlayment down before installing the vinyl plank flooring? Can you tell us why that is?
I'm starting to install vinyl planks that has built in underlayment (rubber) and without knowing i also picked up some underlayment like you show in this video. I see people say not to use underlayment in that case because of the locking issues you point out, but this underlayment seems different as it's thinner and compressed. You also mention that it's ok to use this type of underlayment because of it's density. I've already got the underlayment cut and laid out in one room and was about to start laying planks...then i figured I should try to make sure it's ok first. In your opinion, do you think it's ok to have extra when the plank has underlayment attached? I'm on a concrete floor...which is flat, at least in this first room. Thanks for all the video's...super helpful!
I've been shopping for vinyl plank floors and every floor sales person is saying don't bother with an additional underlayment if there's a pad on the plank. These are commission sales people advising me against buying $300-400 more product from them. Seems like everyone has a different opinion but if the guys who'd profit from selling me the stuff tell me not to buy it I'm leaning that direction.
Seems like you have changed your tune about underlay! What happened to the 30 cent stuff? Is it now not okay? How about everyone who listened to your earlier video's, are they now asking was I mistaken yo listen?
Looks a great product. Our house built in 70's has concrete slab that is slightly uneven, would this underlay work and what would be best flooring type to use over it? Your videos are such a great resource for the novice home restorer like myself.
@@redjellonian8126 When installed it literally acts as a sheet of grip, sound muffling, and moisture barrier material...why rubber attached underlayment would be worse than a sheet of...this...is beyond me.
@@DxBlack my guess is that the LVP with underlayment built in cannot provide same quality of moisture barrier as an dedicated underlayment, as all the joints allow for possible breaks in the barrier.
@@DxBlack The hundreds/thousands of joints in your flooring won't prevent sound or vapour from getting through, hence the need for a dedicated underlayment with taped seams.
@@DxBlack I'm not sure where you get the idea that the separate pieces of thin material are going to function in so many ways and that an underlayment which is going to be recommended by even the manufacturer regardless is unneeded but it's really a you problem.
There is one biggest difference than DMX is the airflow. Jeff mentions how important is the airflow beneath the floor to avoid mold and get rid of moisture. If the subfloor is basement concrete, is this product able to let the moisture out?
Hi Jeff, Awesome video as all yours are and informative and detailed with product information. Love it. My question is I have 2 layers of tile on my kitchen. Can I add LVP to this or am I pushing the limit to weight load. thanks again
Checked with Abatec for using their product with my 16"x32" (lvt in main floor bathroom in my case) floating floor and they said to contact the flooring manufacturer first which I did and they said it would void their warranty so you have to take that in consideration prior to moving forward. So I was a bit surprised as I planned on trying out this product in my remodel.
Hello Jeff, loved the video. Would this product work with Hardwood flooring? I am installing some new hardwood oak floors a few months and wanted to know I could use this product.
Question, does walking on the floor with this underlayment make it feel "spongy" (cheap feeling) and not like a solid floor? I don't like that feeling. I put engineered flooring in my basement with underlayment and it felt a little "spongy" and cheap.
It seems rather odd, more like suspicious, that the STC of such a thin product can be so high, when laying mass loaded vinyl or thick rubber won't even get you anywhere if the floors and ceilings have not been engineered and built to proper specs and materials to reach the 60 something STC or impact rating. I'm sure that like many other products that boast such high STC or impact, small writings specify a thickness of concrete, a specific floor/wall/ceiling system with drywall, green glue and decoupling systems. Otherwise you could slap this underlayment on an apartment floor and fire up the home workshop with loud tools and dropping stuff, which I know you can't. I have a similar underlayment on top of existing floor and underlayment, plus 3/4 inch rubber mats, and I can guarantee that my neighbor still doesn't get a 68 IIC or 60 STC that the underlayment promises.
Could you do a video on how to pour a microcement floor? They are gaining popularity and it may be a cost effective alternative to other flooring options? I have really been enjoying your videos!
Is underlayment necessary? I am also planning to install vinyl flooring and the planks have a rubber material coming with them, so in that case is it necessary to have a separate underlayment?
Hi Jeff! Your videos are amazing thank you. I was wondering what kind of underlayment should i use? i have vinyl floors and winter gets really cold and air blows from the floors and we usually do not wear shoes so our feet freezes. This project will be DIY If you can provide multiple options please that will be perfect. Thanks
Im installing vinyl plank on my washroom and realize the floor is not even..Can I put two or three layers of this to level the floor before installing the vinyl plank?
Hey Jeff thanks for the video ! Could you use this product, or would you use this product with an SPC LVP that is 5mm and already has a black foam style underpad attached to it?
Hi Jeff, If I need an underlayment that will be placed down on a 2nd floor unit with an in-law unit downstairs, will this product be sufficient in terms of maximizing sound proofing? What other underlayment do you recommend that may have a higher sound rating if this is a priority?? Thanks a lot and definitely will be tuning in to your upcoming series! cheers!
Really enjoy the videos and learning about the newest things. Thank you for that! Kinda in relation as it is similar flooring but, quick question, I am trying to add some floating flooring to match what is there, to patch a space in a kitchen that used to have a cabinet in it. It seems the floor under the cabinet was just slab and there is a 8th inch one side and half inch the other side difference in the floor level. I am using Henrys 345 to fill in the difference layer by layer to build up the half inch side and it is taking forever to dry. I am now thinking I made a mistake and should have used self leveling concrete. Would you recommend just keep building it up and waiting for each layer to dry or just bust it out and put some self leveling concrete in there? Any thoughts are appreciated.
Two questions. First, I have heard the waterproof vinyl flooring is better than the waterproof laminate when used in a bathroom. Is that generally true? Second, I have been thinking that even if the flooring I get has an attached underlayment that I would put an underlayment like you have here in the video down first and then put the flooring. Just as a second layer of protection against water getting onto the osb. Is this a good idea? Any other tips for preventing water damage to the OSB when installing vinyl or laminate in a bathroom?
You said this blue stuff is the “best on the market you’ve seen to date”. How does it compare to “Acousticork T-56 Endurance”? I’m looking for best quality with lowest sound transmission.
Jeff, you are such a great resources for people who want to diy! My wife and I moved into our home a few years ago and the old hardwood floors are very beat up. She wants to install luxury vinyl over top of the hardwoods instead of refinishing them. Is this a good idea? The floors also squeak quite a bit, would something like this product mitigate the squeaking? Cheers!
Thanks so much for this! I'm looking at tackling a bedroom with an old subfloor. The floor is solid but I do have some 1/4" seams at joints in places... Can I use this as my smooth surface before laying vinyl sheeting?
Hi Jeff, for older homes which don't have a moisture barrier built into the foundation - I thought that laying down a flat vapor barrier on top would result in trapping moisture between the underlayment and the concrete. This seems great for other contexts but wouldn't dimpled subflooring be better because it allows moisture to evaporate?
In another video you recommend an underlayment with bubbles to create a space between the concrete and the subfloor. I have an older house without a vapor barrier under the slab. Would you recommend a product with dimples over this one ?
If installing LifeProof LVP on a concrete floor in a basement in a 20 year old house would you rather do a subfloor with a dimple mat and OSB or this product and just the LifeProof flooring?
Can I glue this down under my glue down 2mm LVP planks, or Is there something like this that I can use between my slab on grade concrete floor and glue down 2mm LVP planks?
Jeff, would you use this with vinyl plank that already has 'underlayment' attached? Like Lowes' Smartcore Ultra. I didn't use any on my install directly on slab, and it sounds like hollow plastic when walking on it.
I have Smartcore and I didn't use an underlayment just standard OBS and they turned out great. Smartcore is like 7-8mm I believe which is a good thickness I wouldn't not use an underlayment for anything under 5mm. Some of their cheapest floors like Procore are complete ass.
my question is yes it is rated for 65 psi but with floating floors the warranty is void if placed under cabinets or permanent fixtures and also it can not expand so why do you recommend installing this under cabinets?
Just bought a house and discovered your channel. Time to fix all the things! Question about the underlayment though - I just installed luxury vinyl planks which already had an underlayment attached and the warranty for the planks specifically states that the warranty is void if you install any additional underlayment other than what is already attached to the planks. Is there any advantage to using an additional layer of underlayment if the planks already have one attached?
One thing that wasn't super clear on this specific video, when taping the seams, what do you with seams that end on the corners of the walls?! Do you tape them to the concrete wall if you have access? If you don't do you tape the edge on the cement floor directly?! Curious cause I have an unfinished maintenance room/mancave that was bought with carpet directly above cement floor that has no vapor barrier, so since I might change that in the near future, wanted to know how to properly make this moisture proof on the edges of the room.
Adhesive sealant would be needed if going direct to concrete, maybe tape on top after that, but I wouldn't trust tape alone long term on concrete. Might be able to tape it to the vapor barrier where it's stapled at the bottom plate as well
The Home Depot flooring guru, said that only Cork underlay should be used under life proof plank flooring? She completely turned down idea of using this abetec underlay?
I was trying to determine how much underlayment I needed to order when I noticed a price increase. $74.80 for 100 sq ft. For all I know it's on backorder, along with so many other items. A friend in Vegas emailed me gas is $7.00 per gallon. Things that make us go 'hmmmmm', right?
Jeff, I understand the abatec underlayment can handle a lot of weight, such as cabinets with stone countertops. However, with this massive load on the LVP floating floor, would this not inhibit the floors ability to expand and contract? What are your thoughts on that. Thanks in advance for your response. I Love your videos. I’ve renovated my entire basement myself watching your channel. You make me want to be Canadian!
If your using Vinyl planks, they don’t expand or contract any. Laminate planks will expand and contract, but I don’t think the underlayment will cause issues with laminates. We are remodeling a lake house and we have a loft where laminate planks will be used. We are going with FootComfort 5mm for extra sound absorption. It looks pretty much like the abatec, but 2mm more padding and the pieces lock together like a puzzle. ~$65/100sqft for FootComfort. One of the only underlayments at Lowe’s with a full 5 stars.
Awesome video! Perfect timing well atleast when i found it . I just ordered pergo 10m and quit walk as an underlayment ? Im going over about 500 sqft of hard wood and 400 of subfloor i was thinkn this would suffice any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks again all the best
I'm going to install LVP on a wooden subfloor. The subfloor is, seemingly, original to the house which was built in 1940. It is a made from tongue and groove planks. My LVP is 6.5mm thick with a 1.5mm pad. Would you still recommend installing an underlayment?
Hey Jeff, great video, thanks! Question for you, I'm renovating my basement and currently have ceramic tiles installed. Can I just lay the underlayment right over the Tile and then put my vinyl flooring on top?
Question: Anything extra I should do putting a pool table on vinyl plank floor (7mm) in a basement, only using underlay (like this hopefully) on concrete in newer house. Should I have some sort of additional protection on the floor?
This may be a dumb q : 1960 house in London ON, re-doing 5 x7 bathroom. the subfloor is 5" planks at 45 degrees to the joists. The original steel bathtub just sits on the subfloor. Gutting it down to the studs. Do I put the vapour barrier over the entire 5 x 7 (new bath on top)? I'm thinking it it can take cabinets it can take a bath.
I am finding that YOUR videos are consistently productive for me, clear and direct, and I really appreciate your creating these and sharing them. Thank you.
I paid the tiny premium for this product and didn't realize all the benefits for ease of installation. Glad to know it's approved by Jeff!
One thing to be aware of regarding an underlayment, a lot of flooring companies that say not to use one will use it as an excuse to void your warranty on it if anything goes wrong. That info came to me directly from someone that deals with selling it daily and dealing with manufacturers on behalf of customers. I put one under mine anyway. I found that it helps with keeping those initial rows of a floating floor in place instead of sliding around.
That should be covered in specific flooring's literature.
I actually think this video is a sign from the “powers that be” that I CAN do my bathroom remodel on my own… this series will cover every item on the list down to moving from single to double vanity. Thanks, Jeff.
Ll
Is this needed for porcelain or ceramic for a bathroom?
@@maymofoo8637 No, tile connects directly to the floor.
I was literally researching underlayments last night. Perfect timing!
I have a small 6x6 concrete area I am putting floating floor on. I have had the boxes of flooring for a few months. I returned the junk underlayment I bought and ordered this!!! Love you guys!!
nice. Cheers!
always love watching the videos Jeff! I've learned so much from you, a true teacher. thanks for everything
Yess sir 👏👍👍
I appreciate that!
Thanks Jeff. Lots of positives for using this underlayment instead of DMX 1-Step. I understand you're not allowing yourself to mention the EVA flooring underlayment by name, but as a commenter I can. Anyhow, it looks like the best pricing for this underlayment is ordering online from Home Depot since. The link you provided has this at $0.75 sq/ft, but if you buy direct from Home Depot (in the USA) it costs $0.51 sq/ft. Thanks for another informative video.
it all comes down to logistics. Hopefully one day soon we will figure out better pricing on flooring products. Cheers!
@@HomeRenoVisionDIY 8ì
im seeing 95 cents sq/ft now :(
Is the EVA flooring underlayment better than this Abatech underfloor for reducing sound?
The only downside is that you won’t be giggling to yourself nearly as much during the installation if the song “X Gon’ Give It to Ya” happens to be playing.
Maybe that’s a non-issue for most folks, but I always enjoy things that have a coincidental musical theme to them.
I suppose you could throw on some “Dancing Queen” and make do with this stuff, if that’s your thing. It seems like going from AbaTec to ABBA is a bit of stretch, but maybe it’s just me.
You’ve done it again Jeff! A wealth of great info for us DIY homeowners, I really enjoy your approach to any task. It’s clear ,concise and filled with very useful tips. I followed your tips on cabinet painting and they came out beautifully! I’m watching some on subway tile install now. After this I’m going to the floor! I really appreciate all your videos and input. You make my job easier and more enjoyable! Keep up the great work and many thanks!
Thanks again ! You awesome and always come through for me when I have a question. I have been doing this stuff for 40 years and few people can answer my questions, but you can and I cant tell you how much I appreciate you ! Keep up the good work.
Looks like the perfect product for my Sprinter camper van build that I'm planning with LVT as the final finish floor.
Good choice!
Hello. I have been remodeling a old slab-on-grade 3 bedroom and enjoy your videos. This floor information is timely for me. As I watched I was formulating questions. Funny thing is you answered them, it wa like you were reading my mind. Many thanks. Blessings to you and your family...Leo
Awesome! I used DMX 1-step for basement floor room and it worked really well for LVP. You can hear little clicks if you walk around, I think that's common, but will prefer this product next time. Totally agree "working with a scroll" is accurate. It wasn't too bad and otherwise went down easy, floor was done within the day.
🤝🇮🇩
Whats the difference between DMX Airflow (red) and DMX one step (blue) ?
Would really like to know why the 2 different products
You hear clicking because your floor was not level to LCP manufacturers specifications!
Can I triple ‘like’ this show?This guy Jeff is too much. Too much good content.
Thank again for the tips.
Cheers
Cheers!
Getting a good underlayment with a cushion effect is key. When I laid my floor and then walked on it it feels so smooth doesn’t feeling like I’m walking on hard wood.
So let me get this straight. In another video, you recommended purchasing an underpad from a store other than Home Depot (such as Floor & Decor). This underpad is sold at Home Depot but it's the best underpad? Is it more expensive than the type you recommended from Floor & Decor? Is it worth the extra cost or should I buy an underpad from Floor & Decor? Thank you.
This is perfect timing. I just discovered that a contractor took advantage of my mom and veteran dad, and took a lot of shortcuts in the master bathroom. My hubs and I are going demo the floor, survey the damage, and do it the right way.
Jeff is a Great man , He encourages me to make more youtube videos about our remodels. 😁😁. Great job guys.
Hey Jeff! Thanks so much for the video. You've made a few videos on the topic, but I am curious about using underlayment with vinyl planks that have underlayment already on them. In a few videos, you have said that the underlayment that is attached to vinyl are insufficient. BUT, putting underlayment under some vinyl planks with underlayment voids their warranty. Do you still add this extra AbaTec underlayment if the panel has it's own underlayment and that risks the warranty? Thanks!
no reply?
I'd like to know the answer to this as well.
I've always used A heavy 30 lb tar/felt paper under my Vinyl Plant flooring. It's waterproof and flat and not spongey. Plus it's everywhere.
My local Home Depot’s don’t cary the Abatec. They do have the Lifeproof Universal Underlayment which the “floor guy” at the depot says is the same thing and might be made for HD by the same manufacturer.
Hey there Jeff! Perfect timing for posting this! 👍 We are currently renovation a 1910s house. Unfortunately, our contractor bailed on us and now we our DIY’ing (or DIOurselves). Nevertheless, we are grateful to have your videos and we are confident we can conquer DIY’ing! 💪😅 Currently, we are battling with the floors. Trying to figure out how to level the floors or wondering if we can cross our fingers that the under layment (such as this one) will suffice?? 🤞 Unfortunately, it’s not in our budget to rip up the hardwood tiger wood flooring nor repair it. So we can’t put in new subfloor. So we are using the hardwood flooring as our subfloor. However, we do notice about a 1/2” dip in one area. Apparently, the house is settling (because it’s a 100+ year old house on a hill) and the joists are warped. To mitigate the bounciness we’ve drilled wood screws into the hardwood to the joists. But this still doesn’t solve the dip. Flooring feels solid, but again.. how can we fix the dip or will under layment help??? Please help! 🙏😇
what did you do?
I’ll be doing vinyl plank flooring soon. I’ll check this underpayment out. Thanks for the info!!
Is underlayment necessary? I am also planning to install vinyl flooring and the planks have a rubber material coming with them, so in that case is it necessary to have a separate underlayment?
Saw your youtube ad over a over pass screen here in Mississauga
Cheers, send us pic if you can.
Great video! One question though. Should underlayment be used for vinyl with pad??
Thank you advance!!
I love how now you need an underpad on top of an underpad built onto the plank. Seems counterintuitive.
Hello,
Great videos lots of help.
I want to instal luxury vinyl on my kitchen, dinning, bathroom and livingroom, I got a house built in 2019 Can I just put this underpayment and on top my luxury vinyl ?
Per the comment I would stay away from squishy foam underlayment. This underlayment is good and there are better--just be sure they don't tear easily or compress easily, otherwise they lose function and longevity. The 2mm Ultra Quiet from floor and decor as well as ECF from HD are more expensive and highly IIC and STC with higher delta ratings as well, slightly. Again, good material that Jeff speak about---I just have not had any noise concerns with the 3mm ECF cork/foam compared to other rooms with 2mm competitors in terms of sound. Comfort is about the same if you have quality interlocking floating floor. Key.
I bought this product based on your recommendation and against the advice of our contractor who said that in his experience and the flooring guy at lowes this underlayment should not be put under our CALI Vinyl Pro with Mute Step Interlocking Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring. He said that because the flooring goes together with tongue and groove locking system that the underlayment could cause the flooring to "give" and the more the flooring "gives" the more stress it causes on the tongue and groove connection. So I hope that I have done the right thing choosing to go ahead with this underlayment anyway.
After having the contractor voice his concerns I watched many more of your videos and I noticed that you do not put this underlayment down before installing the vinyl plank flooring? Can you tell us why that is?
What did you end up doing, and how did it work out?
I'd really like to know! 😁
I'm starting to install vinyl planks that has built in underlayment (rubber) and without knowing i also picked up some underlayment like you show in this video. I see people say not to use underlayment in that case because of the locking issues you point out, but this underlayment seems different as it's thinner and compressed. You also mention that it's ok to use this type of underlayment because of it's density. I've already got the underlayment cut and laid out in one room and was about to start laying planks...then i figured I should try to make sure it's ok first. In your opinion, do you think it's ok to have extra when the plank has underlayment attached? I'm on a concrete floor...which is flat, at least in this first room. Thanks for all the video's...super helpful!
love all your youtube episodes. i now watch them everyday.
Cheers Colleen.
Prefect timing. I'm currently researching floors now.
You got this!
Make a video of best soundproofing materias for walls pls.. thanks!
He has videos on soundproofing walls already. Just search his channel and you will find!
Do you have a video for laminate or vinyl floor install and suggestions for basement concrete floor?
I've been shopping for vinyl plank floors and every floor sales person is saying don't bother with an additional underlayment if there's a pad on the plank. These are commission sales people advising me against buying $300-400 more product from them. Seems like everyone has a different opinion but if the guys who'd profit from selling me the stuff tell me not to buy it I'm leaning that direction.
i just did my concrete basement using the DMX one step product, easy to work worth, reasonable price and great for DIY'ers.
Use DMX foundation wrap its "exterior only" but actually it works well as underlayment and is about $180 for 426sq ft ..42c/sqft
Should the sheets be taped together before the floor is installed? When I add the underlayment to the cart at Home Depot, tape is recommended.
Seems like you have changed your tune about underlay! What happened to the 30 cent stuff? Is it now not okay? How about everyone who listened to your earlier video's, are they now asking was I mistaken yo listen?
Looks a great product. Our house built in 70's has concrete slab that is slightly uneven, would this underlay work and what would be best flooring type to use over it? Your videos are such a great resource for the novice home restorer like myself.
Yes, we are wondering what to do with a dip in our concrete floor, too. We really appreciate Jeff sharing his wisdom with us! Great guy!
I just bought LVP with built-in underlayment, seems easier than laying a separate underlayment.
The built in underlayment is never as good as a dedicated one.
@@redjellonian8126 When installed it literally acts as a sheet of grip, sound muffling, and moisture barrier material...why rubber attached underlayment would be worse than a sheet of...this...is beyond me.
@@DxBlack my guess is that the LVP with underlayment built in cannot provide same quality of moisture barrier as an dedicated underlayment, as all the joints allow for possible breaks in the barrier.
@@DxBlack The hundreds/thousands of joints in your flooring won't prevent sound or vapour from getting through, hence the need for a dedicated underlayment with taped seams.
@@DxBlack I'm not sure where you get the idea that the separate pieces of thin material are going to function in so many ways and that an underlayment which is going to be recommended by even the manufacturer regardless is unneeded but it's really a you problem.
There is one biggest difference than DMX is the airflow. Jeff mentions how important is the airflow beneath the floor to avoid mold and get rid of moisture. If the subfloor is basement concrete, is this product able to let the moisture out?
Jeff, you really should be sponsored by all these brands. You've probably moved more product than their advertisements have.
Hi Jeff,
Awesome video as all yours are and informative and detailed with product information. Love it.
My question is I have 2 layers of tile on my kitchen. Can I add LVP to this or am I pushing the limit to weight load.
thanks again
what did you do?
Hi Jeff. Hope all is well you and family.
Very good Larry. Hoping the same for you. Cheers!
@@HomeRenoVisionDIY doing well. Thanks.
Checked with Abatec for using their product with my 16"x32" (lvt in main floor bathroom in my case) floating floor and they said to contact the flooring manufacturer first which I did and they said it would void their warranty so you have to take that in consideration prior to moving forward. So I was a bit surprised as I planned on trying out this product in my remodel.
Hello Jeff, loved the video. Would this product work with Hardwood flooring? I am installing some new hardwood oak floors a few months and wanted to know I could use this product.
Great thorough explanation!
Question, does walking on the floor with this underlayment make it feel "spongy" (cheap feeling) and not like a solid floor? I don't like that feeling. I put engineered flooring in my basement with underlayment and it felt a little "spongy" and cheap.
Hey Jeff quick question for ya. If I had vinyl plank that has an attached pad, should I add another layer of something like this?
Yes!
Exact same question. Got it a HD. Instructions even say do not use and underlayment
Have you used this with coretec product that already has cork backing?
Im looking for an insulating underlayment for thermal insulation for heating mat being installed above concrete slab and porcelain tile.
It seems rather odd, more like suspicious, that the STC of such a thin product can be so high, when laying mass loaded vinyl or thick rubber won't even get you anywhere if the floors and ceilings have not been engineered and built to proper specs and materials to reach the 60 something STC or impact rating. I'm sure that like many other products that boast such high STC or impact, small writings specify a thickness of concrete, a specific floor/wall/ceiling system with drywall, green glue and decoupling systems. Otherwise you could slap this underlayment on an apartment floor and fire up the home workshop with loud tools and dropping stuff, which I know you can't. I have a similar underlayment on top of existing floor and underlayment, plus 3/4 inch rubber mats, and I can guarantee that my neighbor still doesn't get a 68 IIC or 60 STC that the underlayment promises.
Could you do a video on how to pour a microcement floor? They are gaining popularity and it may be a cost effective alternative to other flooring options? I have really been enjoying your videos!
Is underlayment necessary? I am also planning to install vinyl flooring and the planks have a rubber material coming with them, so in that case is it necessary to have a separate underlayment?
Wow I'm so happy about this video. Exactly what I was talking about yesterday.
Hi Jeff! Your videos are amazing thank you. I was wondering what kind of underlayment should i use? i have vinyl floors and winter gets really cold and air blows from the floors and we usually do not wear shoes so our feet freezes. This project will be DIY If you can provide multiple options please that will be perfect. Thanks
Im installing vinyl plank on my washroom and realize the floor is not even..Can I put two or three layers of this to level the floor before installing the vinyl plank?
Hey Jeff thanks for the video ! Could you use this product, or would you use this product with an SPC LVP that is 5mm and already has a black foam style underpad attached to it?
Is it necessary to put padding under planks if you’re installing onto an existing wood floor? Thanks in advance!
Would you use this along with MLV? We want to soundproof our floor as much as physically possible.
Hi Jeff, If I need an underlayment that will be placed down on a 2nd floor unit with an in-law unit downstairs, will this product be sufficient in terms of maximizing sound proofing? What other underlayment do you recommend that may have a higher sound rating if this is a priority??
Thanks a lot and definitely will be tuning in to your upcoming series! cheers!
Really enjoy the videos and learning about the newest things. Thank you for that! Kinda in relation as it is similar flooring but, quick question, I am trying to add some floating flooring to match what is there, to patch a space in a kitchen that used to have a cabinet in it. It seems the floor under the cabinet was just slab and there is a 8th inch one side and half inch the other side difference in the floor level. I am using Henrys 345 to fill in the difference layer by layer to build up the half inch side and it is taking forever to dry. I am now thinking I made a mistake and should have used self leveling concrete. Would you recommend just keep building it up and waiting for each layer to dry or just bust it out and put some self leveling concrete in there? Any thoughts are appreciated.
I prefer self leveling
Two questions. First, I have heard the waterproof vinyl flooring is better than the waterproof laminate when used in a bathroom. Is that generally true?
Second, I have been thinking that even if the flooring I get has an attached underlayment that I would put an underlayment like you have here in the video down first and then put the flooring. Just as a second layer of protection against water getting onto the osb. Is this a good idea? Any other tips for preventing water damage to the OSB when installing vinyl or laminate in a bathroom?
You said this blue stuff is the “best on the market you’ve seen to date”. How does it compare to “Acousticork T-56 Endurance”?
I’m looking for best quality with lowest sound transmission.
Jeff, you are such a great resources for people who want to diy! My wife and I moved into our home a few years ago and the old hardwood floors are very beat up. She wants to install luxury vinyl over top of the hardwoods instead of refinishing them. Is this a good idea? The floors also squeak quite a bit, would something like this product mitigate the squeaking? Cheers!
i wouldn't install luxury vinyl over wood can lead to moisture problems later down the line
Thanks so much for this! I'm looking at tackling a bedroom with an old subfloor. The floor is solid but I do have some 1/4" seams at joints in places... Can I use this as my smooth surface before laying vinyl sheeting?
Hi Jeff, for older homes which don't have a moisture barrier built into the foundation - I thought that laying down a flat vapor barrier on top would result in trapping moisture between the underlayment and the concrete.
This seems great for other contexts but wouldn't dimpled subflooring be better because it allows moisture to evaporate?
In another video you recommend an underlayment with bubbles to create a space between the concrete and the subfloor. I have an older house without a vapor barrier under the slab. Would you recommend a product with dimples over this one ?
What about in a bedroom is underlayment as necessary? It is in the basement. I would be using life proof from Home Depot which has the pad.
If installing LifeProof LVP on a concrete floor in a basement in a 20 year old house would you rather do a subfloor with a dimple mat and OSB or this product and just the LifeProof flooring?
both options are fine. However the subfloor will protect your space in the event of water getting in if the exterior is not waterproofed. Cheers!
Also, adding this product to Lifeproof voids the lifetime warranty
Very much enjoyed your video. The information provided is bonanza to use. Great job
Is their any chance you could do some videos for great products that are sold in the UK? Much appreciated.
Hi Jeff, does the underlayment need to be taped to the floor?
You and your ideas are always very great. Very amazing me useful.
Can I glue this down under my glue down 2mm LVP planks, or Is there something like this that I can use between my slab on grade concrete floor and glue down 2mm LVP planks?
What if your plank has a built in pad LVP? would you still use this to help with all these benefits on top of sub floor?
Are there any LVP brands that won't void warranty with this product?
Jeff, would you use this with vinyl plank that already has 'underlayment' attached? Like Lowes' Smartcore Ultra. I didn't use any on my install directly on slab, and it sounds like hollow plastic when walking on it.
I have Smartcore and I didn't use an underlayment just standard OBS and they turned out great. Smartcore is like 7-8mm I believe which is a good thickness I wouldn't not use an underlayment for anything under 5mm. Some of their cheapest floors like Procore are complete ass.
Is this recommended if the vinyl plank already has a pre attached underlayment? This is going on a concrete floor.
Don’t need it.
my question is yes it is rated for 65 psi but with floating floors the warranty is void if placed under cabinets or permanent fixtures and also it can not expand so why do you recommend installing this under cabinets?
Should I use this even if the floor I want already has an attached pad?
Can you skip it if your flooring already comes with an underlayment?
Can this be installed on basement concrete, and do you need any adhesive?
Just in time saw it at decorner. Was curious.
👍
My LVP (LifeProof) says the warranty is void if you do an underpad.. what should I do?!!
Just bought a house and discovered your channel. Time to fix all the things! Question about the underlayment though - I just installed luxury vinyl planks which already had an underlayment attached and the warranty for the planks specifically states that the warranty is void if you install any additional underlayment other than what is already attached to the planks. Is there any advantage to using an additional layer of underlayment if the planks already have one attached?
yes the ones attached are lousy. never buy that product. always buy quality vinyl and a separate underlayment.
@@HomeRenoVisionDIY but if we bought those with underlayment attached, is it a good idea to add an extra layer like this one?
How does it compare to Sentimel from Floor and Decor?
One thing that wasn't super clear on this specific video, when taping the seams, what do you with seams that end on the corners of the walls?! Do you tape them to the concrete wall if you have access? If you don't do you tape the edge on the cement floor directly?! Curious cause I have an unfinished maintenance room/mancave that was bought with carpet directly above cement floor that has no vapor barrier, so since I might change that in the near future, wanted to know how to properly make this moisture proof on the edges of the room.
Adhesive sealant would be needed if going direct to concrete, maybe tape on top after that, but I wouldn't trust tape alone long term on concrete. Might be able to tape it to the vapor barrier where it's stapled at the bottom plate as well
The Home Depot flooring guru, said that only Cork underlay should be used under life proof plank flooring? She completely turned down idea of using this abetec underlay?
I was trying to determine how much underlayment I needed to order when I noticed a price increase. $74.80 for 100 sq ft. For all I know it's on backorder, along with so many other items. A friend in Vegas emailed me gas is $7.00 per gallon. Things that make us go 'hmmmmm', right?
Jeff,
I understand the abatec underlayment can handle a lot of weight, such as cabinets with stone countertops. However, with this massive load on the LVP floating floor, would this not inhibit the floors ability to expand and contract? What are your thoughts on that.
Thanks in advance for your response. I Love your videos. I’ve renovated my entire basement myself watching your channel. You make me want to be Canadian!
If your using Vinyl planks, they don’t expand or contract any.
Laminate planks will expand and contract, but I don’t think the underlayment will cause issues with laminates.
We are remodeling a lake house and we have a loft where laminate planks will be used. We are going with FootComfort 5mm for extra sound absorption. It looks pretty much like the abatec, but 2mm more padding and the pieces lock together like a puzzle. ~$65/100sqft for FootComfort.
One of the only underlayments at Lowe’s with a full 5 stars.
Awesome video! Perfect timing well atleast when i found it . I just ordered pergo 10m and quit walk as an underlayment ? Im going over about 500 sqft of hard wood and 400 of subfloor i was thinkn this would suffice any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks again all the best
1:00 was giving me serious Slap Chop guy vibes 😂
I'm going to install LVP on a wooden subfloor. The subfloor is, seemingly, original to the house which was built in 1940. It is a made from tongue and groove planks.
My LVP is 6.5mm thick with a 1.5mm pad. Would you still recommend installing an underlayment?
What about old tiles that might have asbestos 🤔
me who was going to order ceramic for my heated floor ceramic in my basement bathroom but had leftover engineering floor .. Ho nice that can be used!!
Hey Jeff, great video, thanks! Question for you, I'm renovating my basement and currently have ceramic tiles installed. Can I just lay the underlayment right over the Tile and then put my vinyl flooring on top?
as long as it is an SPC core. Cheers!
@@HomeRenoVisionDIY Thanks Jeff, much appreciated. Love your channel 👌
Question: Anything extra I should do putting a pool table on vinyl plank floor (7mm) in a basement, only using underlay (like this hopefully) on concrete in newer house. Should I have some sort of additional protection on the floor?
This may be a dumb q : 1960 house in London ON, re-doing 5 x7 bathroom. the subfloor is 5" planks at 45 degrees to the joists. The original steel bathtub just sits on the subfloor. Gutting it down to the studs. Do I put the vapour barrier over the entire 5 x 7 (new bath on top)? I'm thinking it it can take cabinets it can take a bath.