How to lay flooring part 2: underlay

Watch our step-by-step video showing how to lay laminate or solid wood flooring, with expert advice and top tips to help you complete the job with confidence.
See the other parts in this series:
Part 1: Preparation
• How to lay flooring pa...
Part 3: Laying Locking Laminate
• How to lay flooring pa...
Part 4: Laying Tongue & Groove Solid Wood
• How to lay flooring pa...
Part 5: Finishing Touches & Maintenance
• How to lay flooring pa...
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[@petrofourie8432]

This video is very helpful and practical. Thanks.

[@ankur29]

Do I need to tape the underlay joints /gaps you’ve left?
Do I need to tape the vapour barrier

[@DanHughes87]

I am going to be laying laminate down in a room which is part concrete part floorboards (used to be two separate rooms) would I use damp proof just on the concrete then fibreboard throughout? Would it effect the level enough to be a problem?

[@emmalouise3898]

Do you need dpm if laying on top of floorboards

[@bandq]

Hi Emma, this wouldn't be required 😊

[@deano386]

Whait so we use underlay over our fibre boards? Anyone thankd

[@ashleyfaust5251]

Can this be used under carpet?

[@bandq]

For carpet underlay, it's recommended to use any of the following materials: Foam, rubber or felt. We hope this helps 😊

[@faebrowne2537]

What if floorboards are slightly uneven?

[@RaferJeffersonIII]

Probably too late now, but if you have up to 2mm unenveness, you can just use a thick (5mm) underlay. If it’s more, overboard in ply. 6mm.
If the boards are REALLY uneven then go 9mm or 11mm ply.
Ideally screw into planks (not into the joists) at 6 inch centres over the boards and 4 inches round the edges. Alternatively you can staple or ring nail in. The issue with staples and nails are it’s a nightmare if you need to access the subfloor to lay new cables etc.
But it is quicker to install.
If screwing your can use self tapping countersunk screws. Use a torque screwdriver to the right setting.
Ensure the screws don’t go through the boards - just enough to get halfway in.
Hope this helps (or anyone else asking the same)

[@timothy.p6128]

do you need the damp proof membrane if it is on the first floor and the floor is made of chipboard (i think)

[@timothy.p6128]

***** thanks for the response

[@spearfishinguk4066]

+bandq What if its on a ground floor floating floor, which is on top of a concrete floor?

[@LaRockstar77]

Would you need a damp proof membrane if it's a first floor concrete subfloor?

[@zainsyed9811]

@@bandq did you hear anything from them yet?

[@snappyfish]

Circulating packs of Laminate? Like a new goldfish in a bowl or water!