How to Install Underlayment Padding for Hardwood Flooring

Select an underlayment that is resilient enough to support your hardwood flooring, such as plywood. Lauan plywood underlayment, which is available through most suppliers, typically offers solid performance when placed underneath hardwood floors.

Protect your hardwood flooring underlayment prior to installing it. Keep it from excess moisture, and store it in an area in which it is not susceptible to damage. Stand the underlayment panels up in the room in which you plan to lay them for a few days so that they easily adapt to the air temperature and humidity levels in this area.

Vacuum the subfloor thoroughly to remove all dirt, dust and other debris that can potentially interfere with laying the underlayment. Mop the floor with warm water and an all-purpose household cleaner to further remove any dust the vacuum failed to pick up. Dry the subfloor completely.

Check the subfloor for any areas that are loose, and fasten the loose subfloor pieces together with nails or screws. Spread the underlayment on top of the subfloor, placing the smooth side of the hardwood flooring underlayment panels up. Allow the grains in the underlayment to be positioned perpendicular to the direction of the floor joists, which further ensures stability. Also, make sure the ends of the underlayment panels remain staggered, and do not allow them to go closer than 2 inches near any subfloor joints.

Keep your hardwood flooring underlayment about 1/32-inch away from walls in the room to leave room for the product to expand in various air conditions. Secure the underlayment panels using underlayment fasteners such as nails, starting at the wall areas and moving toward the center of the room. Make sure the heads of the nails remain flush with the underlayment.