The best vinyl plank flooring underlayment depends on the flooring manufacturer’s installation rules: many vinyl planks need no separate pad, and some require a specific underlayment. Among these options, QuietWalk LV is the clearest match because it is designed for luxury vinyl, LVT, SPC, and WPC floors. Shop Square’s rolls specifically list vinyl plank flooring, while the AMERIQUE rolls offer foam, tape, and a vapor barrier but do not provide vinyl-specific compatibility in the supplied details. Confirm your flooring’s requirements before choosing.
| Option | Best suited for | Coverage or thickness |
|---|---|---|
| QuietWalk LV | Multiple vinyl plank types | 360 sq. ft.; flooring 4 mm or thicker |
| Shop Square single roll | One project needing moisture and sound features | 200 sq. ft.; 3 mm |
| Shop Square two-pack | Larger areas using the same underlayment | 400 sq. ft. total; 3 mm per roll |
| AMERIQUE 800 sq. ft. | Large projects where flooring maker permits it | 800 sq. ft.; 1.5 mm |
| AMERIQUE 400 sq. ft. | Medium projects where flooring maker permits it | 400 sq. ft.; 2 mm |
QuietWalk LV For Vinyl And Rigid-Core Floors
QuietWalk LV is the most directly targeted option here for vinyl plank. Its listed flooring types include luxury vinyl plank and tile, SPC, WPC, rigid core, laminate, and engineered wood. The product provides 360 square feet of coverage and sound and moisture protection.
Best for: Buyers with compatible vinyl, SPC, or WPC floors who want one underlayment option listed for several installation types. The feature list says it supports floating, glue-down, and nail-down installations, and flooring must be 4 mm or thicker.
Limitation: It is not listed for vinyl flooring thinner than 4 mm. Check the flooring brand’s instructions for approval and installation method before buying.
Shop Square 3mm Underlayment, 200 Sq. Ft.
This roll covers 200 square feet and is 3 mm thick. Its listed uses include vinyl plank, hardwood, and laminate flooring. The integrated moisture barrier is intended to help block subfloor moisture, and the product is described as reducing foot-traffic noise and hollow sounds under floating floors.
Best for: A smaller project where the flooring instructions permit a separate 3 mm underlayment and the buyer wants moisture and sound features in one roll. It is the single-roll choice among the Shop Square options.
Limitation: The supplied details do not identify specific vinyl plank constructions or installation methods. Verify the product is suitable for your floor before installation.
Shop Square 3mm Underlayment, Two-Pack
This listing provides two 200-square-foot rolls, or 400 square feet total, with the same 3 mm thickness and listed features as the single roll. It names vinyl plank among its intended flooring types and describes an integrated moisture-blocking film, foot-traffic noise reduction, and insulation.
Best for: Buyers covering a larger area who want the same stated underlayment features across multiple rolls. The product description also says it is IIC and STC rated; confirm any building or flooring requirements directly with the relevant parties.
Limitation: A two-pack does not make the underlayment suitable for every vinyl plank. Follow the floor manufacturer’s rules about attached pads, thickness, and underlayment.
AMERIQUE 1.5mm Foam, 800 Sq. Ft.
AMERIQUE’s 1.5 mm roll covers 800 square feet and combines foam padding, tape, and a vapor barrier. The feature list also cites anti-crush technology. Its generous coverage makes it a candidate for a large project, but the supplied product details do not specifically name vinyl plank flooring.
Best for: Buyers with a large installation who have confirmed that their flooring manufacturer permits this type of foam underlayment. The tape and vapor barrier are included features.
Limitation: Do not assume that a general flooring underlayment is approved for vinyl plank. Confirm compatibility, especially for rigid-core or click-lock floors.
AMERIQUE 2mm Foam, 400 Sq. Ft.
This two-roll pack covers 400 square feet and includes 2 mm closed-cell foam, tape, and a vapor barrier. The listing names wood, bamboo, and laminate floors and describes sound reduction, but it does not specifically list vinyl plank.
Best for: A buyer comparing foam rolls for a medium-size project who can first verify that the vinyl flooring instructions allow this product. It offers less total coverage than the 800-square-foot AMERIQUE option.
Limitation: Vinyl compatibility is not established by the supplied features. Choose a product explicitly approved for your floor if the installation instructions require one.
Buying Guide: How To Choose Vinyl Plank Underlayment
Does your flooring require separate underlayment?
Check the installation guide for the exact vinyl plank product. Some planks have an attached pad, while others require a separately approved underlayment or none at all. Adding an unapproved layer can conflict with the manufacturer’s instructions. If the floor has a pre-attached pad, do not assume another pad is acceptable.
Is the underlayment compatible with your plank type?
Match the underlayment to the flooring construction and installation method. QuietWalk LV explicitly lists vinyl, SPC, and WPC flooring, with a 4 mm-or-thicker condition. The Shop Square products list vinyl plank but provide fewer details about floor construction. The AMERIQUE options do not specifically name vinyl plank in their supplied features, so verify before selecting them.
How much coverage do you need?
Measure the room and compare the required area with each product’s stated coverage: 200, 360, 400, or 800 square feet. Include a reasonable allowance for cuts and layout waste, and check how coverage is packaged. Coverage alone does not establish compatibility.
Do you need moisture or sound features?
Several listed options include a moisture barrier, and QuietWalk LV and Shop Square describe sound-related benefits. These features do not replace checking subfloor moisture requirements or local installation instructions. Confirm whether a separate vapor barrier is needed or prohibited for your particular floor and subfloor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any underlayment under vinyl plank flooring?
No. Use only an underlayment approved by the vinyl flooring manufacturer, and follow instructions about attached pads, thickness, and installation type.
Which option here is most clearly intended for vinyl plank?
QuietWalk LV is the clearest match because its listed flooring types include luxury vinyl plank, LVT, SPC, and WPC. It specifies flooring 4 mm or thicker.
Does vinyl plank always need a moisture barrier?
Not necessarily. Requirements depend on the flooring and subfloor. Follow the floor manufacturer’s moisture-control instructions rather than adding a barrier by default.
Can I put underlayment beneath planks with attached padding?
Only if the flooring instructions permit it. QuietWalk LV is listed as supporting floors with pre-attached pads, but confirm that its conditions match your specific product.
How do I compare underlayment thickness?
Do not choose by thickness alone. First confirm compatibility with the flooring, then compare permitted thickness, coverage, moisture features, and sound-related features.