Does lino need underlay?

Most of the time you don’t need underlay underneath your lino flooring. That said, there are a few exceptions where you may want or need to install underlay before laying your lino.

Why does lino not need underlay?

Underlay is nearly always used when laying carpet in order to prolong the life of the carpet, as underlay helps to absorb the impact and wear and tear of foot traffic – as well as providing an extra bounce with its cushioning effect.

However, most lino (and similar vinyl flooring) is typically designed with a base layer built in that acts as an underlay – so there’s not usually a need for a separate layer of underlay.

Looking for inspiration for your kitchen floor? Check out our latest kitchen floor ideas.

When does lino need underlay?

As we mentioned, there are some exceptions when you might want or need to install underlay before laying your lino flooring. They include:

• If you want to increase the height of your floor
• You want to improve the sound proofing to or from rooms below

As with any home improvements, if in doubt we would always recommend speaking to experienced local tradespeople before laying your lino.

Local flooring specialists can offer their professional advice and guidance on your lino flooring installation. They can even do the job for you…

Find the best local flooring experts

If you want help with your lino flooring project, we’ve got you. At Checkatrade, you can find the best local flooring specialists near you.

Simply enter your postcode in the box below to find skilled flooring experts in your area.