Do You Need Underlay for Vinyl & SPC Flooring?

Underlay is one of the most confusing parts of buying a new floor. Some sellers insist you must have it, others never mention it, and it is hard to know who is right. The truth is that whether you need underlay for vinyl or SPC depends on the product you buy and the room you are fitting, and in many cases the answer is that you already have everything you need.

This guide clears up the confusion: what underlayment does, when you need it, when you do not, and how Cheap Floors handles it across its ranges.

What Does Underlay Actually Do?

Underlay is a thin layer that sits between your subfloor and your flooring. On the right floor, in the right room, it earns its place by doing several jobs:

• Cushioning: a softer, warmer, quieter feel underfoot.

• Sound insulation: it reduces the hollow "tapping" sound and muffles noise travelling to the room below, a real plus in apartments.

• Minor smoothing: it can bridge very small imperfections in the subfloor (within the manufacturer's limits).

•      Comfort and insulation: a little extra thermal comfort and a more forgiving surface to stand on.

Pre-Attached vs Separate Underlay

Here is the key point most buyers miss. Cheap Floors states that its SPC comes with pre-attached IXPE or EVA foam underlay for sound insulation and a soft underfoot feel. That means the cushioning and acoustic layer is already bonded to the underside of the plank, so for a standard installation you do not need to buy or lay a separate roll of underlay at all. For example, Floor Smart SPC includes an acoustic underlay, and the Richmond range is built for a premium finish out of the box.

When You DON'T Need Extra Underlayment

For most homes, if your planks already have underlay attached, you are ready to go. You can usually skip separate underlay when:

• Your SPC or vinyl already has a pre-attached IXPE or EVA foam backing.

• Your subfloor is already dry, clean, and level, as Cheap Floors recommends.

• You are laying over a solid concrete base in a standard residential room.

• You are not trying to solve a specific noise or comfort problem.

When You MIGHT Want Extra Underlayment

There are a few cases where an additional underlay, used correctly and only where the manufacturer allows, can help:

• Sound between floors: in apartments or upstairs rooms where you want to reduce noise for the neighbours below.

• Slightly uneven subfloors: a suitable underlay can help within the product's tolerance, though serious dips should be levelled first.

• Extra comfort: if you want a softer feel in a room where you stand a lot.

If you are unsure, it is always worth asking. The Cheap Floors team offers free advice, and professional installation help is available if you would rather leave the subfloor prep to an expert.

 

One Mistake to Avoid: Doubling Up

Here is the trap. If your planks already have a pad attached, do not add a second soft underlay underneath. Rigid click-lock floors are engineered to sit on a firm, thin base. Stacking a thick, soft layer beneath a plank that already has one can create too much give, which stresses the click joints over time and can even affect your warranty. When in doubt, one layer is the rule, and firmer is better than softer for rigid SPC.

Underlay Types Compared

If you are choosing a separate underlay for a bare plank (one without attached backing), here is how the common options compare:

Do You Need Underlay? Quick Decision Guide

Use this simple table to decide at a glance:

The Bottom Line

For most UAE homes, the underlayment question is simpler than it looks. Because Cheap Floors SPC and LVT ranges come with underlay pre-attached, a standard installation over a dry, clean, level subfloor needs nothing extra. Reserve separate underlay for specific goals like extra soundproofing, always follow the product guidance, and never double up under a plank that already has a pad. Still unsure? Check our FAQs or ask the team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need underlayment for SPC flooring?

Usually not separately. Most SPC, including Cheap Floors ranges, comes with a pre-attached IXPE or EVA foam underlay, so no extra layer is needed for a standard installation over a level subfloor. Add separate underlay only for specific goals like extra soundproofing.

Can you put vinyl flooring straight onto concrete?

Yes. Cheap Floors confirms SPC looks and performs great over concrete subfloors, as long as the base is dry, clean, and level. Planks with attached underlay can go straight down once the subfloor is properly prepared.

Can you use two layers of underlay?

No. Doubling up, especially adding a soft underlay beneath a plank that already has one attached, creates too much give, stresses the click joints, and can affect your warranty. Stick to a single, suitable layer.