Best Underlay for Parquet Flooring: What You Need to Know

Underlay plays a crucial role in how your parquet flooring looks, feels, and performs over time. While traditional solid wood parquet is typically glued directly to the subfloor, many modern engineered parquet products allow for a floating installation, where underlay becomes essential. Even in glue-down systems, specific types of underlay can be used to enhance thermal insulation, acoustic performance, and protect against moisture.

Choosing the right underlay isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It depends on your installation method, subfloor type, and the room's purpose. In this guide, we’ll break down when underlay is required, what types are available, and how to select the best one for your parquet flooring project.

Do You Need Underlay for Parquet Flooring?

Whether or not you need an underlay for parquet flooring depends largely on the type of installation you’re planning. For traditional solid wood parquet, underlay is not typically used, as the blocks are glued directly to the subfloor. However, with engineered parquet—especially products with a click system—underlay can be essential for a successful floating installation.

Here’s how to decide if underlay is needed:

Glue-Down Installation: Generally used for herringbone and chevron patterns, this method does not require underlay. Instead, a high-quality flexible adhesive is applied directly to the subfloor. For full details, see our guide on how to install parquet flooring.
Floating Installation: Some engineered parquet floors can be floated over underlay, making installation faster and easier. In this case, the underlay provides cushioning, moisture protection, and acoustic benefits.

You should also consider the condition and type of your subfloor. If you're installing over concrete, a moisture barrier is often essential. If your home has underfloor heating, you’ll need an underlay that allows efficient heat transfer. We’ll explore these considerations in more detail throughout this guide.

Choosing the Right Underlay by Room Type

The best underlay for your parquet flooring will depend on where in your home the floor is being installed. Different rooms have different demands in terms of sound, temperature, and moisture levels. Below is a quick breakdown of the best underlay options by room type, with links to our room-specific flooring advice to help you plan with confidence.

Living Rooms: Choose an acoustic underlay to reduce footfall noise and enhance comfort underfoot. For more advice, visit our page on the best flooring for living rooms.
Bedrooms: Thermal underlay works well here to maintain warmth. An acoustic layer is also beneficial for upstairs bedrooms. See our bedroom flooring guide for more options.
Basements: A combination underlay with an integrated DPM is essential. Humidity can be an issue in below-ground spaces. Explore more in our article on best flooring for basements.
Hallways: Use a durable underlay that provides both support and moisture resistance, especially in high-traffic entrance areas. See our guide on best hallway flooring.
Home Offices: For quiet environments, prioritise underlays with sound absorption. If heavy furniture or chairs with castors are used, a denser underlay is recommended. Read more in our home office flooring article.

Understanding the needs of each space ensures that your parquet floor not only looks great but also performs well for years to come.

Types of Underlay for Parquet Flooring

Not all underlays are created equal, and the type you choose can significantly impact the performance of your parquet flooring. Depending on the installation method and room conditions, you may need an underlay with acoustic properties, moisture resistance, or thermal insulation. Here are the main types of underlay to consider for parquet floors:

Acoustic Underlay: Designed to reduce impact and airborne noise, acoustic underlays are ideal for upper floors, flats, or households with children. They help minimise footfall sounds and improve overall comfort.
Thermal Insulating Underlay: These underlays retain heat and reduce energy loss, making them a good match for bedrooms and living rooms. Some versions are compatible with underfloor heating systems.
Moisture Barrier Underlay (DPM): Essential for concrete subfloors or ground-level rooms, this underlay includes a damp-proof membrane that protects parquet from moisture rising from the substrate. It's a must-have in basements or new builds.
Combination Underlays: These offer a mix of benefits—acoustic insulation, moisture protection, and cushioning, making them versatile for many room types. Always check compatibility with parquet flooring, especially if using herringbone or chevron layouts.
Fibreboard Underlay: A rigid option that helps level minor subfloor imperfections. Often used under laminate or engineered wood, but not suitable for glue-down parquet.

Still unsure what’s right for your project? Visit our full range of flooring underlays and insulation products for specifications, coverage details, and product compatibility.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing or installing the wrong underlay can compromise your parquet flooring's performance and appearance. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when working with underlay for parquet floors:

Using Underlay with Glue-Down Parquet: Glue-down installations are designed for direct adhesion to the subfloor. Adding an underlay beneath this type of installation can cause instability and reduce the adhesive's effectiveness.
Skipping Moisture Protection: When laying parquet over a concrete subfloor or in moisture-prone areas like basements, neglecting to use a moisture barrier can result in swelling, warping, or mould issues.
Incompatible Underlay with Underfloor Heating: Not all underlays are suitable for underfloor heating systems. Using an insulating or overly thick underlay can block heat transfer and lead to inefficiency or damage to the flooring.
Choosing Soft or Spongy Underlay: Soft foam underlays can cause parquet blocks—especially herringbone or chevron patterns—to shift or flex, compromising the precision of the layout.
Neglecting Acoustic Needs in Multi-Level Homes: In flats or upper floors, using a poor-quality underlay can lead to sound transfer between levels. Acoustic underlays are essential for a quiet and comfortable living environment.

By avoiding these mistakes and selecting the right underlay for your specific situation, you’ll protect your parquet flooring investment and ensure a long-lasting, beautiful result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use underlay with glue-down parquet flooring?

No, underlay should not be used with glue-down parquet. These floors must adhere directly to the subfloor for maximum stability. If you’re using engineered parquet in a floating format, underlay is appropriate. See our guide on Glue-Down vs Floating Parquet for more details.

What underlayment should I use for parquet over concrete?

A combination underlay with a built-in DPM (damp proof membrane) is recommended to prevent moisture from damaging your parquet. This is especially important in ground-floor and basement installations.

Is underlay compatible with herringbone parquet?

Only if you’re using an engineered, click-system parquet that supports floating installation. Most traditional herringbone patterns are installed using the glue-down method and do not use underlay.

What’s the best underlay for soundproofing parquet floors?

Choose a dense acoustic underlay like rubber or high-density foam designed specifically for wood floors. These products help reduce both impact and airborne noise, ideal for flats or upstairs rooms.

Can I install underlay over underfloor heating?

Yes, but only certain underlays are compatible. Look for options specifically marked as suitable for underfloor heating, which allow heat to pass through efficiently without blocking or insulating too much.

Find the Perfect Underlay for Your Parquet Floor

Choosing the right underlay ensures your parquet flooring looks great, feels comfortable, and performs at its best for years to come. Whether you’re installing engineered parquet with a floating system or preparing a moisture-sensitive subfloor, we have the ideal solution for your project.

Explore our full range of underlay and insulation products to find acoustic, thermal, and moisture-resistant options. If you’re unsure which one is right, our team is happy to offer guidance tailored to your room type and flooring needs.

For further reading on parquet installation and care, check out these helpful guides:

Still have questions? Get in touch with our experts or visit our London showroom for one-on-one advice.