Why Integrated Underlay Matters

Every plank in our range comes with underlay already attached to the back — and it makes more of a difference than most people expect. Here's what integrated underlay actually does and why it's worth having.

What is Integrated Underlay?

Integrated underlay — sometimes called pre-attached underlay — is a thin cushioning layer that comes factory-bonded to the back of each flooring plank. Rather than buying a separate roll of underlay, cutting it to size, taping the joins, and trying to keep it in place as you fit the floor, you simply unbox your planks and start laying. The underlay is already there.

It sounds like a small thing but in practice it makes the fitting process noticeably simpler and faster. There's one less material to source, one less step in the process, and one less thing that can shift or crinkle under the floor during installation.

What Does Underlay Actually Do?

The acoustic benefit is the one most people notice first. A floor laid without any underlay on a concrete subfloor can sound hollow and hard underfoot — every footstep has a sharp, percussive quality. The integrated underlay absorbs that impact and gives the floor a much more premium, solid feel. It's one of those things that's hard to describe until you stand on it.

Does it Replace a Separate Underlay?

For most installations, yes. Our integrated underlay is designed to perform the same functions as a separately purchased underlay, so in the majority of domestic installations there's nothing extra you need to buy or fit.

The main exception is damp subfloors. If your subfloor has any moisture issues, you may need to address those before laying regardless of underlay type — a damp proof membrane may be required in some cases. Always check your subfloor for moisture before fitting. Read our installation guide for full subfloor preparation guidance.

The Practical Upside

Beyond the performance benefits, integrated underlay simply makes fitting easier. There's no roll to carry, no cutting to size, no tape to apply, and no frustration of underlay shifting as you try to click planks together on top of it. You open the box, acclimatise the planks for 2 to 3 days, and start fitting.

It also means the total cost of the job is simpler to calculate — what you see on the product page is what you need. No additional underlay to budget for, no trips back to the trade counter because you underestimated the roll. Browse our full collection to see all available colourways.