Understanding the features of premium underlayment that delivers benefits beyond cushioning facilitates the best fit to match performance goals of every new wood or wood-look floor, according to MP Global Products.

Performance capabilities may include: sound abatement and reduction in sound transmission between floors; insulating qualities that can help keep floors warmer in winter and cooler in summer; level of compression resistance; the ability to smooth minor floor imperfections; moisture protection; and the ability to be installed over electric radiant heat.

Sound absorbing, or acoustic, underlayment quiets impact sound and inhibits noise from traveling into the room below. The company said its QuietWalk acoustic underlayment enables engineered wood and laminate floors to sound more like real wood.

Additionally, the company said its QuietWalk and VersaWalk reduce the possibility of mold growth under a finished floor and can wick away subfloor or incidental perimeter moisture. Insulayment is also available for projects where new glue-down or engineered wood floor will replace old vinyl composition tile if the VCT is secure.