Thursday, January 8, 2026

What to Put Under Hardwood Flooring? Flooring Companies See Surge in Underlayment Questions Across Colorado

What to Put Under Hardwood Flooring? Flooring Companies See Surge in Underlayment Questions Across Colorado
A high-angle view looking down a wooden staircase with black iron spindles and a solid wood handrail toward a grand foyer. The entryway features an ornate wooden door with arched stained-glass panels and a large, hanging brass lantern-style chandelier. The space is finished with light-colored walls and wood-look flooring that transitions into a decorative rug at the base of the stairs.
Floor & More addresses rising homeowner interest in proper hardwood underlayment as demand grows for professional flooring installation services across Colorado's Centennial, Aurora, and Parker communities.

CENTENNIAL, CO - As homeowners across Colorado prioritize home improvement projects, questions about proper hardwood floor installation techniques have surged. Floor & More, a family-owned interior remodeling business serving Centennial, Aurora, and Parker, has seen a notable uptick in consultations about underlayment materials and subfloor preparation — a foundational aspect that can make or break a hardwood flooring project.

The company's decades of combined experience in the flooring industry position them to address one of the most frequently asked questions: What to Put Under Hardwood Flooring?

Rising Interest in Proper Installation Techniques

Property owners searching for reliable flooring installation services have become more informed about the technical aspects of their projects. This trend reflects a broader shift toward understanding the complete installation process rather than focusing solely on surface aesthetics.

"The foundation matters just as much as the visible finish," notes industry observers tracking home improvement trends across the Denver metro area. Proper underlayment selection impacts everything from floor longevity to sound transmission and moisture control.

Floor & More's showroom at 16728 E Smoky Hill Rd in Centennial has become a resource hub for homeowners and contractors seeking guidance on these technical details. The facility stocks various underlayment materials and offers design consultations to match each project's specific requirements.

Understanding Hardwood Flooring Underlayment Essentials

The layers beneath hardwood floors serve multiple functions that directly affect performance and durability. These materials create barriers against moisture infiltration, reduce sound transmission between floors, and provide cushioning that protects both the flooring and subfloor from premature wear.

Moisture barriers rank among the most critical components for ground-level installations or spaces above crawl spaces. These protective sheets prevent moisture from seeping upward through concrete or wooden subfloors, which can cause warping, cupping, or mold growth in hardwood planks.

Sound-dampening underlayment has gained popularity in multi-story homes and condominiums where noise reduction matters. Acoustic underlayment materials absorb impact sounds and vibrations, creating quieter living spaces that benefit everyone in the household.

Foam or felt padding adds a cushioning layer that enhances comfort underfoot while protecting the hardwood from minor subfloor irregularities. This padding also helps absorb minor impacts that could otherwise damage the floor surface over time.

Material Options Vary by Installation Type

Different hardwood installation methods require specific underlayment approaches. Nail-down installations over wooden subfloors typically use building paper or rosin paper as a simple moisture barrier and sliding surface that prevents squeaks.

Floating floor installations demand thicker cushioning materials since the planks aren't physically attached to the subfloor. These installations benefit from combination underlayment that provides moisture protection, sound dampening, and cushioning in a single product.

Glue-down installations present unique considerations since adhesives bond directly to the subfloor. These projects might use thinner moisture barriers or skip underlayment entirely depending on the subfloor condition and environmental factors.

Local Climate Considerations Impact Material Selection

Colorado's climate presents specific challenges for hardwood flooring installation. The region's low humidity levels and dramatic seasonal changes create expansion and contraction cycles that can stress improperly installed floors.

Moisture barrier selection becomes particularly important in Colorado homes with concrete slab foundations or basement installations. Even in the state's dry climate, concrete can retain moisture that threatens hardwood integrity without proper protection.

Temperature fluctuations between seasons also influence underlayment choices. Materials that maintain their properties across wide temperature ranges perform better in Colorado's varied climate than products designed for more stable environments.

Professional Flooring Installation Delivers Long-Term Value

DIY hardwood installation attempts often overlook critical underlayment details that professional installers routinely address. Floor & More's team handles subfloor assessment, moisture testing, and material selection as standard practice during every flooring installation project.

The company's approach includes thorough subfloor preparation before any underlayment goes down. This preparation might involve leveling compounds, crack repairs, or moisture remediation, depending on the existing conditions.

Proper installation techniques account for expansion gaps, seam placement, and material orientation, details that significantly affect long-term performance. These technical considerations separate professional installations from amateur attempts that might look acceptable initially but develop problems over time.

Growing Demand for Expert Guidance

Searches for "flooring store near me" have increased as homeowners recognize the value of local expertise and hands-on material evaluation. Floor & More's Centennial showroom allows customers to see and feel different underlayment options while discussing their specific project requirements with knowledgeable staff.

The business serves ZIP codes 80010-80019 in Aurora, 80015-80122 in Centennial, and 80134-80138 in Parker, providing free estimates and project consultations. This localized approach means installers understand regional building codes, climate factors, and common construction styles in the areas they serve.

Financing options and competitive pricing make professional flooring installation accessible to a broader range of homeowners. The company's "one-stop shop" model simplifies the procurement process by offering both materials and expert installation services under one roof.

Investment in Quality Foundation Pays Dividends

Hardwood floors represent a significant investment in property value and aesthetic appeal. The underlayment foundation directly influences how well that investment performs over decades of use.

Cutting corners on underlayment materials or installation quality often leads to premature floor failure, noise issues, or moisture damage that requires costly repairs. Professional assessment and proper material selection provide insurance against these common problems.

Floor & More's owner-operated business model ensures that every project receives personalized attention from initial consultation through final installation. This hands-on approach has built a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and customer satisfaction across the Denver metro area.

For homeowners planning hardwood flooring projects, understanding what goes beneath the visible surface marks the beginning of a successful installation. Those seeking expert guidance can contact Floor & More at 303-993-6479 or visit their Centennial showroom during business hours Monday through Saturday.

Media Contact
Company Name: Floor & More
Contact Person: Vlad
Email:Send Email
Phone: +13039936479
Address:16728 E Smoky Hill Rd Unit 10-A
City: Centennial
State: Colorado 80015
Country: United States
Website: http://www.flooringcentennial.com/