Table of Contents
Overview
STEICO wood fiber flooring underlayment is described as a natural soundproofing insulation layer for laminate, vinyl, LVT, LVP, or hardwood flooring. It is described as a 6 mm (1/4 inch) thick underlayment supplied as sheet boards for use in floating or nail-down installations. The material is described as breathable with “Vapor Open” technology intended to help regulate moisture conditions under the floor.
Key takeaways
- It is described as a 90 square feet package that includes 15 sheets sized 2 feet x 3 feet.
- It is described as pure wood fiber with no glue additives, and described as VOC, formaldehyde, and other emissions free.
- It is described as high compression strength underlayment intended to protect click-lock systems, help prevent squeaks, and help avoid a springy feel when walking.
- It is described as installable in multiple layers for leveling and subfloor height elevation on rigid subfloors.
- Buyers commonly mention easy installation, ease of cutting, and noticeable sound reduction, with durability feedback described in mixed terms.
What the product is designed to do
This underlayment is described as a soundproofing and acoustic-improving layer for floor assemblies, intended to reduce both airborne sound (such as talking, music, and traffic noise) and impact sound (such as footsteps and moving furniture). It is also described as a leveling product that can compensate for minor unevenness in rigid subfloors, helping create a hard and sturdy feel underfoot. The boards are described as “Vapor Open,” intended to allow air circulation and help prevent moisture accumulation under the floor while adapting to changing moisture levels in the space.
The material is described as a natural and porous wood fiber board that can absorb about 20% of its weight in water to help prevent a minor leak from spreading. It is also described as not being a moisture barrier, and it is described as installable with a moisture barrier if needed.
Materials, dimensions, and technical details
The boards are described as made from 100% natural pine wood fiber, with fibers bound together by lignin as a natural binding agent formed during wood milling. The product is described as made in the EU at ISO certified facilities, and the wood is described as certified per PEFC guidelines.
| Detail | What it is described as |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 6 mm (1/4 inch) |
| Coverage | 90 square feet |
| Pack contents | 15 sheets |
| Sheet size | 2 feet x 3 feet |
| Material | Wood fiber (100% natural pine wood fiber) |
| Compression strength | 21.32 PSI |
| R-value | R-value per inch = 2; 1/4 inch described as 0.5 |
| Item weight | 22 pounds |
| Recommended use | Sound insulation |
Appearance notes are described as normal variation: shades of green may vary without affecting properties, and occasional dark spots are described as dried water droplets with minor production residue that do not affect properties.
Installation and placement notes
The sheets are described as suitable for floating or nail-down installations, with no glue needed. Connecting the sheets is described as possible with small pieces of adhesive tape. The product is described as compatible with wood and concrete subfloors, and it is described as installable over tile when the tile is rigid and secured.
For cutting and fitting around obstacles, the boards are described as DIY-friendly and workable with commonly available sharp objects such as a nail, a knife, a ruler, or a screwdriver. Buyers commonly mention that cutting is straightforward and that handling the sheet format helps them work in sections.
Multiple-layer installation is described as an option for leveling and for raising subfloor height to match transitions. The boards are described as practical for smoothing minor flooring imperfections and height elevations, including mixing thicknesses and materials for tailored solutions. During handling, dust control guidance is described: fully open the package and lift boards out instead of pulling from the top to help reduce dust caused by boards rubbing together.
Performance characteristics described in the listing
Sound performance is described as a key function, with the boards described as providing sound control and acoustic padding due to the high density of wood fiber. The product is described as tested in the U.S. and certified after strict acoustic testing on a 6-inch concrete slab without a ceiling assembly. It is described as Intertek tested and described as meeting ASTM E 90, ASTM E 492, and ASTM E 2179 soundproofing standards. The testing setup is described as a 152 mm (6-inch) concrete slab without a drop ceiling or additional materials aside from the finished floor.
Floor feel and joint protection are described through compression strength and structure. The boards are described as solid and flexible rather than soft and elastic, intended to help prevent squeaks at joints, help prevent a springy walking effect, protect click-lock systems from breaking, and extend the lifespan of wood floors. The underlayment is also described as retaining its shape and qualities over time, with compression resistance described through storage under stacked pallets without losing thickness or shape.
Moisture behavior is described via “Vapor Open” breathability: wood fibers are described as hollow and able to conduct water and air through internal capillaries, contributing to heat and sound insulating properties and water vapor openness. Moisture retention is described up to 20%–25% of mass while maintaining thermo-physical properties and sound-insulating qualities.
Beyond floors, it is described as usable as additional sound insulation for walls or ceilings, with a 1/8-inch thickness described as recommended for that use and not intended as a finished material.
Review patterns buyers commonly mention
Buyers commonly mention that the underlayment is easy to install and that it helps level slightly uneven areas. Sound deadening and noise reduction are commonly mentioned themes, including a quieter feel in use. Ease of cutting is also commonly mentioned. Cost-effectiveness is commonly mentioned as well. Durability feedback is mixed, with some describing it as solid while others describe it as breaking apart easily. Dust during cutting and handling is also commonly mentioned alongside general dust-control practices during installation.
Pros
- Described as natural sound insulation with acoustic-improving properties for common floating floor types.
- Described as high compression strength to support click-lock protection and squeak prevention.
- Described as breathable “Vapor Open” material intended to help manage moisture conditions under flooring.
- Buyers commonly mention easy installation, easy cutting, and noticeable sound reduction.
Cons
- Dust during handling and cutting is commonly mentioned, and dust-control handling steps are part of the described guidance.
- Durability feedback is mixed, with some buyers describing break-apart issues.
- Appearance variation is described, including green shade variation and occasional dark spots that are described as not affecting properties.
FAQ
What flooring types is this underlayment described for?
It is described for laminate, vinyl, LVT, LVP, or hardwood flooring, and it is described as suitable for floating or nail-down installations.
What comes in the 6 mm package?
It is described as a 90 square feet package with 15 sheets, and each sheet is described as 2 feet x 3 feet.
How is it described to handle minor unevenness?
It is described as compensating for minor unevenness and as installable in multiple layers for leveling and subfloor height elevation on rigid subfloors.
How is it described to support sound control?
It is described as having sound control and acoustic-improving properties, and it is described as reducing airborne and impact sound as part of a floor assembly. It is also described as Intertek tested and described as meeting ASTM E 90, E 492, and E 2179 soundproofing standards.
How is it described to be cut and fit during installation?
It is described as DIY-friendly and described as cuttable with commonly available sharp objects such as a nail, a knife, a ruler, or a screwdriver. Buyers commonly mention ease of cutting as well.
Where can I find the product described here?
Use this underlayment link for the exact item referenced.