XPS Underlays - Thermal and Acoustic Performance for Every Floor

The largest part of this category is our range of XPS (extruded polystyrene) underlays, available in thicknesses from 2mm to 6mm and in coverage options ranging from 5 m² to 55 m² per pack. XPS is a high-density, closed-cell foam material that combines excellent thermal insulation with meaningful impact noise reduction - two of the most important performance requirements for any floating floor installation.

Available thickness options cover the full range of common project requirements:

• XPS 2mm with ALU membrane - a roll format covering 16.5 m², ideal for installations over underfloor heating where a low-resistance underlay is essential, with the added thermal reflectivity of an aluminium membrane

• XPS 2.5mm Thermo-Laminate with ALU membrane - specifically designed for underfloor heating systems beneath wood and vinyl flooring, available from 6 m² to 42 m²

• XPS 3mm - a versatile standard underlay for laminate and wood flooring, available from 5 m² to 55 m², priced from £9.99

• XPS 3mm with Aluminium Membrane - combines thermal insulation with ALU reflective layer, available from 12 m² to 48 m²

• XPS 5mm - for greater thermal and acoustic performance beneath laminate and engineered wood, available from 5 m² to 55 m², priced from £12.99

• XPS 5mm with Aluminium Membrane - enhanced thermal performance with ALU layer, available from 7 m² to 49 m²

• XPS Quick 5mm - a faster-format installation underlay with the same thermal and acoustic performance as standard 5mm, available from 7 m² to 49 m², priced from £14.99

• XPS 6mm - the thickest option in the standard range, offering maximum insulation depth for installations over cold or uneven subfloors, available from 5 m² to 50 m², priced from £14.99

• XPS Flex 2mm Roll - a flexible roll format covering 22 m², designed for easy installation in rooms with irregular layouts or multiple obstacles

All XPS underlays in this range are high density and high quality - engineered to compress minimally under load, maintain their insulating properties over time, and provide a stable, creak-free base for floating floor systems.

LVT and Premium Underlays

For luxury vinyl tile and plank installations, we stock a dedicated Professional LVT Underlay at 1.5mm, available from 6 m² to 42 m². LVT requires a thinner, denser underlay than laminate or engineered wood, and a standard foam underlay used under an LVT floor will compress unevenly over time, causing the floor to feel soft and potentially voiding the flooring warranty. The LVT underlay in this range is specifically designed to meet the requirements of vinyl flooring - high density, minimal compressibility, and a flat, consistent surface that supports the rigid-core structure of modern LVT products.

For the most demanding installations where maximum underlay performance is required, our Minerals and Polyurethane (PU) Underlay with ALU Membrane at 1.8mm covers 10 m² and represents the highest quality option in the range. This premium underlay combines mineral aggregate with polyurethane foam and an aluminium reflective membrane, delivering outstanding acoustic performance, excellent thermal insulation, and superior dimensional stability. It is suitable for use with wood, laminate, and vinyl flooring and is fully compatible with underfloor heating systems.

Vapour Barrier Foil - Essential Protection for Every Floating Floor

One of the most overlooked elements of a flooring installation is moisture management. Moisture rising through a concrete or screed subfloor can cause laminate and engineered wood to swell, buckle, and delaminate over time. Our Vapour Barrier Foil covers 100 m² per roll and is designed for use beneath laminate flooring, plasterboard, insulation, and attic wall installations where a moisture-resistant layer is required between the subfloor and the finished surface. At £39.99 for a 100 m² roll - reduced from £49.90 - it is one of the most cost-effective protective measures available for any flooring project.

The vapour barrier is lightweight, easy to cut and overlap, and compatible with all underlay types in this range. For any ground-floor installation or any room above an unheated void, a vapour barrier beneath the underlay should be considered standard practice rather than an optional extra.

Adhesives and Fixing Products

This category also includes two key adhesive and fixing products that support installation across the full CorkSystem range.

Our Professional Polymer-Water Adhesive for Cork Wall Tiles is available in 1.5 kg (covering approximately 3 m²) and 5 kg (covering approximately 10 m²) pack sizes. This adhesive is specifically formulated for bonding cork wall tiles to wall surfaces, providing a strong, flexible, and water-resistant bond that performs reliably in both dry and moderately humid environments. The polymer-water formula is safe to use in residential settings, has no strong solvent odour, and cleans up easily with water before it cures.

The Everbuild Instant Nails White in 290 ml is a versatile silicone-based adhesive and sealant suitable for bonding XPS ceiling and wall panels, cork tiles, and a wide range of other decorative and construction materials to most common substrates including plaster, plasterboard, timber, and masonry. It cures to a flexible, durable bond and is an excellent choice for installations where a contact adhesive is either impractical or unnecessary. At £4.60 per cartridge, it is one of the most cost-effective fixing solutions for lighter panel and tile installations.

Anti-Slip Stair Nosing - The Finishing Touch for Flooring Projects

Completing a flooring project professionally means addressing transitions as well as surfaces. Our Anti-Slip Self-Adhesive Angle Stair Nosing in Grey provides a clean, secure, and safe edge finish at the front of each stair tread. It is self-adhesive for easy fitting, provides a non-slip surface that improves safety on both carpeted and hard-surface stairs, and gives a neat finished appearance that professional installers and careful DIY builders expect at every detail of a project.

FAQ - Miscellaneous Underlays, Adhesives and Accessories

Q: Which XPS underlay should I choose for laminate flooring?
A: For standard laminate flooring over a concrete or timber subfloor, the XPS 3mm or XPS 5mm underlays are the most practical choices. If thermal insulation is a priority - for example in a ground-floor room or a room above an unheated space - the 5mm or 6mm options offer greater insulation depth. If the room has underfloor heating, choose the XPS 2mm with ALU membrane or the XPS 2.5mm Thermo-Laminate, which are specifically designed to work with heated floor systems.

Q: Can I use a standard XPS underlay under LVT vinyl flooring?
A: No - standard foam or XPS underlays are generally not suitable for use under rigid-core LVT flooring. LVT requires a high-density, low-compressibility underlay specifically designed for vinyl. Use our Professional LVT Underlay at 1.5mm, which is engineered to meet the density and flatness requirements of modern LVT products.

Q: Do I need a vapour barrier as well as an underlay?
A: In most ground-floor installations over concrete or screed, yes. A vapour barrier beneath the underlay prevents moisture from rising through the subfloor and damaging the flooring above. Our 100 m² Vapour Barrier Foil roll is the standard solution - lay it before the underlay, overlapping joins by at least 200mm and taping securely.

Q: What is the difference between the polymer-water adhesive and the Everbuild Instant Nails silicone?
A: The polymer-water adhesive is specifically formulated for bonding cork wall tiles and provides a strong, water-resistant bond across larger surface areas. It is applied with a trowel or spatula across the full back of the tile. The Everbuild Instant Nails silicone is a grab adhesive applied in dabs or beads - faster to apply, suitable for lighter panels and tiles, and useful where a flexible bond is preferred. For cork wall tiles, the polymer-water adhesive is the recommended primary fixing method. For XPS ceiling and wall panels, Instant Nails is an excellent choice.

Q: Is the XPS underlay suitable for use on timber subfloors as well as concrete?
A: Yes. All XPS underlays in this range are compatible with both concrete/screed and timber subfloor types. On timber subfloors, the underlay also helps to even out minor surface variations and reduce any movement noise between the boards beneath.

Q: How do I calculate how much underlay I need?
A: Measure the total floor area of the room in square metres, then add 10% for overlaps and wastage at edges and cuts. Select the pack size in the relevant underlay product that most closely matches or exceeds your calculated requirement. For larger rooms or open-plan spaces, it is often more cost-effective to order a single larger pack than multiple smaller ones.

Q: Is the stair nosing suitable for use with all flooring types?
A: The anti-slip self-adhesive stair nosing in grey is suitable for use with laminate, engineered wood, LVT, and hard surface flooring on stair treads. It provides a clean edge finish and anti-slip protection regardless of the flooring type used on the stair surface.

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