Building a lasting floor starts from the ground up, which is why choosing the right
underlayment and subfloor is the most critical step in any renovation. At
Chamberlain Timber Mart, your local building supplies experts in the Gravenhurst-Muskoka, Ontario region, we help you understand the structural needs of your home. A subfloor provides the necessary flat, stable foundation, typically using 5/8-in or 3/4-in plywood or OSB, while the underlayment acts as a protective layer that provides moisture resistance, sound dampening, and a smoother surface for your finished flooring.
Whether you are installing hardwood, laminate, or tile, our local lumberyard has the materials to prevent floor squeaks and uneven wear over time. Explore our complete range of
products to ensure your project has a solid foundation. You can also
browse all building supplies and our wide selection of top-quality
flooring and tile accessories, including
flooring protection,
flooring trims,
laminate flooring installation,
pine flooring,
smart tiles,
tile grout,
tile trims, and
vinyl roll flooring. To get started,
sign-up for an account or
contact us for a project quote from your trusted local home renovation store.
At
chamberlaintimbermart.ca, we know that what is under your feet matters as much as the tile or wood you see. Quality subflooring ensures your home remains structurally sound, while the right underlayment improves the comfort and "feel" of every step you take. As a one-stop shop for local lumber store needs, we provide the specialized boards and membranes required for professional results.
Is subfloor and underlayment the same thing? No, they serve different purposes. The subfloor is a structural component attached directly to your floor joists; its job is to support the weight of the room. The underlayment is a thinner layer placed on top of the subfloor. Its primary role is to provide a perfectly smooth surface for the finish flooring and to offer benefits like vapor protection or sound insulation.
Do I need underlayment on the subfloor? In almost every case, yes. For laminate and vinyl plank, underlayment provides the "cushion" and prevents the floor from feeling hard or sounding hollow. For tile installations, a cement board underlayment is essential to prevent the wood subfloor from expanding and cracking your grout lines. If you are unsure which thickness is right - such as a 1/4-in or 1/2-in board - our local home improvement store team can guide you.
What is the difference between underlayment and sheathing? Sheathing is a general term for the boards used to cover the framework of a house, including walls and roofs. While some subfloor materials are a type of sheathing, underlayment is a specific, higher-grade material designed specifically to be the final layer before the decorative flooring is installed.
How do I prevent floor squeaks? Most squeaks are caused by the subfloor rubbing against nails or joists. When shopping at our local lumberyard, we recommend using subfloor adhesive in combination with floor screws rather than nails. This creates a permanent bond that eliminates noise as the house settles.
What is the best underlayment for cold climates? In the Ontario region, moisture and temperature fluctuations are common. We recommend underlayments with an integrated vapor barrier for basement installations to protect against rising dampness. When you
shop all building products with us, you get access to professional-grade moisture protection that keeps your home warm and dry. Visit us today to see why we are the preferred local building supplies destination for Muskoka contractors and DIYers alike.
