Does SPC flooring need an underlay?

Updated October 2026 · Enoch Surfaces, Singapore

Short answer

Not always. Over sound, level tiles, 5 mm and 6 mm SPC can be laid without foam. An underlay is worth adding when you want less footfall noise, as in condos and upper floors, or a moisture barrier over a concrete floor. The 6.5 mm build already has 2 mm of IXPE foam bonded on, so it needs no separate underlay.

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Your options

Option	Per roll	Per sqft	Best for
No underlay	$0	$0	5 mm or 6 mm planks over sound, level, dry tiles where noise below is not a concern
0.06 mm IXPE	$15	$0.05	A thin moisture barrier, for example over a concrete floor
2 mm IXPE	$40	$0.12	Less footfall noise in condos and upper-floor rooms
3 mm IXPE	$85	$0.26	The most cushioning and sound reduction
6.5 mm acoustic plank	Built in		2 mm IXPE bonded on; no separate layer to lay

Each roll covers about 322 sqft. Enoch's product pages describe the IXPE underlay as closed-cell foam that provides a moisture barrier, sound dampening and thermal insulation.

What it adds to a 650 sqft 4-room flat

5 mm planks with	Estimate, incl. skirting boards
No underlay	$1,603
0.06 mm IXPE	$1,648
2 mm IXPE	$1,723
3 mm IXPE	$1,858

Planks with 10% for cuts, underlay, installer labour, trims and skirting boards at Enoch's published prices. Skirting fitting is quoted by your installer.

Three things an underlay will not do

Level a bumpy floorFoam evens out tiny irregularities only. Dips, humps and broken tiles need levelling first, quoted by your installer.

Stack under 6.5 mmDo not add a second foam layer under planks that already have one. A soft double layer lets the click joints flex.

Make a wet floor safeKeep tiles in bathrooms and other areas with standing water.

Not sure? The price tool lets you switch underlay on and off and shows the difference line by line. More on quiet floors for condos

Questions

Does SPC flooring need underlayment?

Not always. Over sound, level tiles it can go down without foam. Add underlay for less footfall noise or a moisture barrier. The 6.5 mm build has foam bonded on already.

Can I put underlay under 6.5 mm SPC?

No. It already has 2 mm of IXPE foam bonded underneath. A second soft layer lets the click joints flex.

Which underlay thickness should I choose?

The 0.06 mm film is a thin moisture barrier. 2 mm reduces footfall noise for condos and upper floors. 3 mm gives the most cushioning.

How much does SPC underlay cost?

Enoch's IXPE underlay is $15, $40 or $85 per roll for 0.06 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm. Each roll covers about 322 sqft.

See every line for your own home.

Planks, labour, trims, skirting, removal and levelling, with what is fixed and what the installer confirms.

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