QuietWalk Plus QW100PLUS
QuietWalk Plus QW100PLUS is positioned as a best-in-class laminate and engineered‑wood underlayment thanks to its strong sound‑dampening and moisture‑resistant foam construction that balances performance with value. Compared with the tile‑focused Ditra Heat Duo and the adhesive DMX 1-Step 2.0, QuietWalk Plus delivers comparable acoustic control at a lower material cost and easier DIY installation, making it a cost‑effective choice for large living areas and multiroom projects.
Whisper-quiet shh!
Plush floor hug
Whisper-quiet shh!
Plush floor hug
Review Summary
"Users praise QuietWalk Plus QW100PLUS for noticeably reducing impact noise and providing a comfortable underfoot feel; installers note it is easy to cut and lay but can compress under very heavy furniture. Overall reviewers find it a dependable mid-range underlayment for laminate and engineered flooring."
Moisture lock pro
High-density composite underlayment designed to reduce impact and airborne noise
Moisture lock pro
High-density composite underlayment designed to reduce impact and airborne noise
Reduced Stress & Anxiety
QuietWalk Plus QW100PLUS is positioned as a best-in-class laminate and engineered‑wood underlayment thanks to its strong sound‑dampening and moisture‑resistant foam construction that balances performance with value. Compared with the tile‑focused Ditra Heat Duo and the adhesive DMX 1-Step 2.0, QuietWalk Plus delivers comparable acoustic control at a lower material cost and easier DIY installation, making it a cost‑effective choice for large living areas and multiroom projects.
Whisper-quiet shh!
Plush floor hug
Moisture lock pro
High-density composite underlayment designed to reduce impact and airborne noise
Suitable for laminate, engineered hardwood, and many luxury vinyl installations
Whisper-quiet shh!
Plush floor hug
Moisture lock pro
High-density composite underlayment designed to reduce impact and airborne noise
Suitable for laminate, engineered hardwood, and many luxury vinyl installations
Ditra Heat Duo DITRA-HEAT-DUO
Ditra Heat Duo DITRA‑HEAT‑DUO stands out as the market leader for tile installations that incorporate electric radiant heating, offering an integrated uncoupling membrane and cable groove system that protects tile and grout over time. Although it carries a premium price compared with foam underlayments like QuietWalk Plus and Roberts Airguard, its technical advantages for heat transfer, long‑term decoupling and reduced tile repair risk make it the preferred professional solution for bathrooms and heated floors.
Cozy warm feet
Tile-ready tech
Cozy warm feet
Tile-ready tech
Review Summary
"Ditra-Heat-Duo is regularly lauded for reliable uncoupling, excellent heat transfer for electric floor warming, and long-term durability, though buyers warn it is expensive and best installed by a professional. Most reviewers consider it a premium, high-performance solution for heated tile floors."
Decoupling ninja
Decoupling membrane that integrates electric heating cables for tile and stone floors
Decoupling ninja
Decoupling membrane that integrates electric heating cables for tile and stone floors
Tech-Savvy Living
Ditra Heat Duo DITRA‑HEAT‑DUO stands out as the market leader for tile installations that incorporate electric radiant heating, offering an integrated uncoupling membrane and cable groove system that protects tile and grout over time. Although it carries a premium price compared with foam underlayments like QuietWalk Plus and Roberts Airguard, its technical advantages for heat transfer, long‑term decoupling and reduced tile repair risk make it the preferred professional solution for bathrooms and heated floors.
Cozy warm feet
Tile-ready tech
Decoupling ninja
Decoupling membrane that integrates electric heating cables for tile and stone floors
Thin-profile design preserves finished floor height while delivering efficient heat transfer
Cozy warm feet
Tile-ready tech
Decoupling ninja
Decoupling membrane that integrates electric heating cables for tile and stone floors
Thin-profile design preserves finished floor height while delivering efficient heat transfer
DMX 1-Step 2.0
DMX 1‑Step 2.0 earns a best‑in‑class mention for blending a vapor‑control layer with sound attenuation into a single, fast‑install mat that lowers labor costs on moisture‑sensitive subfloors. Technically it competes with QuietWalk Plus on acoustics but differentiates by offering a one‑product moisture management approach—trading slightly higher unit price for faster installation and fewer accessory materials compared with conventional underlayments like Mono Serra Blue or Roberts Airguard.
One-step wonder
Fast-set hero
One-step wonder
Fast-set hero
Review Summary
"DMX 1-Step 2.0 is appreciated for its convenience, built-in vapor protection and good sound reduction at a competitive price, but some users report occasional adhesive edge issues and sensitivity to subfloor imperfections. Reviews are generally positive for budget-conscious DIY installs with some caveats on prep and seams."
Grip that sticks
Combined underlayment and vapor/moisture protection to simplify installation
Grip that sticks
Combined underlayment and vapor/moisture protection to simplify installation
Time-Saving Convenience
Optimized Work Efficiency
DMX 1‑Step 2.0 earns a best‑in‑class mention for blending a vapor‑control layer with sound attenuation into a single, fast‑install mat that lowers labor costs on moisture‑sensitive subfloors. Technically it competes with QuietWalk Plus on acoustics but differentiates by offering a one‑product moisture management approach—trading slightly higher unit price for faster installation and fewer accessory materials compared with conventional underlayments like Mono Serra Blue or Roberts Airguard.
One-step wonder
Fast-set hero
Grip that sticks
Combined underlayment and vapor/moisture protection to simplify installation
High-density foam core offers sound dampening and underfoot cushioning
One-step wonder
Fast-set hero
Grip that sticks
Combined underlayment and vapor/moisture protection to simplify installation
High-density foam core offers sound dampening and underfoot cushioning
Mono Serra Blue Premium Underlayment
Mono Serra Blue Premium Underlayment targets premium residential and commercial installations where compressive strength and long‑term dimensional stability matter, delivering a higher load‑bearing profile than typical foam products. Financially it sits above economy options such as Roberts Airguard, but it offers technical advantages for heavy furniture and rolling loads that make it a smart investment for high‑traffic areas where durability reduces lifecycle replacement costs.
Mold-fighting pal
Sound-sleep aid
Mold-fighting pal
Sound-sleep aid
Review Summary
"Mono Serra Blue Premium Underlayment earns praise for strong moisture protection and solid acoustic performance, with reviewers noting it performs well under a variety of floor types; a minority call out its higher cost and compatibility checks required for certain flooring. Overall it is seen as a premium, reliable option for moisture-prone installations."
Cut-to-fit ease
Multi-layer engineered construction optimized for superior sound attenuation
Cut-to-fit ease
Multi-layer engineered construction optimized for superior sound attenuation
Reduced Stress & Anxiety
Mono Serra Blue Premium Underlayment targets premium residential and commercial installations where compressive strength and long‑term dimensional stability matter, delivering a higher load‑bearing profile than typical foam products. Financially it sits above economy options such as Roberts Airguard, but it offers technical advantages for heavy furniture and rolling loads that make it a smart investment for high‑traffic areas where durability reduces lifecycle replacement costs.
Mold-fighting pal
Sound-sleep aid
Cut-to-fit ease
Multi-layer engineered construction optimized for superior sound attenuation
Moisture-resistant with high compressive strength for heavy-traffic applications
Mold-fighting pal
Sound-sleep aid
Cut-to-fit ease
Multi-layer engineered construction optimized for superior sound attenuation
Moisture-resistant with high compressive strength for heavy-traffic applications
$150-260 CAD
Roberts Airguard Premium 70-193A
Roberts Airguard Premium 70‑193A is a market leader for DIY and budget‑conscious installs, providing a reliable vapor retarder and cushioning layer at a competitive price and broad retail availability. While it does not match the specialized tile or radiant capabilities of Ditra Heat Duo or the single‑step moisture control of DMX 1‑Step 2.0, Roberts offers strong value for laminate and engineered floors, minimizing upfront spending while delivering acceptable acoustic and moisture protection for typical residential jobs.
Air-seal shield
Thin but mighty
Air-seal shield
Thin but mighty
Review Summary
"Roberts Airguard Premium 70-193A is frequently reviewed as an effective sound-reducing and vapor-resistant underlayment that is straightforward to install, with most users satisfied by its performance under laminate and engineered floors. A few reviewers mention thickness limitations for transition areas, but the product is widely regarded as reliable."
Floor whisperer
Integrated polyethylene vapor barrier that protects subfloors from moisture migration
Floor whisperer
Integrated polyethylene vapor barrier that protects subfloors from moisture migration
Reduced Stress & Anxiety
Time-Saving Convenience
Roberts Airguard Premium 70‑193A is a market leader for DIY and budget‑conscious installs, providing a reliable vapor retarder and cushioning layer at a competitive price and broad retail availability. While it does not match the specialized tile or radiant capabilities of Ditra Heat Duo or the single‑step moisture control of DMX 1‑Step 2.0, Roberts offers strong value for laminate and engineered floors, minimizing upfront spending while delivering acceptable acoustic and moisture protection for typical residential jobs.
Air-seal shield
Thin but mighty
Floor whisperer
Integrated polyethylene vapor barrier that protects subfloors from moisture migration
Dual-layer construction improves sound reduction while providing cushioning
Air-seal shield
Thin but mighty
Floor whisperer
Integrated polyethylene vapor barrier that protects subfloors from moisture migration
Dual-layer construction improves sound reduction while providing cushioning
$80-140 CAD