Can standard grade construction plastic sheeting be used as under layment for laminated flooring. Home Depot and Lowe's sell special black poly, and the cost is 4 times regular sheeting
You should use foam sheeting made for laminate. It evens out minor dips and high spots on the floor. Plastic collects condensation moisture and should only be used if the bottom floor is damp concrete, like in a basement, even then, the foam should be used over the plastic.
It just provides a vapor barrier and padding. when the product first came out every one was using all kinds of stuff and work just fine before they saw their was market for selling foam plastic.
Check with the manufacturer, most have great websites that can answer your question. I've installed several types of laminate floors and always use a foam padding that has a coating already on it.
Red rosin paper is not a moisture barrier it is used to install hard wood floors over plywood. Use a moisture barrier two-in one underlayment or polyethylene sheeting with a foam underlayment. It's very important. Underlayment is inexpensive compared to the labor and material. Do it properly. Also don't forget to leave a 1/4 inch gap around the entire perimeter of the floor to allow it to float freely and expand and contract. Stagger the seams. You will need a tapping block to install the laminate. Do not glue the seams. Read all manufacturers instructions and follow them exactly. Allow the floor to acclimate to the room for 48 hours prior to installation for most laminates. Good luck with your project.
If your flooring has a warranty, the products used under it will be specified. I prefer the commercial brand since the foam helps prevent cracking of the laminate and retards moisture.
