What is put under linoleum. Do I need a substrate for linoleum: expert opinion

Linoleum is a popular and affordable floor covering. A wide range allows consumers to choose a model according to their own taste and preferences. In order for the floor covering to serve you longer, it is important to follow all the installation rules. Not everyone knows what it is worth laying linoleum on and this can lead to irreparable mistakes.

Types of linoleum

A very important aspect is the ability to maintain the original appearance during long-term operation of linoleum. On this basis, it is divided into several types:

• Domestic. Such linoleum is classified as class 21-23, made on a foam basis, has a multilayer structure. Such material copes well with sound insulation, it is environmentally friendly, pleasant to the touch and has a large variation in decorative design. Linoleum is quite budgetary and has a protective layer of 0.1-0.35 mm. It is the least wear-resistant, therefore it is used only at home.
• Commercial (technical). Linoleum is classified as class 41-43 and can last about 10 years in a room where the patency reaches the highest rates. This type is used in schools, trading houses and even at airports. The environmental friendliness of the species is not inferior to the previous one.
• Semi-commercial. The material belongs to class 1-34 and is a kind of golden mean. Such a coating lasts longer than a household one, but it is less whimsical when laying than a commercial one. Such linoleum is used in different rooms with typical traffic. 3 layers material: PVC backing, decorative layer and PVC or PU layer for protection. Warranty period - from 7 to 20 years.

Linoleum is also divided into types based on the raw materials used in the manufacture of the canvas:

• Natural. The bearing part is often formed from jute fabric. It is produced in two variations: with and without a base. Such material is fire resistant, in case of fire it can prevent the spread of fire. Linseed oil provides bactericidal properties of the surface. It is worth noting that linoleum made from natural materials is characterized by low plasticity and can break during transportation.
• PVC linoleum. Such linoleum is produced in two variations: with and without a base. The base can be absolutely anything. Do not lay the material in rooms with high temperatures - this will lead to dents. Often used in everyday life in lounges.

• Nitrocellulose (coloxylin). Such material has no basis and is unstable to the influence of fire. A thin coating also has advantages: good moisture resistance and high ductility.
• Alkyd linoleum. Produced with a fabric base. It surpasses most species in its ability to suppress noise and retain heat. It is worth noting that after a certain period of use, linoleum decreases in length and increases in width.
• Relin. The material combines two layers: rubber and a special mixture. The mixture includes pigments for decorative properties, fillers for insulating properties and synthetic rubber for durability. The main feature of the coating is moisture resistance and elasticity.

Linoleum is also divided into types based on what material the base is made of:

• Baseless. The coating is quite thin, because it has only one layer. The cost is budgetary, used at home. Such material should be laid on a perfectly flat surface. Use baseless linoleum in wet areas.
• Foam based. Such a coating has many layers and reaches up to 3.5 mm in thickness. Such linoleums are not glued along the entire perimeter, but only along the corner points and diagonal lines. Linoleum reacts calmly to high levels of humidity in the room. Seams are recommended to be welded.
• On a warm base. Such a base can be made both from natural raw materials and from artificial ones. As a rule, it is jute or felt. The coating has a top polymer layer for protection. The thickness of the web is at least 5 mm. It spreads in domestic premises with a normal level of humidity, this is due to its high plasticity and ability to retain heat. It is recommended to lay without seams, a continuous cloth. The canvas is superimposed, taking into account the features for expansion.

The modern market also offers special types of flooring:

• Antistatic. The only type of linoleum that can be laid in rooms with high-voltage equipment. The material prevents the appearance of static electricity and the accumulation of dust.
• For Sport. The top layer is made of wear-resistant polyvinyl chloride. Durable, safety and resilient linoleum retains its original appearance despite the increased load.
• Polymer bulk floor. The innovative invention looks like linoleum, with direct tactile contact it resembles a tiled floor. Thickness over 1.5mm guarantees long life and impact resistance. Thanks to its environmental friendliness and water resistance, it can be used in any room.
• 3D linoleum. Also considered a completely new invention. You can create an imitation for paving stones or apply any image. Experts say that such a three-dimensional image can visually enlarge the space of a room.

What can be laid under linoleum?

Before many ordinary people, a rather difficult question becomes - what to lay on the floor before laying linoleum? Beginners may be confused: some believe that nothing needs to be laid, others - it is necessary to forgive the substrate. To resolve the issue, you should find out the properties of various materials for linoleum.

The underlayment is required to eliminate irregularities. It can serve for thermal and sound insulation. Characteristics of linoleum floor substrates:

• Film floor (infrared). This popular floor heating method does not require floor screed. The material consists of a thermal film, it is based on carbon heating elements with a cross section. This bedding saves about 20% of energy.
• Oriented strand boards. Lightweight OAB material is resistant to moisture, is not afraid of mechanical damage and does not deform during operation. Installing such plates is quite simple, beginners can handle it. When working, it requires caution; when bent, it can break. It is important to note that some cheap copies are environmentally hazardous.
• Penoplex. Please note that Penoplex is a company that manufactures extruded polystyrene foam. One of the best means for thermal insulation. The material is not afraid of moisture, does not absorb water. Installation does not require special skills, which attracts non-professionals. Penoplex has soundproof properties. The material itself is not harmful to health, but styrene in the free state is very toxic. Experts recommend approaching the choice of material with full responsibility and tightly closing it with a safer material.

• Penofol. Consists of a layer of foamed polyethylene and a layer of aluminum foil. The material reflects heat radiation. Such material is more suitable for installation inside a dwelling, it does not pose a health hazard. Remember, "Penofol" is the name of the manufacturer, not the insulation.
• Acuflex. Material for soundproofing the floor, has a fibrous structure and is sold in rolls. Due to air circulation, akuflex prolongs the life of linoleum. Laying such material is quite simple, professional skills are not required.
• Hardboard. It is a type of chipboard (wood fiber board). Pretty simple and unpretentious material. Attracts its availability and cheapness. It is better to refuse it if you put linoleum in a room with high humidity.

• Gypsum fiber sheet (GVL). Such material is resistant to moisture, temperature and combustion. Dense and massive material is flexible and provides heat retention, noise suppression. Due to its environmental friendliness, the material is often placed under the linoleum in the apartment.
• Cork coating. Such material is made from crushed oak bark. No synthetic additives are used in the production. Cork flooring is distinguished by its environmental friendliness and durability. Attracts consumers with high properties of heat preservation and sound insulation.

Types of floors: what is better to put under linoleum?

In order to decide which floor to choose for flooring, it is necessary to determine its characteristics.

The basis for linoleum should have the following characteristics:

• Hardness and strength.
• Dryness.
• Maximum surface evenness.
• No traces of grease, oil, paint.

Consider the most popular linoleum floors:

• Concrete floor. Such a base must be leveled with special mixtures, you will need a primer. After leveling, you need to wait about 30 days until completely dry. Do not lay linoleum on wet concrete. Concrete floors must not be leveled with plywood, chipboard or other wood material. They will absorb moisture and deform during operation. You can lay a standing hardboard.
• Wooden floor. This basis is also acceptable. The plank floor may have irregularities, they are corrected by applying plywood. The sheets should be about 12 mm thick. Sometimes laying of hardboard (type of fiberboard) is used. If the boards are well preserved, alignment is not required. Minor flaws can be corrected with putty. The cake of the floor will also improve the soundproofing properties.
• Old linoleum. Such a base can take place if the old coating is not damaged and holds well. Before laying, the surface needs to be degreased, after which glue can be applied. If the old coating is in poor condition, then it cannot serve as the basis for linoleum.

• Ceramic tile. It is a very good base and substrate. If the floor is damaged, then apply a leveling compound to the tile. After everything is dry, you should use sandpaper, and do not forget to remove dust.
• IR field The heating floor with infrared radiation is divided into 2 types: film and rod. Film coating is quite budgetary, this is a good option for those who have modest means. The core floor is self-adjusting. Flexible designs are built into busbar thermocouples. When heated, the elements emit infrared rays.
• Drywall. The material has a number of advantages. Among them is the dry method of finishing, which is so important if you decide to lay linoleum on it. Such material is laid on a wooden floor.

Before laying drywall, leave it in the room for 12 hours. The material must necessarily come into balance with the microclimate of the room.

There are times when you need to put linoleum on the carpet. This is possible, but not every type of linoleum will suit you. Moreover, the base should be thoroughly cleaned of dust.

How to lay linoleum with your own hands?

Before laying linoleum, you need to carry out preparatory work:

• Inspect the floor surface and assess its condition.
• Make sure that dirt and dampness do not harm future linoleum. If you put the coating on a dirty base, then it will serve you very little and quickly become unusable. Therefore, take this stage especially responsibly.
• Sometimes the surface of the floor needs to be primed, and sometimes puttying may be necessary.

• Flame retardants. Such substances are necessary to protect the material from ignition and spontaneous combustion. Such substances do not guarantee that the material will not catch fire. The main task of fire retardants is to slow down the ignition. Such processing is especially important for a wooden base.
• Antiseptics. Such compositions are designed to prevent the appearance of fungi and other pathogenic microorganisms. This is an important processing step.
• Waterproofing compounds. Such mixtures protect the base from water and steam, reduce permeability. This stage is important for both the wood base and the concrete base.

Laying linoleum is not difficult. It is enough to cover the entire surface of the floor with a small gap on the walls.

It is important to study the various ways of attaching the material to the base and connecting the fragments to each other.

If the seams will not be closed with a decorative strip, then it is necessary to make an even cut.

Do it like this:

• Lay the rolls close to each other.
• Stick a special anti-slip tape or simple household tape under the place of the future incision.
• Lay the pieces of canvas on top of each other with an edge overlap of 4-5 mm.
• Use a sharp knife to make a cut in the middle.
• Inject glue into the seam and firmly press both edges to the base.

There are two ways to fix linoleum on the floor.

In order for the linoleum laid on the concrete floor to last for a long time and not have to be changed after a year, it is necessary to perform the preparation of the base with high quality. One of the important points of this preparation is the stage at which the substrate is mounted.

What is the underlayment for?

The substrate, depending on the material, can perform several functions:

• alignment;
• thermal insulation;
• hydrobarrier;
• soundproofing.

alignment

Linoleum is not as critical to horizontality as a parquet board or laminate, but it is still better to lay it on a flat base. Alignment is relevant for minor differences in height (1 - 2 mm) of the concrete screed. The best material that performs the leveling function is moisture resistant plywood.

Thermal and waterproofing

In rooms under which there is a street or an unheated space, it is better to enclose materials that can work as a heat insulator under a fine floor covering. All types cope with this task, but the greatest effect can be achieved when using cork, felt or jute.

Rolled foamed polymers stand apart. Due to their structure, they do not allow moisture to pass through and can be successfully used in conditions of high humidity as a waterproofing layer. The best thermal insulation characteristics have polymeric materials, foiled on one or both sides.

Cork or jute, in addition to heat-insulating properties, also has good sound-proofing characteristics. They block impact noise transmitted through the floors.

Material selection

A large number of materials that can be laid as a substrate on the floor under linoleum create some inconvenience when choosing a particular brand. Criteria to help determine which material is best to lay are:

• price;
• durability;
• manufacturability;
• availability.

Cost and durability

The cost of the substrate has a very large spread. The most budget option are foamed polymers (isolon, penoizol, penofol and the like). The most expensive is cork - a natural material consisting of compressed pieces of cork oak bark.

The durability of the material determines how long it will take before the next repair. By saving, you can get a situation where, in a year, expensive high-quality linoleum will require replacement.

Foamed polyethylene quickly collapses under the weight of heavy furniture and ceases to perform its functions. Dense grades of cork coating are able to retain their properties for up to 10 - 15 years. An intermediate position is occupied by jute, felt and linen materials.

Laying method and accessibility

In terms of manufacturability, all materials are approximately the same. These are roll products that need to be laid on the floor. Experts recommend performing a multi-layer combined base, because a substrate consisting of several layers will work better than any one, even if it is a universal material.

Very often, the decisive factor in determining which material to put under the linoleum is its availability in the nearest store. The presence of large construction supermarkets or trade depots also influences the choice, where you can immediately purchase everything you need for repairs and order free delivery.

Foundation preparation

The concrete floor should ideally be absolutely flat. Unfortunately, this practically does not occur in practice. Even when the screed is performed by professionals, there may be small defects (minor tubercles, depressions, caverns from emerging air bubbles).

Elimination of defects

Separate protruding tubercles on the floor are best knocked down or cut off. Thus, the base for further work will be more even and will be less subject to wear in the future.

Insignificant in area and depth of the recess can not be touched, they will not interfere. With sufficiently large depressions, it is best to fill them with self-leveling mixtures.

Laying waterproofing

After the floor has completely hardened and dried, a layer of waterproofing must be laid on the surface of the screed. In the future, this can prevent the capillary rise of moisture from the ceiling and protect the overlying layers from getting wet.

Film mounting

As the cheapest material, you can put a dense polyethylene film. It is desirable that the floor is covered with a whole sheet of film. In the event that it is not possible to lay a film of such dimensions, the waterproofing can be made from separate rolls of a smaller width.

Waterproofing is not attached to the floor. Laying and fixing subsequent layers will prevent possible displacement of the film in the future. The material is rolled out on the floor surface with an overlap of sheets of at least 15 - 20 cm.

Joint processing

Joints must be sealed with tape. A prerequisite is a small overlap (2 - 3 cm) on the walls. In principle, any adhesive tape is suitable, up to packaging.

Best results are achieved with reinforced PVC tape. It has some elasticity, is more durable and durable. The tape of such material is usually gray in color. You can also put double-sided tape along the overlap line.

Installation of the leveling layer

Moisture resistant birch plywood works very well as a leveling layer. With a sheet thickness of 10 to 15 mm, it is possible to obtain an even, solid base for subsequent work. Plywood is produced in sheets of 1500 x 1500 mm. For convenience of work and prevention of deformations, they are cut into several parts.

Sheet installation

The sheets should be laid on the floor in such a way that a small (3-5 mm) expansion gap remains between them and the walls, which is subsequently filled with an elastic sealant. Another mandatory requirement is the expansion of the seams. When installing, the sheets must be placed with an offset relative to each other.

Material fixation

In order for the plywood not to move in the future, it must be fixed. For this, ordinary dowel-nails are used, with which the laid sheets are attached to the concrete floor. The size of fasteners can vary in diameter from 4 to 6 mm and in length from 50 to 70 mm. Using dowel-nails of large dimensions will already be a waste of money.

It is necessary to pay attention to the shape of the dowel. The mount must be “in the secret”, i.e. flush with the surface. When using a "fungus", the installation hole will need to be additionally countersinked. Plywood is a fairly soft material and this operation is easy to perform using a countersink or a ball cutter.

fastener requirements

Fastener heads should not protrude above the surface of the sheets. If this rule is violated and immediately subsequent layers are laid, then the entire substrate will be broken. On the finished surface of the floor, tubercles will first appear above the caps, and then the linoleum in these places will quickly wipe off. As a result, with intensive use in these places, it will be wiped through.

It is recommended to add silicone sealant to the drilled hole before installing the fasteners. Such an operation will restore the broken waterproofing layer.

Substrate laying

The fixed plywood is a reliable base and it is already possible to lay a roll substrate on it. The roll is rolled out on the prepared surface.

A distinctive feature is that the selected material must be laid end-to-end. Otherwise, the linoleum will lie unevenly at the overlap. The joints are sealed with tape. As in the case of waterproofing, it is better to use a more reliable gray reinforced tape.

If all stages of work are performed correctly, and each layer is laid on a pre-prepared base, then linoleum will not present any unpleasant surprises in the future and will last a long time.

In the matter of construction and repair, there is a conflicting opinion about the substrate for linoleum. Some people think that this is a completely useless material, while others think that the substrate is necessary for a high-quality and even coating.

In order to decide whether it is worth buying a substrate for PVC coating or not, you need to get to know the material better, find out what it is, and also identify its features and purpose.

What it is?

Underlayment is an insulating material that is placed under the floor covering. It differs in composition, material of manufacture, forms, laying methods, functions and cost. In general, the substrate is used for unevenness in cement grout, cold coating and baseless single-layer linoleum.

An interesting fact is that moisture always forms and accumulates on the screed, and the concrete or wooden base does not have ventilation holes. That's why the substrate is also a kind of sponge that absorbs condensate. But also linoleum can be laid on an old substrate, if it is in good condition and has no damage. This will greatly facilitate the task and speed up the repair work.

Modern floor coverings have several layers, so you can buy linoleum with glass fiber, PVC impregnation, some kind of fabric material in the base, polyester or jute and refuse the substrate.

Functions

There are not so many reasons for laying underlay, but they are all decisive and important. Many are interested in whether it is possible to put it without it and in general why it is needed. Actually, without a substrate can be easily dispensed with if the base of the floor is perfectly flat, there is no extraneous noise, no drafts and unheated rooms from below.

Linoleum underlayment has three main functions:

1. Leveling the subfloor. Despite the fact that during the repair on the floor all cracks, bumps and other damages are carefully masked, when laying linoleum there is a risk of new defects. Since the flooring is quite soft and plastic, over time, all the holes become visible, and in some places even tears and scuffs may appear. The substrate easily hides such shortcomings and extends the life of linoleum.
2. Warming. Linoleum does not conduct heat, and therefore, when laid on cement, it will be cold and unpleasant for the feet. This is especially true for premises on the ground floors and private houses. The underlay perfectly copes with such a problem, it provides comfort, warmth and coziness.
3. Soundproofing. A similar function is necessary in panel multi-storey buildings, in which there is too much audibility. The linoleum underlay perfectly protects against noise coming from below.

Kinds

On the construction market, there are a large number of types of substrate for linoleum. With such an assortment, it is difficult for a beginner to decide and choose the right one. Therefore, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with each material separately, and only then draw conclusions based on preferences, living conditions and financial resources.

Cork

The cork substrate has a lot of positive properties: high sound insulation, excellent heat retention, moisture resistance, an obstacle to the growth of bacteria, mold and microorganisms, protection against mechanical damage.

The material is made from cork tree bark, which is crumbled and then pressed under pressure and high temperature. Thanks to this treatment, the cork substrate has an unusual structure, consisting of a large number of cells filled with air. This contributes to an even distribution of the load on the linoleum. She undoubtedly convenient to install, as it is produced and produced in a roll.

The disadvantages of cork backing are softness and high cost. Soft material is not suitable for heavy massive furniture, as there is a risk of dents and deformation of linoleum.

Jute

The nonwoven fabric is ideal for floors where concrete is laid directly on the ground or for a ground floor apartment with a cold basement. Jute perfectly retains and conducts heat, is environmentally friendly and has the ability to create a favorable microclimate. It is resistant to burning, rotting and mold formation., and also perfectly absorbs moisture and is restored after drying.

When choosing a jute substrate, first of all, you need to pay attention to its density. It must be extremely large, otherwise over time there is a risk of dents.

The only minus of the jute substrate for linoleum is the rather high price.

Polypropylene

This type of substrate is considered the most impractical and of poor quality. Foamed polyethylene is very soft and during the operation of linoleum, it quickly loses its original appearance. In most cases, scuffs, breaks and dents appear on it. In addition, PVC flooring is very poorly combined with polyethylene, does not retain heat, is uncomfortable to walk on and is quite difficult to put on the base.

To see the minus of foamed isolone, you can conduct a small and easy experiment with a sheet of paper and a knife. To do this, you must try to pierce the blade with a paper lying on a hard surface, and then on a soft one. In the first case, there will be an inconspicuous hole, and in the second, the knife will make a noticeable hole on the sheet. the same thing happens with linoleum, located on a polypropylene substrate. Of the relative merits, one can single out only low cost.

felt

Such a substrate is made of wool by drying. The material is treated with steam and combined into a complete canvas. In the process of creating a felt substrate, its high-quality processing is carried out with substances that protect against burning and decay.

The natural substrate has a large number of positive properties: it is environmentally friendly and safe, resistant to damage and abrasion, elastic, soft, antibacterial. Felt material perfectly conducts heat and retains it.

Linen

Natural and environmentally friendly material is treated with needles and flame retardants, which prevents the emergence and reproduction of harmful microorganisms, bacteria, and insects. Flax perfectly passes air and creates a favorable microclimate in the room.

Combined

The versatile underlay consists of linen, jute and wool. This is a completely natural material that has high strength, density and rigidity. The combined substrate perfectly conducts and retains heat, and also differs in sound insulation.

The material is treated with agents against fungus and mold, as well as flame retardants, which reduce the risk of harmful insects.

foil

Substrate, consisting of a combination of polystyrene, isolon and aluminum foil. This building material is particularly durable, as well as heat-reflecting and moisture-resistant properties.

The foil substrate will be especially appropriate in cold apartments and in rooms with sharp temperature changes. Lay the foil material with the shiny side up. In this case, the heat will be reflected and flow into the room.

Coniferous

A novelty in the construction market, which has already managed to win the hearts of consumers. Wood fiber material is made from coniferous waste. It has high sound insulation and perfectly retains heat. The only disadvantage of the coniferous substrate is an unpleasant odor that evaporates over time.

Which one to choose: pros and cons

Linoleum with various bases performs a large number of functions and can easily do without a substrate. It is worth noting that the thicker the layers, the warmer and more comfortable it will be on the floor. In addition, a floor covering with a base has twice the service life as without it.

The construction market has a wide range of linoleum with different bases. Each of them requires a special approach and careful choice of substrate. Therefore, before purchasing the material need to consult a specialist or the seller and find out which substrate is better to use under the vending linoleum and under what basis it fits better.

Foam-based linoleum is used as an insulating coating. It consists of several layers that protect against damage, noise and cold. This type of material is most often placed in the living room or hallway. Judging by the reviews of experts, absolutely any substrate is suitable for such linoleum.

To date, felt and jute with an admixture of artificial wool and linen fibers are used for the textile base of the floor covering. All these materials are treated with protective agents against moisture and fungal bacteria. Cork or jute material can be placed under warm and soft linoleum with a fabric base to improve thermal insulation and prevent noise.

Modern floor coverings can be produced on a duplicated basis. This unique double backing of foamed vinyl and polyester is said to be more resistant to moisture, stretching, tearing and other mechanical damage. Under the soft and elastic linoleum with a duplicated base, you can put absolutely any material, except for polypropylene.

The flooring also varies by class. The most common are household, commercial and semi-commercial. Each of them has its own characteristics and disadvantages, therefore, for a certain class, it is necessary to select the type of substrate separately.

For example, commercial linoleum, which is used both in apartments and offices, has increased wear resistance and density. Therefore, under such material, you can lay a light and thin substrate: foil or linen.

Semi-commercial flooring is a medium strength linoleum. It is used in apartments or industrial premises with moderately high traffic. The substrate for such linoleum should be selected more dense and resistant to damage. For example, felt or combined.

The household class, judging by the name, can only be used in apartments or private houses. It is characterized by low strength and wear resistance. But the advantages include cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance. Household linoleum is considered the cheapest material for an apartment.

With an improperly selected substrate, such a floor covering quickly loses its original appearance. Therefore, the purchase of the foundation must be approached as responsibly as possible. Jute or cork material is best suited for household coverage.

In the construction market, linoleum with a calendered base has recently become popular. This novelty is made in the process of pressing the material. The main substance of the base for linoleum is a polymer raw material that has hydro and thermal insulation.

An interesting fact is that although the coating is soft, it is considered quite durable. And if any mechanical damage occurs, then the deformation is restored very quickly and the linoleum takes on its original form. For a calendered base, a coniferous, combined or jute substrate is ideal.

Laying rules

If you decide to carry out repair work with your own hands, then before starting it is necessary to consult with a specialist and clarify how to properly lay the substrate at home, how to glue the joints, which side is best to lay the material, how to fix linoleum and so on.

First you need to carefully examine the cement or wooden base. Installation is always carried out only on a clean and even surface. In order for the substrate to be well strengthened, it is necessary to vacuum the floor, and then get rid of irregularities with the help of special mixtures.

It is worth noting that before starting work, it is required to check the base for the presence or absence of moisture. To do this, spread polyethylene on the surface and fix it on the sides. Cellophane should be checked after 10–12 hours. If there are no drops of water on it, then you can safely proceed with the repair.

Experts recommend that two or three days before the start of installation, bring the substrate into the room where the repair is underway. This will contribute to its acclimatization and even laying. At the same time, the air temperature should be above 18 degrees, and the humidity should not be lower than 60%.

If the repair is on the ground floor of an apartment building with an unheated room below or a private house, then initially you need to take care of waterproofing. To do this, polyethylene is spread on the concrete surface, and the sides are fixed with adhesive tape.

To connect the sides of the substrate, it is necessary to use construction tape or glue on polyurethane or artificial resins. The substrate can be in the form of a roll, strips, panels or any other form, so the laying methods may be different.

It is important to remember that the substrate, despite its density and rigidity, should be laid and moved very carefully to avoid mechanical damage from shoes or construction tools.

It is recommended to sheathe a wooden base with sheets of fiberboard as a substrate without a waterproofing layer. But First you need to make sure the strength and cleanliness of the floor. To do this, you need to get rid of all the baseboards, fix the slats and smooth out all the uneven boards. You should also remove old paint from the base and thoroughly wash the floor.

Examples and variants

Oriented strand board can also be used as a substrate. It is also considered an ideal option for creating a subfloor. But it is worth noting that the OSB must be laid very carefully in order to avoid further sagging of the plates, creaking and swelling of the linoleum.

The flooring is laid only on a perfectly flat and clean surface of the oriented strand board. Therefore, at the base, it is necessary to patch all the seams and places of attachment of screws with putty, clean from crumbs, construction debris and dust. Only then the linoleum will serve for a long time and it will be possible not to worry about the appearance of bumps and flaking.

Separately, it is worth considering the option of laying linoleum on a wooden floor. If the base consists of old squeaky floorboards, split uneven boards and other defects, then a leveling substrate is a must. In this case, moisture-resistant plywood is considered the best material, but a jute base can also be purchased.

If possible, it is worth buying a substrate made only from natural materials that serve for many years and are safe for health.

How to choose linoleum, glue and substrate, see the following video.

Linoleum is one of the most popular floor coverings, deservedly enjoying popular love for its high consumer qualities, simple laying technology and attractive appearance. But in order for linoleum to look good on the floor, provide thermal insulation and a long service life, this material must be laid on a specialized substrate. Having figured out in detail which substrate is suitable for certain cases, the choice of base coat for linoleum will be greatly facilitated.

Classic

The classic base for linoleum is a concrete screed - it provides an even, hard and durable coating. But a significant disadvantage of the concrete mixture is a long drying time - about 30 days and a possible feeling of "cold floors" if the linoleum being laid does not have an internal insulated layer. In addition to concrete, an old plank coating can also act as a substrate, if it does not have bumps, delamination of boards, protruding nail heads, because. all these defects will definitely show through the surface of the new coating. To smooth out these shortcomings and provide an even, smooth substrate based on old boards, either plywood laying or careful study and smoothing of all irregularities with putty will help.

Heat and sound insulation

Cork is a natural, environmentally friendly material that ensures perfect evenness of the floor for laying linoleum. The cork underlay guarantees good sound insulation, which is important in multi-storey buildings, reliably retains heat, and is a "breathable" material. But the significant disadvantages of cork substrates include high cost and excessive softness, due to which the coating can be deformed under the weight of furniture.

Environmental friendliness and safety

Underlays made from natural fibers include linen, jute and mixed fiber underlays. The linen backing is famous for its ventilation qualities, it is highly durable and wear-resistant, it does not allow the appearance of mold fungi. Jute backing is most often used in rooms with high humidity due to the ability to absorb moisture without losing its qualities and prevent the appearance of fungus. In addition, the fibers of the jute substrate are treated with a special composition that prevents combustion. The combined substrate consists of wool, flax and jute fibers, representing a rather dense durable base that protects from cold, moisture and has good soundproofing properties.

Thinking about whether you need a substrate for linoleum? Which one is better for concrete floor and which one for wood floor? What are its functions, and what requirements should it meet? You will find answers to all these questions in this article. We will describe in detail about all types, materials and nuances of laying the substrate.

Purpose of the substrate

Why do you need to lay the underlay? Linoleum underlay performs two functions. First, it acts as a heat insulator. And its need will be higher, the colder the floors in the house.

And the second function is leveling the unevenness of the floor. Linoleum is a fairly plastic material, and any flaws in the rough base will show through on the surface of the coating after some time (see photo). Often, without a substrate, over time, small irregularities appear on the coating, which were not visible before.

Additionally, as a by-product, the underlay increases the sound insulation of the room and gives the flooring a certain softness.

Substrate material

The subdivision of the substrates is rather conditional, but they can be most objectively divided according to the material.

A. Synthetic backing. These are all kinds of foamed polymers. Depending on the manufacturing technology, they can be elastic (polyethylene foam) and rigid (extruded polystyrene foam). It should be clarified that most of the material from this group is intended for laying, so their combination with linoleum is not the best.

According to reviews, polymer foams crumple quite well. And using such a foil material on a concrete floor, be sure that after six months of operation, it will lose its consumer qualities.

However, their price allows you not to think about serious financial expenses, because. the cost of such linings is minimal.

B. Natural substrate. What materials are used in its manufacture, you can see in the list. There are only a few types of material in this group:

• Jute.
• Linen.
• Cork.
• Felt.

Of these, the first two, jute and linen substrates, are very similar. They are made of natural fiber, quite thin and their thermal insulation is the weakest.

, according to reviews the most preferred option. The photo shows that it is made of pressed wood slags. Although this is an expensive material, it is moderately dense, provides reliable thermal insulation and well hides minor flaws in a rough wooden floor. But keep in mind, when purchasing a cork underlay for linoleum, you need to lay the most dense material.

How much does cork underlay cost in stores? - Now the average price is about 250 rubles per 1 square meter.

The felt backing stands apart. It is rarely used with linoleum, although only it can give the flooring a caressing softness and enveloping warmth.

There are also various types of wood and coniferous substrates, wool, etc. But in this article we will consider only the most popular and common.

The common property of all substrates made of natural material is:

• Weak protection from biological damaging factors, such as: fungus, decay.
• Fire safety leaves much to be desired.
• Excessive softness. With prolonged exposure, heavy objects will leave deep dents in the flooring, especially on a concrete floor.
• High price, relative to its synthetic competitor.

But special impregnations can eliminate some flaws. So when purchasing any substrate made of natural material, carefully read the purpose of the impregnations. Usually, manufacturers themselves recommend choosing some specific impregnation options.

Substrate selection

• Jute and linen substrates should be laid only in warm rooms. They are especially good when laying new linoleum on top of the old one.
• Synthetic underlays are used in areas with low traffic.
• Cork underlay is the most versatile, but also the most expensive. It can be used on any prepared base and with any linoleum.
• Felt underlay for linoleum is ideal for bedrooms and children's rooms.
• The use of natural substrates in rooms with high temperature and humidity is unacceptable. Even if they are treated with a special composition, their service life will not exceed six months.

General requirements for the base

A smooth and even subfloor is the key to a long service life of the substrate and linoleum. Compliance with this one rule will guarantee ease of installation of the flooring and eliminate potential damaging factors. Depending on the type of base, there are two ways to obtain an ideal surface. If it is a concrete floor, then it is best to use. And if the floors are wooden, then plywood 6-8 mm thick will help to cope with this work ( details: ). ATTENTION: after drying, the screed must be primed, and the plywood must be oiled.

Substrate laying rules

Any substrate should rest in a rolled form during the day, at room temperature. The floors are carefully swept. If the substrate is to be laid on a concrete base, then it is necessary to lay a polyethylene film. It is needed to protect against moisture that will appear on the concrete.

Laying correctly to produce butt. Between themselves, the strips (sheets) of the substrate are glued together with adhesive tape as in the photo. Attention: Do not glue the cork backing to the base. Firstly, a special glue for a cork substrate is quite expensive, and secondly, very often, due to the difference in the thermal expansion coefficient of the adhesive and the substrate, the latter is deformed. What is already manifested on the linoleum itself.

The laid substrate under the linoleum is cut so that 3-5 mm remains from the edge of the material to the nearest wall.

Almost immediately you can put linoleum on it.

Data for thought

A detailed article about that, for your specific situation.

The lion's share of commercially available linoleum is already equipped with a layer of insulation. But even in this case, the use of the substrate will qualitatively increase not only the thermal insulation properties of the floor covering, but also give additional sound insulation and softness to the floor. Remember, there are no floors that are too warm and quiet.