Optimum thickness of the substrate under the laminate. Substrate under the laminate: which one to choose? The thickness of the substrate from different materials

Ease of installation, reasonable price, decent appearance made laminate one of the most popular types of flooring. When laying it, the correct choice of insulating material plays an important role, which will increase the life of the laminated coating and maintain its neat appearance for a long period.

Why is it needed?

The underlay is a thin and non-woven material, produced in the form of sheets or rolls, which is used as an intermediate layer when installing a floor covering.

Let's see why the substrate is needed and what main functions it performs:

• Base leveling. Often, the rough floor screed is not very high quality and even, which is an obstacle to the correct laying of the laminated flooring. In this case, a good underlay becomes a leveling material that levels out small floor irregularities and drops, which greatly facilitates installation and allows the laminate flooring to lie perfectly on the surface of the base;
• Soundproofing and reduction of shock and static load. When you step on the floor, it bends, deforms and sags, in this case the lining creates a shock-absorbing effect, softens the deformation of the floor. It also reduces acoustic noise while walking and when moving various objects, allows you to additionally isolate the room from sounds;

• Thermal insulation. A good gasket material reduces heat loss by acting as a heat conductor. Due to the fact that modern versions of insulating materials have a low heat-conducting coefficient, the laminated surface remains insulated, the desired temperature in the room is maintained even in the cold season;
• Fulfilling waterproofing function, the substrate protects the laminate from the action of technological moisture, which is released by the cement base, and creates a positive microclimate between the concrete screed and the flooring. Otherwise, fungus may appear under the coating, which can lead to the destruction of the laminate;

• Vapor barrier or separating membrane, prevents the formation of condensate and the penetration of water vapor into the composition of the laminated coating. Usually during the winter season, the temperature inside and outside differs significantly, and therefore the formation of steam is possible. In this case, the vapor barrier material will not allow condensate to penetrate into the laminate. Such an insulating layer is definitely needed for rooms located on the ground floors, in the basements. In other cases, it is used as needed.

There is no need to lay an underlay under a laminate with insulating material already attached to it from below, as well as under a vinyl laminate flooring.

Kinds

There are several types of lining material. They have approximately similar characteristics and, given the presence of components used in the production, they can be divided into two main groups: natural and polymeric or artificial.

natural

There are several options for natural materials.

Cork

It is produced from small granules of cork tree bark in sheet and roll form. It is one of the best bases for laying a floating floor or an expensive laminate with a moisture-resistant locking system.

There are several types of this material:

• Classic. It is a natural pressed cork crumb. It does not contain toxic substances, is absolutely environmentally friendly, has anti-allergic properties, is non-flammable, does not accumulate static electricity;
• Cork with rubber. Here, synthetic rubber acts as a binder for cork chips. Such a base is well resistant to moisture and absorbs vibrating sounds;
• Parkolag, or bitumen-cork. It is made from kraft cardboard, on which cork granules are glued on a bituminous mixture. Such a cork is an analogue of rubber, but is prone to fire and with it the smell of bitumen may appear in rooms with good heating.

The main advantages of a cork substrate:

1. Not pressed, not subject to shrinkage, does not lose its shape during use;
2. Possesses noise and heat-insulating properties;
3. Has a long service life;
4. Not subject to decay processes;

Main cons:

1. High price;
2. Bad vapor barrier. Such material should not be used in rooms where there is high humidity, for example, in kitchens, bathrooms.
3. When laying on a concrete screed, it is necessary to use an additional moisture insulating layer.

Coniferous

Coniferous is a wood substrate that is made from coniferous wood. It is a purely natural product. It contains no chemical binders. Has a leaf shape. Like cork, it is completely eco-friendly, hence the benefits are almost the same as cork bedding.

Advantages of a spruce substrate:

1. It has a porous structure, better than other materials, it allows the floor to breathe;
2. It retains its shape well, even after a long period of operation, the plates do not deform;
3. Excellent sound and heat insulation;
4. Additionally levels the surface;
5. Convenient and easy to install;

The disadvantages of coniferous litter include:

1. It absorbs moisture well, so condensation and mold may form on the surface of the material;
2. Vulnerable to bacteria and fungi if laid on a poorly dried substrate;

Polymer or artificial

Artificial materials also come in various types.

Polyethylene (isolon)

• Foamed polyethylene, or in another way, isolon, sometimes cross-linked or filled with gas. The gas-filled polyethylene foam substrate quickly loses its shape and elasticity, while the XLPE insulation material retains its functions much longer even under heavy loads. There is also a foil isolone lining based on polyethylene or polystyrene. Basically, it is designed for use under the infrared floor.

• polypropylene gasket often passed off as plastic wrap or vice versa. Such substrates are very similar in appearance, both have a foamed structure, but polypropylene has high heat resistance, hardness, and is more resistant to abrasion.

• Polyurethane backing usually produced in the form of sheets. It has excellent leveling and soundproofing properties. Ideal for laying on subfloors with differences over 5 mm, it has excellent leveling and soundproofing properties and is fast to install. Suitable for both residential and public spaces. It is necessary to lay such material only on a dry surface.

• Currently, a new insulating material is quite popular - isoplats. In its manufacture, first-class wood is used with the addition of various paraffins. Such a substrate has a number of advantages, the main of which are good sound and heat insulation, the absence of chemical additives in the composition. The room will remain warm and will not penetrate excess noise.

The use of such a lining when installing the floor makes it possible to obtain an even and high-quality coating.

Main advantages:

1. Not afraid of moisture;
2. Easily hides all the irregularities of the base;
3. Low price, unlike natural options.

But, unfortunately, it quickly loses its elasticity, creases, and tends to accumulate static electricity.

Styrofoam

The substrate is made of extruded polystyrene, foamed polymer and has a rare microstructure, which is a large number of air bubbles with strong walls. Expanded polystyrene acts as an analogue of conventional polystyrene, but differs from the latter in higher thermal conductivity and strength characteristics and absorbs moisture much less.

Expanded polystyrene substrate is produced in the form of "accordions", cut plates, rolls. Rolled is used in large areas, folded "accordion" is easily transported and used in rooms that have complex geometry.

The produced extruded polystyrene gasket has different properties, it can be more durable, warm, wear-resistant, differ in the level of water absorption.

Benefits of this underlay:

• An ideal option in terms of price-quality ratio. The cost of such a product is more expensive than a polyethylene lining, but it retains its shape longer and has a longer service life;
• Sufficiently rigid, therefore, it allows you to keep your shape well, compensate for uneven floors and is suitable for use in rooms with increased load;
• Has a good level of sound insulation, sound insulation;
• moisture resistant;
• Quick and easy to mount.

Among the disadvantages of such a substrate, the following can be noted:

1. May be harmful due to possible toxicity, so be sure to check the certificate when buying;
2. In the process of long-term use, it may lose its shape, become caked, therefore, it is necessary to take into account the density of the material.

foil

It is a combination of two layers, one of which is the base, and the other is a reflective coating. The base can be made of expanded polystyrene, foamed polyethylene. Metallized polypropylene film or aluminum foil acts as a reflective coating. This structure increases the protective functions of the substrate.

The type of coating on which the foil insulating material will be laid is important. The metallized film is used under cement screed or concrete, since the aluminum-coated insulating material is destroyed by the action of alkalis in concrete.

The main advantage of the foil substrate is an increase in the thermal insulation of the floor (usually by 30%), high moisture resistance and additional waterproofing.

You need to know that the effect of preserving floor heat can only be obtained with the correct laying of the substrate, namely, the foil layer should be located on top. When using such a substrate, the cold floor will become much warmer.

On sale there is also a double-sided metallized lining, the heating properties of which are even higher.

The pros are:

• Good reflectivity;
• High moisture resistance and thermal insulation;
• When working with such material, little waste is generated;
• Good resistance to stress, the formation of fungi, bacteria.

Of the minuses can be noted:

1. Relatively high cost;
2. Low density can lead to the loss of the original shape of the material during prolonged use.

Combined

Combined and other variants of substrates are quite in demand today. Both natural and synthetic types are commercially available.

• rubber rob the backing consists of synthetic rubber and cork granules. Is issued in the form of rolls. Well suppresses noises, vibrations of various origin. It is mainly used as an antistatic coating in rooms with special conditions for dielectric resistance;
• For dry screeds apply wood chip materials. They are not recommended for installation in rooms with high humidity. Such substrates include plywood, which is treated with special moisture-resistant substances, fiberboard, cellulose filler, chipboard;
• Jute, linen, bamboo the underlays are very similar, made from natural fiber, hypoallergenic, breathable, but have the lowest thermal insulation and are very thin. There are combined options from flax, jute and wool, thus achieving maximum hardness and thermal insulation of the material;

• felt The backing is a non-woven polyester fabric. This is a reliable and inexpensive option, it is non-toxic, does not undergo decay processes, does not oxidize, and reduces the level of impact noise;
• Teplon, another type of laminate base, is made from expanded polystyrene and has improved characteristics. Does not contain harmful impurities, almost completely impervious to moisture, well repels dirt and dust. Lightweight, heavy-duty, elastic material;
• There is also an underlay fiberglass. Mainly used for laminate in 5-7mm thickness. It is environmentally friendly and has a very high mechanical strength: its plates are not subject to deformation. The material is elastic and has good soundproofing qualities;

Material Features

The underlayment is an essential element when laying laminate flooring. Depending on the initial components that are used in production, the gasket material has a number of features and certain technical characteristics.

The main and important property of any substrate is that it does not allow the underside of the wooden coating to wear off the screed, thereby maintaining the integrity of the floor and increasing its wear resistance.

The gasket must:

• Possess the properties of a laminated coating insulation and retain heat well. This feature of the substrate is especially important if you plan to use a heating or floor heating system. In this case, the use of such an insulating material will allow warm air to spread evenly over the laminate flooring, and the concrete screed will not heat up;
• Differ in moisture resistance and reduce the penetration of sounds;
• Be mechanically stable, dense, maintain shape and thickness for a long time;
• During the period of use, do not enter into chemical reactions with alkaline compounds;
• The substrate should not contain harmful substances, be environmentally friendly;
• The perforated underlay will provide good ventilation of the space under the floor and contribute to the micro-ventilation of the coating;
• It is better that the material that is placed under the laminate is treated with a bactericidal agent, which will prevent the growth of various microorganisms.

Which one to choose?

When choosing an underlay, you must take into account the condition of the subfloor and the characteristics of the room where you plan to use it, as well as the requirements for gasket material specified by the laminate manufacturer. When choosing the right lining material, it is important to take into account the reviews and opinions of experts about the product, as well as information from buyers who have experience using such a product.

You don't need to buy an expensive, high quality underlay if you're going to put in a simple, cheap laminated underlay, and vice versa. Equality must be observed. All requirements and wishes for the gasket material are indicated in the instructions of the laminate manufacturers.

The substrate for a concrete base must have vapor, moisture insulating and softening properties, and therefore it is better to use insulating gaskets made of synthetic materials. They will allow you to smooth out the defects of an uneven base and make a high-quality installation of a laminated coating. However, natural ones can also be laid, but in this case the main thing is to ensure their protection from moisture. In this case, it is necessary to lay an additional layer of insulation in the form of a polyethylene film on the concrete or cement screed, and coniferous or cork material on it.

If you have to lay a laminate board on a wooden floor, it can be materials such as plywood, various types of chipboard, boards, then almost any type of insulating material can be used here. For wooden coatings, the waterproofing properties of the substrate are not so important, because such substrates must be dry and protected from moisture. In this case, the choice should be based on other properties of the false material: sound and thermal conductivity, naturalness, price.

If you plan to install on a warm floor, then regardless of what type it is - electric or water, lining material must be selected based on the following grounds:

• The substrate must have a significant thermal conductivity, its thickness, as well as thermal insulation functions must have a minimum performance. The lower the value of thermal resistance, which is indicated on the packaging of the flooring, the better the thermal insulation layer will pass through.
• For floors of this type, manufacturers produce special substrates that are perforated in order to freely pass heat.
• When choosing a substrate for a laminated coating, be sure to pay attention to the presence of a certificate of conformity confirming the quality and safety of this product.

Dimensions

Underlays vary in thickness and should therefore be selected based on the manufacturer's recommendations and the type of laminate flooring. A thin underlay will work for a surface that is perfectly leveled, but a thick underlay will not compensate for the unevenness of the subfloor. On an uneven surface, it will bend and compress, which will lead to breakage of the laminate locks.

The recommended substrate thickness is 2-5 mm. It is important to take into account the technical characteristics of the laminate and the unevenness of the rough base. A thicker substrate is designed for rooms where additional sound and heat insulation is needed.

The lining material can have the following thicknesses:

• 2 mm is the minimum that is needed to balance the small irregularities of the base;
• 3 mm is a great option to finally smooth out the curvature of the floor, dampen noise when walking and act as a shock absorber between the screed and the laminate;
• 4 mm - cork substrate usually has such a thickness;
• 5 mm - lining material has good sound insulation, has waterproofing functions, reduces various noises. Used in commercial premises;
• 7 mm - basically, this is a cushioning material made of expanded polystyrene, it evens out the unevenness of the rough finish of 6-7 mm;

There is a substrate with a thickness of 10 mm, it is used for boards with a size of 8-10 mm.

For home use, the correct option would be to use gasket materials with a thickness of 3-4 mm. With a normal level of humidity in the room and the absence of strong temperature fluctuations, a substrate 2-3 mm thick can be dispensed with.

If there are negative factors: various irregularities, high noise level, then you will have to use a rigid substrate, the thickness of which will be 4.5 mm or more. For such a surface, it is desirable to lay cork and spruce materials.

Many well-known manufacturers produce laminate options, at the base of which there is initially a substrate.

All types of gaskets are produced both in roll and sheet versions. They have different widths and heights, so the choice depends on the method of laying the insulating material and the size of the room.

Laying

You can lay the substrate under the laminated base with your own hands, without having professional skills and without special tools. You will be required to carefully read the installation instructions that are attached by the manufacturer to the selected material, and proceed to work, observing the necessary rules. The durability of the use of your coating depends on how well and correctly you perform the work.

The video will help you to do the laying of the laminate yourself.

It is necessary that the concrete base for mounting the substrate be even, if not, it must be leveled, for this you need to choose the right self-flowing mixture. The subfloor must be thoroughly dried to avoid the release of excess moisture. Then you need to clean the surface of the base on which the substrate will be mounted, it must be absolutely clean, without particles of dirt and dust.

Determine exactly how much lining material you will need. To do this, you need to take measurements of the length and width of the room and multiply these figures. For cutting waste, add 10% to the result.

You can cut the base material with scissors or a cutter, and to draw measurement lines, it is enough to use a pencil and a ruler. On a cement or concrete floor, especially when using a cork substrate, be sure to put a plastic film. This double protection is necessary for waterproofing the floor, especially if your apartment is located on the ground floor and there is a basement.

If the lining has a corrugated surface, then it must be laid with this side down to level the base. When mounting the foil material, the side with the foil must be placed to the top. The edges of the substrate must necessarily be wound onto the walls, under the laminate, in order to ensure a longer preservation of the coating and its durability.

Laying start from the corner of the room and do not allow the joined sheets to overlap each other. It is not recommended to fasten the underlay in several layers, as the locking devices of the laminate will be damaged faster if the underlay material is thick. In this case, it is better to use plates with a thickness of 2-3 mm. The roll substrate is mainly laid along the laminated coating, but it is desirable to lay the sheet one across, so that the seams of the laminate boards do not coincide with the seams of the lining. After a while, the locks of the coating in this place will loosen, and there will be a creak and crunch when walking on the floor.

Installation of a polystyrene foam sheet substrate is carried out on a prepared base. For a strong connection with the surface and to avoid displacement of the lining sheets, it is recommended to stick them with double-sided adhesive tape.

The coniferous substrate must be marked out, and the first sheets cut at an angle of 45 degrees. Then the cut pieces are placed at the base of the walls of the room and from them at an angle of 45 degrees, solid slabs are laid at the joint.

When laying the roll substrate, the edges are fixed with double-sided tape. The glued edge will not allow the lining to move, prevent tearing and tearing of the material.

Selected in accordance with all requirements and high-quality laid substrate under the laminate flooring will significantly increase the life of the floor, improve technical performance, make your stay in the room the most comfortable.

Sheet substrate for laminate flooring is an essential attribute of the flooring, which simultaneously performs several functions that ensure a long life of the floor. When choosing a damper, you need to take into account a number of features that affect many characteristics of the coating. One of the most important criteria is the optimal layer thickness.

Is a backing always needed?

Laminate is made from artificial materials that have significant drawbacks:

• sensitivity to mechanical influence;
• warping.

Only a substrate for a laminate can level these disadvantages. After all, the heat and sound insulation properties of the floor, moisture resistance and its service life depend on its presence. In this case, the damper layer must meet certain requirements:

• The material must be neutral to interaction with chemical reagents, especially alkaline ones;
• The bactericidal properties of the lining should exclude the possibility of mold development under the coating;
• The material must be inedible for insects and mice;
• The structure of the damper must ensure floor ventilation;
• The lining under the laminate is designed to neutralize the serious load on the locking system of the lamellas.

In addition, the underlayment is able to eliminate minor irregularities on the rough base, and also act as a shock absorber that softens shocks while walking on the surface. Based on the foregoing, it becomes clear that the substrate in the case of installing a laminated coating is simply necessary.

Substrate thickness

The thickness of the substrate can vary in a significant range: from 0.8 to 10 mm. Each of the types should be used only in accordance with the condition of the subfloor, as well as the thickness of the laminated boards. The sizes of the underlayment considered below are most common:

• Substrate under the laminate 2 mm. A thin damper layer that has excellent cushioning properties. Most often used for laying lamellas, the thickness of which does not exceed 5-6 mm;
• Substrate under the laminate 3 mm. This type of lining reduces the noise level while walking on the surface, and is also suitable for the "warm floor" system. Often it already comes bundled with class 32 and 33 laminate;
• Substrate under the laminate 5 mm. Thick damper, which is used in commercial premises. Improves the performance of the coating, extending its service life.

Tip: This material is used for laying lamellas whose thickness exceeds 10 mm. Because laminate flooring is "floating", thinner boards on a very thick underlay will sag.

Determination of the optimal damper thickness

Many experts argue that the thickness of the underlayment should be approximately 3 mm. This is enough to level minor defects on the rough base and provide cushioning. However, with significant height differences of 3 mm, the damper will be practically useless. But this does not mean at all that a thicker lining can solve this issue.

The fact is that the soft lining material on which the laminate is laid can provoke a breakdown of the locks located at the ends of the connected lamellas. This often happens during the operation of a floor laid on an uneven screed. As a result, large gaps appear on the surface, which further leads to tearing of individual planks from the floor.

In the case of dampers made of artificial materials, such as polyethylene or polystyrene, it is better to give preference to small thicknesses up to 3 mm. Such materials quickly deform and become thinner in places of the greatest mechanical load. This can lead to backlash between the laminate and the base. Therefore, the greater the thickness of the flooring, the more gaps are formed between the boards and the screed.

If the thickness of the coating, together with the synthetic underlay, is not sufficient to bring the floor to the same level as another room, it is better to take a slightly thicker cork flooring. Firstly, it is little deformed and pressed, and secondly, it has a much longer service life. Such a need arises in the repair of private dwellings.

Often the floor level in the corridor and rooms turns out to be different, which leads to the appearance of small sills. This problem can be eliminated by dense substrates with a thickness of 3-4 mm.

Types of dampers and their sizes

The thickness of the substrate under the laminate depends not only on the size and thickness of the lamellas, but also on the type of materials used. Therefore, before you purchase flooring, you should study its varieties:

1. Izolon. This type of material has excellent water resistance, so it can be laid in rooms with high humidity. At the same time, there are several types of isolon:
   • With a thickness of 1 to 1.5 mm. It is produced in rolls, the width of which is 80-90 cm;
   • With a thickness of 2 to 10 mm. Available in the form of tapes with a width of up to 50 cm;
   • With a thickness of 20 to 60 mm. Most often produced in the form of rectangular plates.
2. foil material. It is produced on the basis of isolon, in addition, it contains a thin layer of foil, sometimes on a self-adhesive basis. The damper perfectly retains heat and resists moisture. Available in rolls with a width of up to 120 cm, and a thickness of up to 5 mm;
3. Cork flooring. Very durable material with good sound and heat insulation. There are several types of it:
   • In the form of a sheet with a thickness of 2 to 4 mm. It is treated with a special antiseptic that prevents the development of mold under the floor;
   • Elastic cork flooring. Has good sound insulation. In this case, the layer thickness varies from 1 to 5 mm;
   • Bitumen-cork damper. Durable coating that can withstand heavy loads. As a rule, manufacturers produce substrates with a layer thickness of up to 5 mm.
4. Composite lining. Consists of 3 main layers: film-polystyrene-film. Usually sold in rolls with a layer thickness of 3 mm;
5. Styrofoam material. One of the cheapest dampers with a thickness of 0.5 to 6 mm. However, with prolonged use, it can become thinner, which will lead to damage to the floor.

Styling features

After you decide on the optimal size of the flooring and its type, you will have to install the flooring. The process is quite simple, so even a beginner who has never repaired a floor can handle it. It is only important to follow the instructions that will allow you to properly lay the flooring.

Sheet is laid in two stages:

1. First step
   • Before starting work, the rough base must be cleaned of dust and dirt, and then dried;
   • Then it is necessary to provide additional waterproofing of the floor;
   • For this, a durable plastic film is most often used, which is placed on top of the base;
   • To cut off the excess part of the film, use ordinary scissors;
   • It is important that the film overlaps the walls;
   • In the process of laying the material, the waterproofing layer may move out. Therefore, it is desirable to fix it with adhesive tape.
2. Second phase
   • Now you need to place the substrate perpendicular to the lamellas. This is necessary so that during the installation or operation of the floor covering, its individual elements do not move;
   • As in the case of a waterproofing film, the substrate should overlap the walls, this will form a bowl;
   • If the interlayer has a corrugated surface, it is desirable that it be laid facing the subfloor. Then this will help to level the base;
   • In the case of a foil damper, it is desirable that the foil be turned up;
   • When laying a roll layer, connect adjacent sheets with molar adhesive tape;
   • To fix individual plates of cork or needles, you need to use either a stapler or glue.

Important! It is strongly not recommended to lay the damper in several layers to level the base. This can lead to very disastrous consequences. Firstly, under the influence of the load on the coating, the floor will sag and the locking system will be damaged, and secondly, the layers of the litter may shift relative to each other, which will lead to the formation of voids under the floor.

Subject to all the rules for choosing the substrate, as well as the way it is laid, the floor covering will serve you for at least 10 years. At the same time, the damper layer will provide a good level of noise and heat insulation. Moreover, a high-quality layer significantly reduces the load on the interlocks between the laminated boards, which allows the floor to remain “new” for a long time.

Laminate as a floor covering in modern interiors is used everywhere. The reason for this is the practicality of this material and the optimal price-quality ratio. In order for such a floor to serve for many years and not cause any trouble to the owners, it is important to choose the right material for the floor and the substrate under it.

Why do you need an underlay

The purpose of the substrate under the laminate is determined by the functions that it performs:

• Laminate flooring is sensitive even to minimal unevenness of the rough coating. In the presence of a "backlash" even of 2 mm, the material begins to "walk", cracks form at the joints, and the fastening of the locks is weakened. For example, even a new concrete screed may have small differences in surface level. Therefore, the main function of the substrate under the laminate is to level the surface in order to prevent vibrations under the influence of the load.
• When laying the laminate, a floating method is used, the material is not attached to the base. In combination with an elastic solid surface, a kind of sound membrane is formed. Under the influence of the load, such a floor makes a loud noise, unpleasant for both the owners and neighbors. A properly selected substrate dampens shock vibrations and eliminates unnecessary noise, performing an important function of sound insulation.

Reference: In the manufacture of class 32 and 33 laminate, a number of manufacturers use integrated substrate technology. The soundproofing underlay is glued to the back of the laminate sheets. Such material is easy to lay, but its cost is significantly higher than conventional material.

A well-chosen laminate underlay saves you from a number of problems.

• The underlay acts as an insulator. Laminate itself is a heat insulating material, and in combination with the substrate, the ability to retain heat is increased. In this regard, the owner of the home does not need to think about other methods of thermal insulation. On the other hand, when using such a coating, it is not advisable to use the "warm floor" system, since the efficiency of the heating elements can be reduced to zero.
• The waterproofing function performed by the substrate is associated with the need to neutralize the negative effects of moisture. Laminate is made from wood dust, has the ability to easily absorb even small amounts of moisture and deform under its influence. Properly selected substrate protects the lower surface of the coating from high humidity, creating an optimal microclimate.

Kinds

Depending on the material, manufacturing technology, technical parameters, several types of substrates for laminate can be distinguished. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each, the home master will select the material that is optimal in terms of the volume of functions performed, price and quality.

• One of the most popular substrate materials is polyethylene foam, or isolon. This material has good waterproofing and thermal insulation properties, is not susceptible to infection by bacteria and fungi. Rodents and insects do not like it. The positive aspects also include low cost and a small amount of waste remaining after installation. This material is also available with additional layers either in the form of an aluminum foil substrate or in the form of a metallized film. These varieties slightly increase the cost of the material, but enhance the positive qualities. The material also has a number of disadvantages: the material does not retain its shape well after deformation.

Foamed polyethylene is most often used as a substrate

• The next most popular substrate material is extruded polystyrene foam. Usually it has two layers - a substrate in the form of a polystyrene plate, on which a layer of aluminum foil is fixed. This material is more resistant to stress due to its elastic structure, it performs sound-absorbing and moisture-proofing functions well. The low cost is also on the positive side. However, expanded polystyrene does not roll well when laying and is pressed under significant loads.

Expanded polystyrene substrate is more resistant to stress compared to isolon

Reference: A number of manufacturers produce combined substrates using polyethylene and expanded polystyrene. This material is a kind of sandwich, in the middle of which polystyrene balls are located between the layers of polyethylene. Such a composition has the advantages of both materials and is devoid of their disadvantages.

• Technical cork underlay is a material made from pressed oak bark. This environmentally friendly material is an excellent heat insulator, is not subject to deformation throughout the entire service life and smooths out all the unevenness of the base. At the height and soundproofing characteristics. However, cork flooring is sensitive to moisture and may cause condensation to form on the underside of the laminate during use. Due to the high cost, a cork underlay is not advisable to use when laying a floor from a cheap laminate.

Cork is an environmentally friendly material

• Bitumen-cork substrates have much better moisture insulating properties compared to cork. They are made from kraft paper treated with bitumen, the surface of which is covered with cork chips. Along with reliable moisture insulation, such substrates provide good air exchange. The disadvantages of such substrates are the same as those of cork, and the main one is the high price.

Bitumen-cork substrate has high waterproofing properties

• Relatively recently, another type of substrate appeared on the market - coniferous. It is made from natural needles by pressing, and coniferous resin acts as a connector. The result is a natural material. It is produced in the form of small tiles, has high strength, creates conditions for optimal air exchange. The material is heat-resistant, so it can be used with underfloor heating systems. The disadvantages include the ability to easily and permanently absorb foreign odors. In addition, rodents, harmful insects and bacteria can easily start in such an environmentally friendly material. The cost compared to synthetic substrates is also high. When using such a substrate, there is a risk of denial of the guarantee for the coating, since its thickness is from 4 to 7 mm.

Coniferous substrate is laid in diagonal rows

Which one to choose for an apartment and a house

When determining the type of substrate, one should take into account the type of room in which the floor is laid, operating conditions, the expected maximum load and economic feasibility.

Rules for laying on the floor under the laminate

Each type of substrate has its own styling features. The general rule is careful preparation of the base. The surface should be thoroughly cleaned of debris and vacuumed. If the base is a concrete screed, and the substrate is not equipped with a waterproofing film, it is worth providing insulation with a plastic film. Wooden floors usually do not need additional waterproofing, but often have bumps. You can get rid of them in different ways. For example, the missing elements of the parquet floor are restored and then scraped. If the floor level differences are large, they are eliminated by laying plywood sheets on top of the floor. When the base is ready, start laying the substrate. For cutting all types of substrate, a construction knife is used.

• The insulating substrate is spread on the floor with an overlap on the walls. Overlapping layers on the floor is not allowed. For convenience, the canvases at the joints are attached to the floor and to each other using double-sided tape.
• The polystyrene substrate is sold in sheets that are laid out on the base, in which case overlapping of the sheets is also not allowed. Overlapping on the walls is not carried out, the sheets should lie close to the walls, but not go over them. The sheets are connected to each other with construction tape. Some craftsmen recommend using metallic tape for better waterproofing.
• Sheets of cork substrate are placed on the base without overlaps, while leaving a distance to the walls within 10 mm to ensure moisture removal. The ends are joined with construction tape. Prior to this, the substrate is allowed to age at room temperature to adapt to the coating.
• Softwood underlay is produced in the form of tiles, which are laid on the floor at an angle of 45° to the walls. The first tiles are cut diagonally, and the laying starts from the far corner of the room. Tiles are butted together and do not require additional fastening. Laminate is laid on top.

Using the right underlay will give your laminate flooring many years of service. At the same time, the shortcomings of this coating are eliminated, which will significantly increase the comfort conditions in any room.

Overview of the best of the most popular

In order to recommend the best substrates to you, we took into account the opinion of representatives of manufacturers of the most popular laminate brands, analyzed the reviews of craftsmen and users on specialized Internet resources and construction forums, and the technical characteristics of materials.

Selection criteria

The selection was made by us on the basis of the parameters below, which we offer you to be guided by when choosing.

Noise absorption

By this is meant the absorption of "shock" (reflected and transmitted) noise. The reflected noise you hear when you walk on the floor, the passing one is the one that is heard by your neighbors below. Let's make it clear right away: NO backing will save YOU from the noise of your neighbors under you, it is YOU who save them from the roar of your heels.

Relation to moisture

Substrates from different groups react differently to moisture. Please note that an indispensable condition for the guarantee for laminate from manufacturers is the presence of a waterproofing film with a thickness of 200 microns.

thermal insulation

This indicator is important if the floors are located above basements, unheated garages, walkways.

Density, thickness

For laminate, the ideal is the most solid base. In this case, the wear of the locks will be minimal. The softer and thicker the substrate, the faster the coating will become unusable. If the thickness is more than the optimal (!) 3 mm, then there is a high probability of the appearance of cracks due to the wear of the locks.

Reaction to uneven ground floor

The denser the material (and cork has the highest density), the worse its leveling ability and the more carefully the base should be leveled. The curvature of a large radius you will not align with anything!

Lifetime

Under an expensive laminate with a lifespan of 15 years or more, it is not economically feasible to lay a cheap polyethylene substrate, which will wear out in a couple of years.

Suitable for use with underfloor heating

This characteristic is relevant for those who plan to lay laminate on underfloor heating.

Ease of installation

Some types of roll substrates (from cork, in particular) “strive” to curl up when laying. In this case, it is better to take sheet material.

The best manufacturers (brands) of substrates

Well-known laminate manufacturers strongly recommend using branded substrates for their products. Otherwise, they reserve the right to refuse to consider the claim, if any. However, all of them favor cork substrates from Portugal and VTM brand extruded polystyrene. Excellent reviews about Parkolag and Isoplin from both installers and buyers. Quick Step NPE substrates have proven themselves in operation. But the domestic analogue will provide you with "bubbles" and "waves" after laying. We also do not recommend extruded polystyrene of Russian and Chinese brands: in the product description, their characteristics are overestimated.

OUR RANKING OF THE BEST SUBSTRATES

A place	Name	average price	Nomination	Description	Our rating
The best natural substrates
1.	Premium Cork (Cork), Portugal	90 rubles/m2 (2 mm) 145 rubles/m2 (3mm)	Natural cork The highest density The lowest thermal conductivity	Material "technical cork" from compressed cork tree bark. It has a high resistance to deformation, good noise and vibration absorption, excellent thermal insulation qualities. Fits exclusively on a thick film. Sold in rolls and sheets. Not recommended for heated floors.	9 out of 10
2.	PARCOLAG (Parkolag)	95 rubles/m2 (3mm)	Bituminous Cork Top Features	Ventilated lining. It is a kraft paper impregnated with natural bitumen with natural cork dressing (granules 2-3 mm in size). It is characterized by high noise absorption, excellent noise and moisture insulation. Roll material.	9 out of 10
3.	Isoplaat (Isoplat)	55 rubles/m2	Better thermal insulation, acoustics, leveling	Conifer resin-based fibreboard for sound insulation. Levels uneven subfloor up to 4 mm. It is characterized by high thermal insulation, natural ventilation, vapor permeability. Effective damping of "impact" noise, sound dispersion, moisture resistance.	9 out of 10
Best Extruded Polystyrene Underlays
1.	VTM, IsoPolin (Isopolin)	55 rubles/m2	Best value for money	Material - polystyrene film. This rigid XPS underlay sits in the middle between cork and polyethylene in terms of installation complexity and cost. Excellent sound insulation, minimal moisture absorption. Excellent thermal insulation properties that remain in high humidity.	10 out of 10
The best polyethylene substrates
1.	Tuplex (Tuplex)	99 rubles/m2	Most technological	An ultra-modern composite material consisting of polystyrene foam granules between two layers of polyethylene of different thicknesses. It has excellent moisture and noise insulation properties. The membrane construction of the lower layer of Tuplex allows you to ventilate the space under the laminate: moisture seeps in and then is removed under the baseboards.	9 out of 10
2.	Isolon PPE	35 rubles/m2	The cheapest underlay	Heat-resistant finely porous substrate made of foamed "cross-linked" PPE. Outperforms NPE in all respects.	8 out of 10
3.	Foil Izolon PPE	56 rubles/m2	foil	Insulating substrate Izolon PPE with a foil layer 14 microns thick applied on one side.	7 out of 10

The best natural substrates

Let us immediately clarify that the natural origin of the substrate in this case does not give any advantages in terms of ecology, since a laminate will be placed on top of it, which, as you know, is an artificial material.

Cork underlayment Premium Cork (Cork)
Rating 9 out of 10

Photo: vopros-remont.ru

Average price in Russia: 90 rub./m2, thickness 2 mm (145 rub./m2 - 3 mm thick)

Advantages: One of the best substrates made in Portugal, Spain. Very high density means that both the laminate itself and the locks of the laminate are resistant to deformation under loads. Due to the high damping properties, the floor will not “play” over time. Due to its very low thermal conductivity, it is a good floor insulation above unheated rooms. Since it dampens noise well, it will be an excellent solution for children's playrooms. Can be used with high-end laminate without requiring replacement, 25 years. Unlike the Chinese counterpart, it does not crumble, is good in installation and operation, and does not harm the laminate.

Disadvantages: High price. Noisy on poorly leveled ground. It is best to apply on wooden floor, plywood, chipboard. Absorbs moisture, therefore requires concrete waterproofing and is not recommended for wet rooms and kitchens.

Typical Reviews
“It is necessary to carefully remove the base under the cork! I encountered this…”
“... it's hard to lay. When the roll ends, the cork tends to pull back strongly, and there are fears that it, crumpled, will fall under the laminate.

Parkolag (Parkolag)
Rating 9 out of 10

Photo: strmnt.ru

Average price in Russia: 95 rub./m2, thickness 3 mm

Advantages: High noise absorption, wear resistance, very high moisture insulation make this ventilated underlay one of the best. Cork powder, which retains its elasticity, contributes to the long service life of the laminate, and bitumen prevents the penetration of moisture from the concrete screed. The presence of air exchange prevents the formation of condensate, fungus, mold. Maintains linear dimensions under very significant pressure and changes in temperature and humidity conditions. A reliable underlay that will be an excellent solution for expensive laminate brands and will serve without causing problems for many years.

Disadvantages: Cannot be used under underfloor heating.

Reviews:
“Compared to technical cork, as a mixed version, it is more versatile, moreover, more wear-resistant. Wins in terms of a barrier to excess moisture.
“As a substrate, I always liked Pargolag, about which I heard a lot of tales, such as bitumen stinks not like a child, etc. All this is nonsense.”
“I bought a parking lot for laminate flooring. Fine! And there is no smell, and teeeee…”

Isoplat (Isoplaat startfloor barlinek)
Rating 9 out of 10

Photo: bug.ua

Average price in Russia: 55 rub./m2 (thickness 5 mm)

Advantages: An ideal substrate for underfloor heating due to its absolute safety when heated. Due to the porous structure, it has good noise and sound-absorbing, acoustic and heat-insulating properties, and heat resistance. The special structure of the bottom layer allows free air circulation, providing ventilation properties. In addition, thanks to antiseptic impregnation, it is protected from fungus and mold. In terms of elasticity, thermal conductivity, resistance to compression, sound absorption, durability and naturalness, it is similar to cork. As for thermal insulation, due to the thickness of Isoplat, it is 3 times higher and comparable to soft insulation.
Disadvantages: Plates of smaller thickness are not produced.
Reviews:
“I have a 5 mm isoplaat under 33 laminate. Elastic, warm to the touch, dampens noise well. With two small children, the neighbors downstairs simply don’t hear us (their opinion).”

Best Extruded Styrofoam Underlays

VTM, IsoPolin (Isopolin)
Rating 10 out of 10

Photo: skill-spb.ru

Average price in Russia: 55 rub./m2 (thickness 3 mm)

Advantages: A stable base for laminate flooring, making even diagonal laying of laminate comfortable. Due to the closed moisture-proof pores, it is an ideal waterproofing. Optimally selected density is expressed in a sufficiently high resistance to external pressure and at the same time the absence of strong rigidity. The latter quality compensates for floor irregularities up to 3 mm and enhances sound insulation: the impact sound absorption index approaches cork. Technical characteristics are similar to Isoplat plates. Mechanical pressure does not have a destructive effect on the structure, so VTM and IsoPolin substrates do not lose their high heat and sound insulating properties over time. Service life more than 10 years.

Disadvantages: Not suitable for areas with high traffic and load (ballrooms, fitness clubs, etc.). Not suitable for underfloor heating.

Reviews:
“In terms of laying properties and resistance to sagging, XPS underlay and Isoplat are almost identical.”
“As a builder, I can say that it is pleasant and easy to work with him, many customers require just such a substrate.”
“In the Olympic Village… there is a huge demand for this substrate among understanding people.”

The best polyethylene substrates

Tuplex (Tuplex)
Rating 9 out of 10

Photo: ekopol.kiev.ua

Average price in Russia: 99 rub./m2 (thickness 3 mm)

Advantages: Tuplex underlay adapts to the shape of the base, smoothing out small imperfections. Superbly absorbs impact noise, drowning out the sound of heels. This quality allows us to recommend Tuplex for both residential and office use. Thanks to its low compression (14 times less than polyethylene foam), it retains its shape well and prevents the laminate from sagging. The unique structure of the material allows moisture to be removed naturally, but this advantage is reduced to zero in the presence of a waterproofing film. Suitable for underfloor heating.

Disadvantages: The heating efficiency from underfloor heating is lower compared to traditional heat-conducting substrates due to the dispersion of part of the air.

Reviews:
“The best… I've worked with is Tuplex. Very easy to fit."
“I heard complaints about it. Key takeaway: Styrofoam balls deform over time… Maybe that’s not the case, but it’s worth thinking about.”
“... I tried for compression - it is not restored. Although the annotation says otherwise.

Isolon PPE
Rating 8 out of 10

Photo: www.web4market.biz

Average price in Russia: 35 rub./m2 (2 mm)

Advantages: Good heat and noise-absorbing parameters of “cross-linked” closed-cell polyethylene, its environmental friendliness, resilience and elasticity, increased moisture resistance and hydrophobicity, inertness to “chemistry”, bacteria and relative cheapness make the Izolon PPE substrate (not to be confused with Izolon NPE!) preferred for use in residential and public buildings. These qualities can be maintained by Izolon PPE for a long time under any operating conditions. Does not deform under load, does not burn and does not emit toxic substances. Over time, it does not collapse, does not lose stability and strength, unlike gas-filled polyethylenes Isolon NPE, Penofol, Poliizol, etc. The service life under normal conditions is more than 25 years. The best solution for underfloor heating.

disadvantages: Despite the good thermal insulation performance, you should not count on the thermal insulation of the floor with a material thickness of 2-4 mm.

Reviews:
“If you take Izolon, then the PPE is white with very dense small bubbles, but not our NPE!”
“Compared to cork, Izolon has much worse compression and recovery.”

Foil Izolon PPE
Rating 6 out of 10

Photo: www.dom-laminata.ru

Average price in Russia: 56 rubles/m2

Advantages: In addition to the advantages of Izolon PPE, the foil layer, which is a reflective thermal insulation, enhances the heat, vapor barrier properties, reduces heat loss by 97%. Important: the effectiveness of foil thermal insulation is higher, the higher the temperature difference between the subfloor and the room. For the first floor with a concrete floor, foil Izolon PPE is useful, for an apartment on the fourth floor there will be no gain in temperature. But as a heater, it goes well with an infrared warm floor.

Reviews:
“In order for the foil to give a tangible effect in heat reflection, the temperature should be. around 60°C. Therefore, the foil on the foam ... a good marketing ploy ... ".
"...living in a plastic bag requires constant ventilation."

What is the best underlay to buy?

To the same group of materials, even professionals often have a diametrically opposed attitude, and most often poorly reasoned. Our rating of the best substrates does not give an unequivocal answer to this question - the choice is yours. Examine the characteristics of the material and choose the one that best suits the tasks, the degree of evenness of the base and your financial capabilities. At the same time, keep in mind that thicker does not mean better, the thickness of the substrate should not exceed 3-4 mm, unless a larger one is allowed by the laminate manufacturer.