How to lay the substrate under the linoleum

Among all types of flooring linoleum is very popular. This material is inexpensive, while you can choose almost any color and pattern. Also in the manufacture of linoleum using modern technology does not use harmful substances, so this coating will be safe for human health. Another advantage is the ease of laying material. But then the question may arise: to use the substrate or not. This is what the article will be about. Here you will learn what this extra layer is for and how to lay the substrate under the linoleum.

Why do I need a substrate

Linoleum is a material that repeats all the bends and irregularities of the surface on which it is laid. Therefore, if such a coating is spread out on the base with small tubercles or depressions, all this will remain so. As a result, the appearance may suffer. In addition, walking on such a floor would not be entirely pleasant.

That is why the base is carefully leveled before laying the linoleum. To do this, use a concrete screed and a layer of self-leveling mixture. But even in this case small irregularities may remain. If you lay the substrate, it will smooth everything. As a result, the linoleum will fall flat. In addition, the substrate, having a high elasticity, will protect the flooring. As a result, linoleum will last much longer.

Another function of the substrate is heat insulation. Thanks to this property, an additional layer will help to warm the base. This is especially important when laying linoleum in an unheated room. This will increase comfort. In any case, lay the substrate is desirable. It will take a little time and money, but the benefits will be considerable.

Types of substrate

Before you talk about how to lay the substrate, it is worth talking about its varieties. They differ in many ways, but the main characteristic is the raw material from which the substrate is made. There are three main types:

• jute material;
• flax substrate;
• cork material.

Jute substrate is quite widely used. This material is created by pressing the fibers (mainly of artificial origin) in special machines. Such a substrate is resistant to fire, and bacteria and fungi will not multiply on its surface.

Linen substrate is more expensive. In its production uses natural raw materials. This material is also resistant to many negative factors. Today in the market you can find the combined version. Together in a certain proportion jute and flax fibers are mixed. The result is a material with all the positive qualities of both types of fibers, but with a fairly democratic price.

The most expensive option is cork.

Note! Such a substrate makes the floor very soft. It is very convenient for walking, but problems may arise with the arrangement of furniture. Heavy objects simply punch linoleum and substrate, so cork is rarely used in this combination with floor covering.

How to lay the substrate

When laying the substrate, it is necessary to prepare the base. On the draft floor should not be debris and dust. Also, the presence of large irregularities. All cracks should be sealed with cement-sand mortar.

The best option base is considered concrete screed. It has sufficient strength and evenness. If laying linoleum is carried out on the floor of the boards, it is better to first mount the sheets of plywood. They will give the surface the necessary evenness and add strength to the base.

In some cases it is not possible to remove the old flooring. In such situations, the substrate can be laid directly on it. If the floor is old linoleum or ceramic tile, then their strength and reliability of fastening is preliminarily checked. After that, all spots of the pollutant are removed from the surface, moisture, the entire area is degreased. Only after that you can lay out a new substrate.

The process of laying the substrate is quite simple. The material is produced (mostly) in rolls. Therefore, it is simply rolled out on the desired site. There is also a substrate, produced in the form of plates. In this case, the material unfolds on the surface with small (1–2 mm) gaps between the plates. More information about this work can be found by viewing the video.

After that you can immediately lay out the linoleum.

As can be seen from the above, the work on laying the substrate under linoleum is simple. In addition, the cost of purchasing such material is small. But as a result, the floor will be more comfortable to use and will last much longer.