What substrate is needed for linoleum

A lot of controversy flares up over whether to put the substrate under the linoleum. Someone says that there is no need for this, others, on the contrary, are sure that it cannot be done without it, and in the case of its absence, the surface will be uneven.

If you chose linoleum as a finishing coating, then this article will help you understand the types of substrates and the option of laying on different surfaces.

What is the substrate for?

Substrate is an insulating material necessary to prevent the finishing coating from touching (in our case it is linoleum) with a rough floor covering. In fact, it should perform the following functions:

1. Irregularity compensation. If the base before laying is not treated from various defects: depressions or bumps, then all of them will be felt through linoleum. Subsequently, this may affect premature wear of the coating.
2. Soundproofing. Due to its structure, the substrate is able to create additional sound insulation in the apartment. This is especially true for panel houses.
3. Thermal insulation. Such a function of the substrate will be very useful for owners of apartments on the first floors. As a rule, the floors in them are cold and the use of the substrate for linoleum will be very useful.

Types of substrates

To understand what kind of substrate is needed under linoleum, it is necessary to consider all the existing options for today. Depending on the material used for their manufacture, they are divided into the following types.

• Linen.
• Corkboard.
• Djutovaya.
• Foamed.

Jutova pad

This is a kind of unique material for the manufacture of which jute fibers of vegetable origin are used. During production, they are treated with fire retardant, which contributes to the material's resistance to decay and fire. The main advantage of the jute substrate is that it is able to absorb moisture and eventually remove it without causing damage to the coating.

Льняная подложка

Like the jute substrate, flax is also made from plant fibers treated with a flame retardant. It is able to provide high-quality ventilation, which prevents rotting.

Cork backing

This option is made from crushed bark. Considering the fact that no synthetic impurities are used in the production - this is an eco-friendly material, ideal for residential apartments. In addition, it is considered the best in the issue of heat or sound insulation. 

Despite the positive sides, there is a cork substrate and two minuses:

1. High price.
2. Minimum stiffness, so that it can be deformed under the weight of furniture installed on the floor.

Foam backing

Experts do not recommend using this type of base, because of its softness, which may later affect the flatness of the linoleum laying.

Having considered the properties of each type of substrate, you can determine the necessary option.

Foundation preparation

To lay the linoleum on the substrate correctly, it is necessary not only to choose the right material. Many people do not pay attention to the correct laying of the substrate, thinking that it is enough just to lay out the substrate and lay the linoleum. This is one of the common misconceptions. Each surface requires special training. Regardless of the material of the rough coating, it should have the following characteristics:

1. Strength and toughness.
2. Clean and maximum dryness.
3. Perfect evenness. For laying linoleum allowed a drop of 2-6 mm.

Laying linoleum on a concrete floor

Such a base is considered ideal for laying linoleum. If it is additionally leveled using a concrete screed or a floating floor (which will serve as a good substrate), then the linoleum will fall perfectly.

Note! Before laying the linoleum on the concrete screed, it must be allowed to dry completely. Drying times can be different, taking into account the indoor temperature and the presence of ventilation. According to regulations, the complete drying time is at least 30 days after pouring.

Humidity screed can be checked one simple way. To do this, you will need a piece of cellophane measuring 50? 50 cm. At night it should be put on a concrete screed and sealed with adhesive tape on all sides. If the moisture is still in the solution, then the next morning the film will sweat, which means that it is necessary to give it more time to dry.

Laying linoleum on wooden floor

Laying linoleum on a wooden surface is considered to be a fairly simple job, because alignment does not require pouring a concrete screed. To remove defects, level the floor with plywood before laying.

Note! Plywood with a minimum thickness of 12 mm is used for leveling. If the flooring is even, then leveling is not necessary. Small irregularities and cracks close up with a putty.

Preparation of the base of ceramic tiles

This is the perfect base for laying linoleum. In order not to dismantle the old tile, it will be enough to putty the places where the tile broke off, and seal the seams. After drying, the entire surface is treated with sandpaper, the substrate is laid and linoleum creeps.

It is impossible to say exactly which substrate to choose. All the above options, of course, serve as good sound insulators and help to level the surface. But, according to the technique of laying, the surface is somehow aligned with a tie or plywood, and all household types of linoleum are made on a jute, polyvinyl chloride or fabric basis, that is, they already have a substrate.

The exception is the commercial version of linoleum, which is produced without additional basis. The main thing you need to pay attention to when choosing is the strength and rigidity of the material.

Video

This video describes the requirements for a base under linoleum: