Which substrate is better under the laminate

The most fashionable flooring in recent years is laminate. Beautiful, durable and durable coating has proven itself on the positive side. To laminate served for a long time and did not lose their qualities, you need to lay it on the "right" substrate. Which substrate under the laminate is better, warmer and able to ensure the durability of the coating, we now tell.

What is the role of the substrate

The substrate is laid between the floor and the floor. It is not worth saving on it, as correcting the troubles is not a cheap business.

The main functions of the substrate:

• Smoothing irregularities and creating the perfect base to cover. Depending on the type, the substrate is able to hide defects up to 5 mm.
• Waterproofing. Excess moisture will quickly spoil the coating, the substrate protects the laminate from moisture.
• Soundproofing. A good substrate reduces noise by 20 dB.
• Thermal insulation. Substrate saves heat in the house, especially if the floor is concrete or the apartment is located on the first floor.
• Resistance to load. As a rule, the floor is repaired very rarely, so it must be as durable as possible.

So, we will find out what types of substrates are represented on the modern building materials market.

Extruded polystyrene

Extruded polystyrene is available in both sheets and rolls of different sizes.

Note! Buying sheets is much more expensive, so in order to save, it is better to buy in square meters or in small rolls.

The thickness of the material can be from 3 to 5 mm. The material is available in different colors. Polystyrene fits the ribbed side down, as manufacturers say, this installation contributes to better thermal insulation and is perfect for a concrete floor.

Advantages of polystyrene backing:

• Strength. It is material, rather steady against mechanical damages.
• Cost This is one of the most affordable materials.
• Ease of installation. Does not require special tools, you can easily cut with an ordinary knife and quickly spread out on the floor.
• Prevalence. You can buy absolutely in any store building and finishing materials.
• Does not contribute to the development of microorganisms.

Minuses:

• Bad aligns the base.
• When buying plates need a large margin.

Cork backing

Cork substrate is made of pressed oak bark.

Corkboard подложка может быть:

• natural,
• with the addition of bituminous chips,
• with the addition of rubber.

The cork substrate is produced both in slabs and rolls.

Note! You should not use such a substrate if you plan to install a warm floor.

Natural cork substrate under the laminate perfectly suited for residential premises, as it is made of environmentally friendly and breathable materials.

Pluses cork substrate:

• The material is resistant to rotting, mildew, germ multiplication.
• Specific impregnation saves from rodents.
• Natural material without the addition of freon and chlorine.
• The substrate "breathes" and does not create a greenhouse effect.
• Well hides base defects, which allows to lay it on a wooden floor.
• Rather strong and durable.

Minuses:

• Strongly afraid of moisture - may require a protective coating.
• The high cost due to the natural material.
• Can not be laid in the kitchen and bathrooms.

PE foam

Cheaper than this substrate is not there. It is sold in rolls, it is easy to mount it, between them the material can be sealed with ordinary tape. For use under the laminate suitable thickness of 5 mm.

Advantages of polyethylene foam substrate:

• Simplicity and ease of installation, cutting and combining parts.
• The material is resistant to the spread of microbes, mold fungi.
• Low price.
• Availability. Can be purchased at any store.
• Moistureproof. You can safely use it in the kitchen or in the bathroom.

Minuses:

• Over time, it can be compressed, as a result of which depreciation will decrease.
• Non-breathing material.

Foil подложка

Foil isolon is a combination of polyethylene foam with foil. Foil reflects the flow of thermal radiation. This substrate has reinforced vapor barrier and heat insulation properties. It is applied at installation of a heat-insulated floor under a laminate.

Pros foil substrate:

• High strength.
• Moisture resistance, can be used in rooms with high humidity.
• Reflects heat.
• Does not decay, does not grow moldy, does not promote reproduction of microbes.
• High sound insulation properties.
• Excellent leveling surface.

Minuses:

• The price is higher than that of a regular foamed polyethylene substrate 3–3.5 times.

Jutt

Juttовая подложка производится из натуральных джутовых волокон. Обработанные по специальной технологии волокна образуют пышный и упругий материал.

Pros jute substrate:

• Safe and natural material.
• Thanks to a special treatment, the substrate is resistant to the development of microbes and to rotting.
• Resists fire.
• Does not spoil from moisture, passes water through itself and after drying is completely restored.

Minuses:

• High price.
• Bad soundproofing.

How to choose

The choice of substrate is influenced by the following factors:

• Financial opportunities.
• The condition of the subfloor.
• Characteristics of the material.
• Recommendations of the manufacturer of laminate.

If everything is clear with the first three points, what is the fourth factor?

In the event of trouble with laminate, many coating manufacturers refuse to consider claims, citing the use of an unsuitable substrate. Therefore, choosing a substrate, it is worth it to get acquainted with the recommendations of a particular manufacturer.

Most manufacturers recommend:

• Do not use foam backing.
• Discard the substrate thinner than 3 mm.
• Under the substrate lay a film of polyethylene.
• Do not lay the substrate in several layers.

These are general recommendations; it is important to examine specific recommendations.

Note! Unsuitable substrate can quickly deteriorate the quality of the flooring. Knowing the basic characteristics of materials, choosing the right substrate for a particular room will not be difficult.

Video

This video tells about several types of substrates for laminate.