Substrate under the laminate: we make the right choice

To level the floor when laminate flooring use a special substrate. It provides waterproofing, soundproofing and thermal insulation. There are several options for the substrate.

Cork substrates

The cork substrate under the laminate is environmentally friendly. It will save heat in the room, prevent mold and rot. In addition, it is also an excellent noise isolator. Such a substrate under the laminate is made of different thicknesses, but the thickness of 2 mm is the most actual: too thin can crumble, and thick will create additional load on the lock connection. The cork substrate is in the middle price category. Can be produced as sheets or rolls. According to the technology of manufacturing the substrate are:

• From natural pressed cork.
• From cork with rubber additive.
• Bitumen-cork substrates.

Polyethylene foam substrates

Polyethylene foam under the laminate has a high thermal insulation, moisture resistance, prevents the formation of fungus and reproduction of bacteria. This is an economical material that practically does not leave waste. The substrate under the laminate may have a layer of metallized film for additional protection. The film is sometimes replaced with aluminum foil. They can be foamed or from physically crosslinked polyethylene foam. The disadvantages include possible deformation during operation in the form of subsidence. UV radiation is detrimental to this material.

Special substrates

A special substrate for the laminate is a modern option. Three-layer material provides protection of the parquet. The lower and upper layers are porous and polyethylene films, respectively, between which are balls supporting a certain height. If you want to buy a substrate for a laminate that has sound and moisture insulation, then you can choose special types of substrates. They extinguish the loud noise of the heels, and also create a natural ventilation. The laying time of the laminate is reduced due to the moisture-resistant membrane built into the substrate. The downside, probably, is only in the high cost of this material.

Plywood under the laminate

Laying the laminate on the plywood reduces the cost of the substrate. In addition, it level the floor and is an additional thermal insulation. The disadvantage is that its flooring raises the floor by some amount.

Plywood under the laminate should have high moisture resistance, be even, without surface defects. The optimum thickness of the sheet is 12 mm. With this thickness, your floor will not work, and the laying process will be easier.

Plywood of the third and fourth grades is suitable for laying under the laminate. But you need to choose it wisely: plywood containing toxic glue, for these purposes is not suitable.

The material is fixed to the floor with screws and glue. The flooring is spread both on the plywood itself and on the membrane laid on top of it.

Some firms produce a laminate with an embedded substrate. This is usually a laminate of 32, 33 classes. It is convenient for installation, but has a high price.

Choose the substrate correctly, it will increase the life of the laminate and create protection for your flooring.