What laminate base should I choose for optimal results?

Why do you need a backing?

Before laying laminate, all professionals always lay a soft backing on the floor, which performs several important functions at the same time:

1. Masking unevenness of the base. Often the subfloor covering has minor unevenness, because the sheet materials are laid with an offset. As a result, there are differences that thin laminate is unable to hide. But a soft backing copes well with this task, smoothing out all the differences. Also, the insulating layer effectively masks minor defects: joints, gaps, dents, holes in the floor. This allows you to lay the laminate with high quality.
2. Improves the adhesion of the laminate to the base. The floor slabs will not creak, because they are firmly fixed and have tight joints.
3. Softening the steps on the floor. The underlay used when laying laminate flooring over hard surfaces (concrete screed, stone) softens the step and reduces pressure on a person’s feet. This makes walking more comfortable and beneficial.
4. Sound absorption. Laminate flooring is usually no more than 12 mm thick and has a low density, which is why the soft underlay underneath can absorb some of the vibrations, including those from footsteps on the floor. However, the ability to dampen noise is usually low.
5. Humidity control. Laminate flooring is made from wood-fiber material that is sensitive to the room’s microclimate. If the humidity is too high, the laminate swells. The underlay provides reliable protection for the top layer from moisture and moist vapors migrating from below through the floor, for example, from a basement. At the same time, there are several types of insulating materials that differ in their degree of water permeability and protection. A thin polyethylene film is additionally used to enhance waterproofing.
6. Thermal insulation. Ensures the retention of some heat, preventing its absorption by concrete or other coatings with low thermal conductivity. This is especially true if laminate flooring is being installed in detached houses or ground floor apartments.

What to consider when choosing

To choose a quality underlay, you need to consider several important nuances:

• the type of base (floor) where it is being laid;
• the condition of the subfloor (how level it is and whether there are any defects);
• the microclimate in the room (the first thing to consider is humidity and atmospheric temperature);
• the type of laminate flooring used.

It is worth choosing an underlay for the laminate that meets the operating conditions. For example, polyethylene foam is a good waterproofing agent and is used in high humidity conditions, while cork is a vibration absorber. You also need to lay the material taking into account its thickness.

What types are there?

There are many underlays on the market that solve completely different problems. Each has its own pros and cons. Some are used exclusively for leveling the base, better adhesion (so that the laminate panels do not start to creak), and shock absorption.

But there are also models designed for use in unique conditions, for example, in high humidity. Some have an adhesive layer, which makes installation easier. If it is missing, you will have to buy special tape.

Cork underlay

Cork is a natural insulating material that creates a durable shock-absorbing layer. It is made from crushed and pressed cork tree bark; a natural plant secretion is used as glue. It is produced in sheets and rolls with a thickness of 2 mm.

Cork under laminate is recommended for laying on floors in children’s rooms due to its hypoallergenic properties and low thermal conductivity. It is often combined with other materials that change the quality characteristics of the base. For example, the inclusion of synthetic rubber improves moisture-proofing and sound-absorbing properties, and such a lining can be used in rooms with high traffic (hallway, corridor).

Bitumen cork underlay is used for laying laminate in the kitchen or in technical rooms where a lot of moist steam is formed and high temperatures are recorded. Before laying it, it is recommended to lay a polyethylene film on the floor.

Advantages of cork:

• high sound absorption coefficient (≈0.85 at a frequency of 2.1 kHz);
• low thermal conductivity;
• does not rot;
• hypoallergenic;
• withstands moderate changes in humidity;
• long service life (without losing the main quality characteristics).

Disadvantages of cork:

• high requirements for the base (the required leveled and clean concrete screed, so that the material can work properly and well);
• complexity of installation (especially when using adhesive flooring);
• high cost of cork.

Prices for cork underlayment vary on average from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles per roll.

A well-known manufacturer of cork underlayments is the Portuguese company Amorim Cork Flooring, which produces products under the Amorim brand. Its products are of high quality and variety. Underlayments are made both from 100% cork and with the addition of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate). They are presented as roll materials with a minimum layer thickness of 2-3 mm, and a maximum of 10 mm. The most popular types are 3 mm thick.

Another Portuguese company, Corksribas, offers equally good products. The brand produces not only cork, but also combined (with rubber) pads.

From foamed polyethylene

This underlay is made of foamed polyethylene – a synthetic polymer material with a porous structure, which determines its lightness, elasticity, good heat and vapor insulation capacity. With such a leveling underlay, the laminate will not creak. Usually, it is cheaper than pads made of other materials. It is produced in sheets and rolls 2-5 mm thick, which are easily fastened together: the joints are connected with tape.

Depending on the type of polymer, there are cross-linked and non-cross-linked types of coating. The former are distinguished by the presence of additional intermolecular chemical bonds, which give the structure greater strength. Underlays made of cross-linked polyethylene can be laid in residential apartments, but not in office and commercial premises (where there is a high static load on the floor). Non-crosslinked polymer pads have low strength and are rarely used, mainly where there is no heavy furniture and equipment, for example, in dressing rooms, “utility rooms”, etc.

Advantages of a leveling underlay made of foamed polyethylene:

• well masks moderate differences in floor heights, eliminates unevenness;
• excellent waterproofing properties;
• resistance to most aggressive chemical compounds;
• absence of toxic fumes;
• requirements for the subfloor are minimal (leveling with a screed optional).

Disadvantages of the material when laid on the base (screed) of the floor:

• deforms under a constant static load of more than 1.0-1.5 kg per cm2;
• accumulation of static charge (as a result, a lot of dust settles on the laminate).

Prices for a foam polyethylene backing vary from 300 to 2500 rubles per roll. The cost is affected by the thickness, width and image of the manufacturer.

The most famous manufacturer of foam polyethylene backings is the Russian company OOO Izo-Flex, which produces products under the IZOFLEX brand. It is also recommended to pay attention to the materials Tuplex, Quick-Step, Tarkett, each of which is sold in a wide range.

From foamed polystyrene

Polystyrene foam belongs to the class of synthetic polymers called foam plastics. It is produced by extruding granules (balls) of polymerized polystyrene; the result is a very durable porous material with low thermal conductivity and high noise absorption. It is often significantly cheaper than other substrates.

Floor substrate made of polystyrene foam is the most popular variety, since its properties allow it to be laid in rooms for various purposes. It is used both in living rooms and in technical rooms (where large temperature differences or high humidity are recorded).

Advantages of a leveling underlay for laminate flooring made of expanded polystyrene:

• compensation for large differences in the subfloor;
• excellent heat, steam and moisture insulation properties;
• effective noise absorption;
• high resistance to contact static load;
• resistance to most alkaline compounds;
• environmentally safe;
• simplicity installation (especially on a screed);
• long service life (at least 50 years).

Disadvantages of the material under the laminate:

• thin sheets (no more than 2 mm) poorly mask the defects of the subfloor without a smooth screed;
• long period of complete shrinkage (about 1.5 months);
• high flammability.

Prices for foam polystyrene underlays for floors vary from 300 to 2800 rubles, depending on the basic characteristics and the manufacturer.

There are underlays for laminate from several manufacturers on sale. The most famous Russian brand is “Izoshum”, as well as Polish brands VTM from IsoPolin and “Arbiton”.

Coniferous underlay

This is a relatively new product on the building materials market. But it is still difficult to find and buy because of its high cost. However, coniferous material is rapidly gaining popularity, because it is very dense and environmentally friendly. It is made from de-resined pine needles by pressing. It is produced in slabs of different thicknesses, most often 5 mm (however, thicker ones are also available for sale). It is used not only for laminate, but also for wall insulation.

Coniferous underlay for laminate is installed in any room, but more often in cold rooms. It retains heat well, helping to regulate the microclimate. Coniferous sheets are laid mainly on a floor with a plywood or plank covering, and sometimes on a concrete screed (in this case, a polyethylene film is laid first), primed with an acrylic primer.

Advantages of coniferous underlay:

• high resistance to static loads (maximum contact strength of 15 t/m2);
• vibration damping, incl. arising when walking (this ability is higher for thicker sheets);
• fire resistance;
• environmental safety.

Disadvantages of coniferous underlay for laminate:

• difficulty of installation (difficult to cut and requires special installation skills);
• intensely absorbs moisture, which contributes to the growth of mold (fungus);
• more expensive than other underlays;
• requires preliminary leveling of the floor with cement screed.

The price of coniferous underlay for the floor varies on average from 1100 to 6000 rubles per roll (or package), which is significantly more expensive than other materials.

The leader in the production of coniferous underlays is Steico, whose products are environmentally friendly and safe for humans and the environment. Similar materials with excellent characteristics are also produced under the Leroy Merlin and Isoplaat brands.

Jute underlay

Like coniferous, jute underlay for floors is a novelty on the construction materials market. It is made from purified plant fibers by rolling on shafts under high temperatures. The result is a durable and rigid material. To prevent rotting (mold) and flammability, it is additionally treated with fire retardants (combustion reaction inhibitors). It is produced as a roll material with a layer thickness of 2 to 5 mm.

Jute underlay can be laid in any room, but it should be chosen provided that the humidity is stable. The material is laid in a “floating” order not only under laminate, but also under other floor coverings (parquet, linoleum). First, make a cement screed to remove any unevenness.

Advantages of jute fiber underlay:

• very dense and durable;
• high wear resistance;
• vapor permeability (prevents moisture accumulation under the laminate);
• excellent thermal insulation and sound insulation;
• hypoallergenic;
• environmentally safe;
• easy to install.

Disadvantages of the material:

• does not hide moderate and large differences in level;
• the probability of losing shape under prolonged high static load;
• high cost compared to other types of substrates.

Prices for the product vary on average from 3,300 to 5,500 rubles per roll (or package).

The most popular products are from domestic manufacturers, released under the brands “FANEMA”, “Resource”, SoundGuard. All materials are environmentally friendly, have an optimal thickness (on average 5 mm), excellent rigidity and strength.

Combined substrate

The substrate for laminate can be made by combining different materials, which improves the characteristics of the product. For example, a common gasket is one consisting of 2 outer layers of polyethylene foam, between which there is porous extruded polystyrene foam (balls). It is produced in rolls and slabs of different sizes, has a standard thickness of 3 mm or 5 mm, although sometimes you can find thicker ones on sale. The top layer of the coating does not allow moisture to pass through, and the bottom allows it to pass into the cellular area and exit through special technological gaps.

The combined underlay is used in any rooms with high humidity and where there is a high probability of heavy mechanical loads. It is used not only on the floor base, but also for wall insulation.

Advantages of the combined underlay:

• effective masking of complex defects of the floor screed;
• durable and retains its shape well;
• long service life.

Disadvantages of the material:

• difficulty of installation (requires special knowledge and skills);
• high cost of the product.

Combined underlays are more expensive than other materials, their starting price starts from 1000 rubles per roll (or package). Can reach 7-8 thousand rubles. depending on the basic characteristics.

The most famous manufacturers of composite materials are Tuplex, Domoflex, Solid. Their products sell well due to their high quality.

Foil backing

It belongs to the materials of the combined type. The main layer consists of polyethylene foam or polystyrene foam, and the thinner one is made of aluminum foil. This structure significantly improves the protective properties. The backing is produced as a roll material of different sizes, with a minimum layer thickness of 2 mm, and a maximum of 10 mm.

The material is used in rooms with high humidity. To ensure high efficiency, it is necessarily laid with the smooth side up. It can be fixed with a special adhesive layer or foil tape (you will have to buy it separately). It is used not only on the floor base, but also for wall insulation.

Advantages of foil backing:

• hydro- and vapor barrier of the finishing (laminated) floor covering;
• effective absorption of noise penetrating through the floor (floor slab);
• reduction of heat loss through the floor;
• protection against the appearance and spread of mold (fungus);
• long service life.

Disadvantages of the material:

• short service life (if the base layer is made of polyethylene);
• high cost.

Foil backing is also an expensive material. The most budget solutions have a price of 800 rubles. On average, it is from 4,000 to 7,000 rubles. Additionally, you will have to buy tape if there is no adhesive layer.

All major manufacturers, such as Tuplex, produce backing with a foil layer. Among domestic brands, the most famous is “Energoizol”.

Which underlay is better to lay for different bases and floors

When choosing an underlay for laminate, you need to take into account both the type of base and the type of laminate. It is important to pay attention to the composition and thickness of the material.

Warm floor

When choosing an underlay when using the “Warm floor” system, first of all, pay attention to the thermal resistance indicator: the lower it is, the better the material conducts heat. Shock absorption capacity and sound insulation (absorbs low and medium level sounds) are also important.

The choice also depends on which system is installed:

1. Water. In this case, high heat transfer and waterproofing are important, so the best solution is a foil underlay made of polyethylene foam or polystyrene foam. Being on top, it reflects heat well, preventing it from penetrating into the room below. It has low waterproofing capacity and, if necessary, you will have to think about an additional layer.
2. Electric. If such a warm floor is installed, then any substrate with a high degree of heat transfer and moisture protection (for example, polyethylene film) is used. It is laid on top, above the layer with heating elements.
3. Infrared film. When laying such a film with IR resistors, it is also necessary to reduce heat loss. In this case, combined materials are used, for example, penofol (made on the basis of foamed polyethylene). On one of its sides there is a metallized film that reflects heat. The material is laid with the foil side up, under the heating elements of the “Warm Floor” system. Also, be sure to put a polyethylene film under the underlayment.

Quartz-vinyl

Although quartz-vinyl laminate is attached with locks and is considered a free-standing floor covering, in most cases it is not necessary to lay an underlayment underneath it. It is elastic and perfectly absorbs vibrations (blocks low and medium noise levels).

However, to ensure better adhesion of the locks (so that the joints are tight) and additional properties (waterproofing and heat transfer), you can use a gasket based on foamed polymers.

Concrete floor

When installing laminate (fixed with locks) on a concrete base, it is important to provide sound insulation and heat insulation. The best flooring is made of extruded polystyrene foam or polyethylene foam. Cork underlayment is an environmentally friendly but expensive option. It is also possible to use composite gaskets based on cork chips (there should also be a layer of polyethylene).

Before installing the gasket, a polyethylene film is laid on the concrete floor. It prevents the base from absorbing moisture. The film can have a minimum thickness.

It is important that the sheet is at least 5 mm thick (it is permissible to use cork material 2 mm thick). In this case, it perfectly absorbs vibrations and softens the step, since it is difficult for a person to walk on a concrete floor (with a leveled concrete screed). It also tolerates contact with water well.

Wooden floor

Since wood has a porous structure that allows vapor to pass through and it should not be completely isolated from moisture. It is better to choose substrates with a vapor permeability coefficient above zero. For example, substrates based on cork and pine are suitable, which are easy to lay and provide optimal water circulation.

In private houses, pine substrates are especially effective: they quickly absorb and easily release moisture. And the cork maintains the vapor permeability of the base, while it can come into contact with water without changing shape.

Laminate

Extruded polystyrene or cork flooring is recognized as the best underlayment options for laminate flooring. The former are inexpensive and have excellent characteristics: they have good heat and water insulation and effectively absorb noise. Cork flooring is noticeably more expensive, but has several useful properties: it absorbs various noises and is safe.

Both types of gaskets effectively eliminate minor unevenness of the base. Before installing them, it is recommended to lay a thin polyethylene film on the floor, especially if the floor is concreted or leveled with a cement screed.

Rating of substrates

There are many types of substrates on the market and they all have their pros and cons. But among their variety, the most popular ones can be distinguished.

No. 1 ECO CORK cork substrate, 3 mm, 10 m2

Average price: 3100 rubles / roll.

This is a cork substrate from a well-known Portuguese brand, whose products are distinguished by high quality and natural composition. Made from 100% crushed cork. Used for laminate for thermal and acoustic insulation. When laying on a concrete base, it requires preliminary laying of polyethylene film. Cork has a very porous structure, providing cushioning when walking.

No. 2 UNIPLEX Professional composite underlay, 3 mm, 10 m2

Average price: 1100 rubles/roll.

The composite underlay has a 3-layer structure (with polystyrene balls inside), providing reliable protection from moist vapors and moisture. It has natural and forced ventilation, and also perfectly dampens noise, not inferior in this to gaskets with a greater thickness (5 mm or 6 mm). It is widely used both in residential apartments and in detached houses.

№3 Underlayment “Tepofol” made of foamed polyethylene, 3 mm, 1.05 * 50 m

Average price: 1900 rubles / roll.

Consists of non-crosslinked polyethylene foam and can be used in apartments and detached houses. It is lightweight and elastic, and is also characterized by excellent heat and waterproofing properties. Provides excellent protection against moisture vapor penetration into the premises. It is laid under laminate and other floor coverings (parquet, linoleum)..

No. 4 ISODOM foil underlay, 3 mm, 1.0*10.0 m

Average price: 860 rubles/roll.

The basis of such an underlay is polyethylene foam with excellent waterproofing properties and shock-absorbing capacity. It has a metallized lavsan coating on one side, effectively reflecting at least 55% of radiant energy. Such an underlay, laid under any laminate on the base, always works well. It is used in combination with the “Warm floor” system both in apartments and in detached houses.

No. 5 ENERGOIZOL underlay made of polyethylene foam, 10 mm

Average price: 540 rubles/roll.

Polyethylene foam provides excellent heat and moisture insulation. It is used when laying laminate on a warm floor system both in apartments and in detached houses. It is also used for insulating the walls of any premises, incl. basements and attics. Correctly laid foamed polyethylene base will serve for many years.