Laminated panels are one of the most common flooring materials. Such flooring combines optimal technical-physical, functional and decorative qualities, allowing you to design rooms in different design styles. However, its operation can also be inconvenient. The presence of bumps, pits and noise effects in the form of squeaks are common problems for coatings that were laid with violations of technology. The key element of the floor device in this case will be the intermediate layer of the substrate. It not only eliminates unpleasant sounds, but also protects the structure of the decorative material from rapid wear. In this sense, the role of the substrate under the laminate on a wooden floor is especially great, the defects of which, unlike the concrete surface, cannot be corrected with primers and grouts.
Position of the substrate in the structure of the flooring
The layer of material is located directly between the wooden draft base and the laminate. Thus, it minimizes the negative phenomena that can occur in the process of walking. Besides,it cannot be said that this layer is necessarily homogeneous and monolithic. For example, the description of a laminate underlay on a wooden floor that requires insulation and waterproofing can be represented as a multi-level “pie” that includes additional protective layers. It can be film, foil, mineral wool and other insulators.
When making an approximate configuration of the future coating, it is important to take into account the thickness limitations. Decorative panels themselves, depending on the model, can increase the height of the floor by 1-2 cm. If the room is small, then such changes can be noticeable. Accordingly, it would be useful to calculate the thickness of the substrate under the laminate on a wooden floor, the optimal value of which is 3-5 mm. It should not be too thin, otherwise the leveling function will not be performed, but, again, there may not be any sense in a thick layer if the material itself is chosen incorrectly.
Basic requirements for laminate underlay
The selection should be based on a wide range of performance properties. The main ones will be indicators of strength and rigidity. The substrate must be elastic to provide a damping effect, but at the same time resistant to tearing, since constant mechanical stress can lead to rapid loss of shape. The ability of the material to noise reduction, heat and waterproofing are also important. Even with additional layers, such protection cannot be guaranteed if the base material does not meet the basic insulation requirements. Particular attention should be paid to environmental safety issues. If a substrate is selected for a laminate on a wooden floor in a living room, then only floorings that are of natural origin should be preferred. And in this part, it should be noted that there are practically no completely natural materials of this type on the market, however, the main component may well be non-synthetic. And, on the contrary, the practicality of artificial substrates will be quite appropriate when laying the coating in technical rooms, corridors, utility rooms and utility rooms.
Cork backing
This is a worthy solution just for arranging residential premises, since cork flooring is environmentally friendly, but it is not subject to biological degradation processes. That is, unlike other natural materials, it excludes the development of mold and decay. The advantages of this solution include good thermal insulation. The material maintains thermal comfort in the room by naturally regulating the microclimate. Since it does not have dense and airtight layers, ventilation in the underground niche will also be provided. That is, it turns out a ventilated "breathing" substrate under the laminate. It is advisable to lay panels with a cork layer on a wooden floor with a high-quality waterproofing agent, since the material does not differ in the function of moisture protection and contact with water can destroy it. Another disadvantage of this substrate is the high cost. It is on average 20-25% higher than the price tags for popular syntheticanalogues.
Bitumen cork panels
A modified version of the substrate discussed above, which differs in the structure device configuration. A slab of this type is formed by crumbs of cork laid on kraft paper with the addition of bituminous resins. This solution optimizes the technical and physical qualities of the coating, increasing its strength, and also contributes to more effective sound insulation. Due to its rigidity, this option is suitable in cases where you need a substrate for a laminate on an uneven wooden floor - the layer levels out the errors in the rough surface, thereby ensuring a tight connection with the decorative flooring. The presence of bitumen, in turn, eliminates the formation of condensate, so the material is not afraid of moisture. Of course, you should not use such a substrate in the bathroom or in the kitchen, but it is not afraid of a slight excess of the humidity coefficient.
Styrofoam materials
An artificial material based on extruded plastic agglomerate, the advantages of which include a mechanical protective function. Expanded polystyrene levels the wooden surface, creating optimal conditions for the subsequent laying of the laminate. This option is recommended for high-loaded premises where heavy equipment is installed or there is a walk-through zone. Public buildings are targets where laying this underlay under a laminate on a wooden floor is justified. The photo below shows an example of mounting panels on an extruded base. Styrofoam.
Coniferous slabs
A relatively new and least common type of underlay due to its high price tag, which even surpasses the cost of cork models. But, due to the combination of operational properties, this option can justify itself. Such plates are distinguished by good thermal insulation, environmental safety, rigidity and ventilation ability. In many ways, coniferous slabs are similar to cork, but there are also fundamental differences. Firstly, the substrate under the laminate on this type of wooden floor is less elastic, and secondly, the plates have high thickness values. This nuance should be taken into account when laying. Initially, the thickness can be about 5-7 mm, but during operation the needles are compressed and the level of coverage will be lowered. Accordingly, the structure of the placement of laminate panels will also change slightly.
How to choose the best option?
Much in the choice will help determine the intended purpose of the place of application of the coating. If we are talking about utility rooms or offices, then it is worth laying dense polystyrene foam. Its artificial origin as a disadvantage will not matter, but the technical and physical qualities will benefit the flooring. And, on the contrary, the best underlay for a laminate on a wooden floor in a living room or a nursery is made of cork or other materials like needles. In choosing from this spectrum, you should focus on isolating and noise-canceling qualities. Modifications frombituminous resins will be the most advantageous option in terms of combination of qualities for laying in the living room or office, but the artificial component still limits their use in bedrooms.
Substrate coating device technology
The rough surface is cleaned of dirt, vacuumed, washed and dried. Next is the marking of the site on which the laminate will be laid. The substrate material is laid in a transverse direction relative to the future placement of decorative panels. Moreover, a small tolerance should be left at the edges. The plinth will close it, thereby ensuring the tightness of the flooring. Usually, the substrate under the laminate on the wooden floor is not fixed, but glue or hardware can be used for greater reliability. At the final stage, the panels are mounted. In modern laminate models, locking joints are provided that can be snapped into place when mating sheets. Again, if there is any doubt about the lack of insulating functions of the substrate, then it will be useful to provide film layers for hydro- and vapor barrier before laying the laminate.
Conclusion
The introduction of additional layers complicates the structure of the coating, making it more functional and flexible in use. Subject to high-quality installation and the right choice of materials, you can organize a durable flooring in any room. It is possible to determine which substrate under the laminate on a wooden floor will provide the desired performance properties by the nature of the application of the room itself. But notonly his appointment should be the decisive factor in the choice. The best underlay is one that is suitable for bonding to specific laminated panels. For high-strength models, polystyrene foam materials are optimally suited, and the laminate from the home series is organically complemented by substrates made using natural raw materials.
