Laminated panels are laid on a special substrate, which provides a shock-absorbing effect, absorbs noise and, if necessary, evens out the rough surface. Additionally, intermediate insulators can also be laid, but this decision will depend on the characteristics of operation in specific conditions. The only drawback of the device of a multi-layered "pie" is to increase the level of the floor, from which the question naturally follows: what thickness of the substrate for the laminate is better? On the one hand, a thick lining increases the positive effects of the operation of the slats, and on the other hand, the height of the room is reduced. The solution to this problem will largely depend on the choice of material for the substrate.
In what range to determine the optimal thickness?
The minimum thickness of standard grade pads is 2-3mm, and the maximum thickness is 10-12mm. This range shouldmake a choice based on the properties of the laminate, the characteristics of the substrate, and the current condition of the subfloor for laying the material. But what is the reason for such a scatter in size? Despite the same functional tasks, the substrates have a different structure and differ in the properties of rigidity, density and hardness. For example, soft materials have limitations in thickness because the structure quickly deforms and negatively affects the material. Conversely, a solid base for a lining can be thick, but it does not always make sense to increase its thickness, since a solid structure can perform the tasks of leveling the floor even at a low height. That is, the answer to the question of what thickness of the substrate for the laminate is better in a particular case should be sought primarily in the functions that the material will have to perform.
What are the criteria for choosing thickness?
For the soundproofing effect and thermal insulation, of course, a thick substrate will be more profitable, but it also entails the risk of deformation of the lamellas. Also, do not expect that a high lining will certainly provide the effect of leveling the floor - this will depend on the structure of the material. A 2 mm high-strength plate can also make a perfectly flat surface, but its noise reduction properties will be minimal. What is the best underlay thickness for laminate flooring when it comes to the universal leveling effect, thermal insulation and noise reduction? As a rule, substrates with a thickness of 3-5 mm are considered to be an average option, moreover, they are made ofsoft raw material. But such a decision will justify itself if the laminate itself is not prone to kinks and deformations - especially in places of lock mates. In any case, the choice should be based on the characteristics of a particular substrate, not forgetting that there are other parameters for assessing its performance.
Other substrate selection criteria
Not every material can be used indoors with a high humidity factor. This is one of the main restrictions on the use of substrates. For natural wood and laminate, such contraindications also exist, but manufacturers are successfully mastering moisture-resistant coating technologies, offering modifications for laying in the kitchen and even in the bathroom. Regarding linings, everything is not so clear. Basically, synthetic materials are suitable for laying in places of direct contact with moisture. For example, polystyrene foam substrates with moisture-resistant coatings are resistant to water without losing their basic performance. But this material should not be used in conditions of constant wetting, as dampness creates conditions for the development of bacteria. Do not ignore the function of the shock absorber, due to which the squeak of the lamellas and vibrations are excluded. To make walking on the floor pleasant and quiet, the base must be soft and at the same time easy to recover.
Extruded Styrofoam Underlay
Quite practical and therefore common material, which is famous for its good sound insulation and warming function. If aunder the draft base there is open ground or there is no central heating in the room, this option can be considered first of all. In addition, with the help of extruded polystyrene foam, it is possible to level the floor with large defects. For such purposes, a plate with a thickness of at least 5 mm is suitable. For the rest of the parameters, the standard dimensions of the expanded polystyrene sheet are 1000x1000, 1000x1200, etc. As a rule, these are large square or rectangular panels for laying on large areas. More importantly, experts recommend purchasing this material with a corrugated back surface, which will ensure air circulation in the lower layers under the laminate. Due to this structure, the risk of mold and mildew in the underground niche can be reduced.
Polyethylene backing
One of the thinnest backing materials, typically 2mm thick. Actually, polyethylene and polyethylene foam products are rarely used for cushioning and surface leveling tasks. With a small thickness, they demonstrate worthy heat and sound insulating functions, also forming a reliable hydrobarrier. Operational practice confirms that neither rodents nor insects start in polyethylene foam substrates of various modifications. But it should be borne in mind that this material is far from the most durable, therefore, over time, with intensive interaction with a thin laminate, it can noticeably sag. The presence of an external metallized layer, which will also act as an additional layer, will help to partially minimize this deformation process.waterproofing layer.
Technical cork backing
A very common material that exhibits resistance to deformation and almost the full range of required insulating qualities. For many years of operation, this structure does not lose its qualities even in harsh conditions of use in rooms with high traffic. This is explained by the density of the technical cork, which does not allow the base to deform and keeps the locking mechanisms of the lamellas in working order. At the same time, the dense structure does not exclude the properties of flexibility, which makes it possible to hide small irregularities on the rough surface. But for this, again, you will have to initially choose plates of medium thickness up to 4-5 mm. Are there any weaknesses in this material? Of course, the main disadvantage of cork can be called complete incompatibility with wet rooms. Contact with water is detrimental to such substrates, so a bathroom with a kitchen is contraindicated for such flooring.
Features of the bitumen-cork substrate
Modification of the classic cork-based substrate with the addition of bituminous resins. In essence, the structure of the material is formed by layers of craft paper with the addition of bitumen. The cork component in the design is represented by crumbs, which provide the effect of sound insulation and especially depreciation. The unique advantages of this product in comparison with natural materials include natural biological security, since the material does notcovered with mold and fungus even in conditions of high humidity. At the same time, all the strengths of operation characteristic of a conventional cork tile used as a substrate are retained. However, the bitumen modification is expensive, so it makes no sense to use it in combination with a cheap low-quality laminate.
Fibreboard underlay
For lining under a laminate or parquet board, a low-density fibreboard material is made. The structure of such boards is specifically focused on providing sound and heat insulation, as well as on the shock-absorbing effect. The 3 mm thick wood-fiber underlay under the laminate copes with both knocks when walking on the floor and penetrating sounds. Although the ability of complex noise reduction will largely depend on the characteristics of the slats themselves. As for the leveling ability, the plates smooth out errors up to 2 mm thick. As a material for the manufacture of such a footboard, woodworking waste with a minimum inclusion of synthetic binders is used, therefore, from the point of view of environmental friendliness, this solution is the most attractive.
Needle-based substrate
A kind of fibreboard, but made of needles. As a basis for the material, pressed pine and spruce waste is used with the addition of resins as binders - in this respect, we can talk about similarities with the previous material. By themselves, conifers retain heat well, suppress third-party sounds anddo not contribute to the formation of condensate. In addition, the coniferous substrate is characterized by microventilation and resists negative processes of biological properties. But it also has specific drawbacks that prevent the wide distribution of such substrates. Firstly, even compared to hardwood fiberboards, softwood panels lose in terms of strength and durability. Secondly, there are many reviews about how this material absorbs odors that cannot be removed without dismantling. To this it is worth adding the thickness of this substrate of 4-5 mm. Only in this format, the needles are able to provide the functions of isolation and shock absorption.
Natural or artificial backing?
With all the advantages of artificial slabs, which are used as substrates, the consumer is increasingly willing to use natural materials in decoration. Taking into account the fact that relatively natural products are presented quite widely in this segment, the main attention of the market is riveted to them. But how justified is this? To begin with, it should be noted that in structural terms, the direct competitor of fibreboard and cork boards is expanded polystyrene. Under the laminate, technically, it performs the same functions, and with a greater cushioning effect. In addition, artificial materials are practically free from the problems of biological damage and more actively resist moisture. The only significant advantage of natural materials is environmental friendliness, but it is also relative.
Features of the combined substrate
Technological modification based on synthetic materials with different characteristics. Initially, such hybrids were developed purposefully for laying under floor heating systems, but today their operational properties have expanded. A modern combined substrate is a combination of expanded polystyrene (core) and layers of polyethylene. Using such a coating under the laminate, you can count on increased heat and sound insulation properties, mechanical reliability and ventilation.
Conclusion
Flooring manufacturers over the years in the development of laminated panels have offered several substrate formats. The most preferred thicknesses are 2 and 3 mm. However, practice shows that thin-sheet panels are often not enough for both leveling and shock-absorbing function. What thickness of the substrate under the laminate is better if we are talking about a problematic rough surface and the task is to strengthen the foundation for laying? In this case, there is also no need to use excessively thick plates, but the same polystyrene foam or a 4-5 mm cork panel will more likely justify itself in such conditions. Another thing is that you need to take into account other operational factors that may impose restrictions on both the use of cork and the laying of its synthetic counterparts.
