Best laminate substrates

A good laminate is not only a comfortable floor covering, but also our health, economy of the family budget and even relations with neighbors. But the budget replacement of the parquet floor differs from the expensive original not only in quality characteristics, but also in a shorter service life. In order for the laminate to serve for a long time, you need to install a good substrate under it. The best laminate substrates will smooth out the unevenness of the concrete screed, become an additional moisture and heat insulator, reduce the passage of noise, and significantly prolong the operation of the floor covering.

Which company is better to choose a substrate for a laminate?

There are manufacturers whose flooring has a good reputation for a long time. There are quite a few successful followers offering great content at a budget price or higher quality. Among the leaders, for which buyers voted with a wallet and positive reviews, the following companies:

• Granorte - the Portuguese company has existed since 1972. It is the European leader in the production of environmentally friendly floor coverings.
• JPS-Cork Group - The corporation's Lisbon factories produce the world's best cork flooring and wall materials.
• Corksribas Is another Portuguese company that uses natural raw materials. He is constantly working on the introduction of innovative technologies.
• Steico Is a German company that was the first to enter the wood fiber insulation board market. Since 1960 it has been producing the best flooring materials from natural ingredients.
• Izoplaat Is a brand of the Skano Group AS concern. Manufactures soft fiber boards for various applications.
• Isopak - the Russian company has been producing environmentally friendly high-quality insulation materials since 2007.
• Penoline - the plant in Serpukhov produces high-quality and inexpensive materials from expanded polyethylene.
• Egen - Polish company Egen S.A. A brand that has been expanding its sales network in Central and Eastern Europe in recent years.
• Tuplex - a joint Finnish-Russian company specializing in the production of innovative building materials.
• LLC TPG Solid - the largest Russian manufacturer of high-quality polystyrene finishing materials. Increasing skill since 1994.
• Laminatoff Is a Russian company that manufactures high-tech substrate for Bonkeel Smart laminate.

Rating of laminate substrates

Regardless of the materials chosen, the floor covering should be such that "put and forget". This means that not only the laminate should be of high quality, but also the substrate under it. An incorrectly chosen material will cause a lot of trouble, and will also significantly shorten the life of the floor covering itself. Selecting the best options, the TOP-12 included substrates that turned out to be leaders in the following characteristics:

• Thickness;
• Thermal insulation;
• Soundproofing;
• Moisture resistance;
• What base is it mounted on;
• Depreciation ability;
• Air exchange rate;
• Counteracting the development of pathogenic microorganisms;
• Lifetime;
• Manufacturer.

Laminate underlays are sold in rolls or rectangular blocks. In order for the laminate flooring to retain its original appearance as long as possible, it is important to choose a product with insulating properties.

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The best cork underlays for laminate

The best substrates for laminate from the standpoint of environmental friendliness are of course cork. They are made from pressed cork shavings and are produced in sheet versions. Everything is perfect in such substrates: heat and sound insulation, service life. But there are also disadvantages. First of all, this is not everyone's affordable high cost, but also capriciousness when laying on a concrete screed. In this case, additional waterproofing is desirable.

Among all manufacturers, Portuguese craftsmen who produce cork substrates for laminate flooring come out on top in the ranking. Extensive experience, use of high quality materials, constant search for new solutions make them one of the undisputed leaders.

Granorte

The substrate from Granorte company is included in the TOP of the world's best coating materials. For its manufacture, raw materials are used, which are purchased in the cleanest regions of the planet. Production technologies have been worked out to the smallest detail, equipment of the highest class is specialized for the technological process. As a result, Granorte is considered one of the highest quality in the world. It can be installed under laminate floors, parquet, wood flooring, ceramics, natural stone, carpet. The width of a standard sheet is 1 meter, the length is 10 or 15 meters. Thickness ranges from 1.85mm to 6mm.

Advantages

• High resistance to shrinkage;
• The optimal combination of elasticity, viscosity;
• Durability;
• Assortment of thicknesses.

disadvantages

• Not suitable for thin laminates.

Granorte cork is so durable that its life exceeds the guaranteed life of the laminate itself.

JPS-Cork

JPS-Cork's European factories located in Portugal produce high quality cork backing. It differs from the products of other manufacturers in that it has become the standard of world certification. Its technical parameters are impeccable. Unique know-how technologies, constant optimization of production have helped to make the JPS-Cork brand the most recognizable and in demand. The underlay for the laminate has a thickness of 2 millimeters, sold in rolls. It is the most environmentally friendly floor covering with excellent moisture and thermal insulation properties.

Advantages

• Strict norms of raw material parameters;
• Even distribution of local load over a large area;
• Natural resistance to decay;
• Compensates for minor flaws in the base;
• Environmentally friendly.

disadvantages

• Not found.

JPS-Cork is perfect for parquet boards, solid wood, cork floors. If applied with a quality laminate, the service life will be very long.

Corksribas

Corksribas cork is made from crushed cork bark by pressing. Suberin is used to glue the particles. This is the name of the resin of the same tree. The production processes are completely mechanized. This makes the substrate completely safe and environmentally friendly. Sold in sheets measuring 915 by 610 millimeters. Material thickness 5mm. These parameters guarantee unique strength. Even point loads from massive furniture will not provoke the coating to sag or damage the integrity of the material.

Advantages

• High damping qualities;
• Moisture resistance;
• Vapor barrier;
• Fire safety;
• Natural antiseptic properties.

disadvantages

• The warm floor is not used in the system.

The best option for allergy sufferers is a cork laminate underlay. Buying Corksribas means providing a safe, healthy atmosphere in your home.

The best coniferous laminate substrates

Initially, coniferous substrates were invented as a cheaper analogue of cork. But it turned out that the novelty has unique positive qualities that put it on a par with the best originals. Eco-friendly softwood underlays have proven to be excellent soundproofing. Moreover, they even dampen vibrations of a shock nature.

Residents of cold regions appreciated the natural material.After all, coniferous models are distinguished by long-term heat retention. The availability of raw materials from many manufacturers prompted the idea of ​​replenishing the range. Among all the best laminate substrates are made by two well-known companies: Steico, Izoplaat. The first in the ranking are the following brands.

Steico underfloor

German manufacturers have taken into account and correctly used the unique qualities of softwood in laminate substrates. The Steico Underfloor brand will provide a warm floor in any room. In addition to its main purpose, it will delight the owners with unique soundproofing properties. The density of this grade is designed so that the substrate will correct unevenness of the substrate up to 3mm. And the outer coating will reliably hold high loads and pressure points. It is produced in the form of slabs 790 mm long and 590 mm wide. Thickness is 4 millimeters.

Advantages

• Acoustic insulation up to 25 dB;
• Reduces shock noises;
• High thermal insulation properties;
• Optimal balance of thickness, rigidity;
• Can be glued to liquid nails.

disadvantages

• Fragile, requires careful handling.

Features of Steico Underfloor prompted the possibility of additional use. Slabs are often laid on walls in recording studios and music salons.

Izoplaat 5mm

Coniferous backing is produced in Finland. Possesses high strength. Porous and soft at the same time, when laying it smoothes out roughness, as well as unevenness of the base. In cases with a lower quality substrate, it is required to first lay plywood sheets on "gnarled" surfaces. For Izoplaat 5mm this is not necessary. Does not deform with strong pressure on furniture or objects. Coniferous laminate Izoplaat 5mm will serve reliably, and most importantly for a long time.

Advantages

• Withstands pressure at joints up to 20 t / m2;
• Sound absorbing effect up to 21 dB;
• Thermal conductivity coefficient 0.045;
• Free from formaldehyde and glue;
• Service life 50 years.

disadvantages

• Sometimes slabs have a concave surface;
• Requires laying on a dry surface.

The concavity of the slabs occurs due to improper storage. This happens in large sales areas where the temperature regime is not always observed. This does not affect the quality of the substrate. It is enough to keep the boards in a dry room for 24 hours before laying.

Izoplaat 5,5mm

The 5.5 mm thick coniferous substrate is in no way inferior to the thinner 5 mm. For its manufacture, natural coniferous wood is also used without the inclusion of binders. High environmental friendliness is confirmed by certificates. Withstands a pressure of 20 t / m2 at the joints. Does not deform when pressed for a long time with heavy objects. Has a powerful sound-absorbing effect. In terms of the coefficient of thermal conductivity, it can be compared with a soft insulation. Plates with dimensions of 850 x 590 centimeters fit freely on the base. If necessary, you can use glue.

Advantages

• Compressive strength;
• Withstands any load;
• High level of sound absorption;
• Evens out the surface of the base;
• Reliable thermal insulation.

disadvantages

• Crumbles and breaks if handled carelessly.

The guaranteed operating time of Izoplaat 5.5mm is more than half a century. But subject to correct installation.

The best underlays for polymer laminates

Synthetic substrates are not only much cheaper than analogues made from natural raw materials. They have many other advantages as well. For example, unlike cork, they are not afraid of moisture, they are not subject to decay. And when you need to lay a concrete base, composite polymers will be much more convenient than expensive counterparts. Manufacturers are also working on the environmental friendliness of polymer substrates. Among the market offers, the following brands and manufacturers have a confident leadership.

Isopak

For more than 20 years, the Krasnogorsk enterprise Izopak has been producing high-quality underlays for laminates based on foamed polyethylene. The developers have achieved good thermal and waterproofing performance.The main thing is that their products comply with environmental safety standards, do not contain substances harmful to health. In terms of strength and durability, Isopack products have left far behind many competitors. Over the years of operation, this polymer material does not lose its high heat-insulating properties.

Advantages

• Rigid structure, specific density 25 kg / m3;
• Good sound insulation;
• Thermal conductivity - 0.028 W / mK;
• Compressive strength - 6.5 tons / m2;
• Smoothing the surface of the base.

disadvantages

• Loses elasticity over time;
• Forms harmful compounds on combustion.

The low cost compensates for the disadvantages of the Isopak substrate. It is not recommended for use on floors in a nursery or hospital. But there is a wide field for other applications.

Penoline

The Russian manufacturer has become a confident competitor to many well-known companies. Their laminate substrates are inexpensive. At the same time, they have excellent performance characteristics. Foamed polyethylene butane-propane laid on concrete is reliably guarding cold and moisture. Despite the "chemical" name, Penolin has good environmental performance. It does not emit toxic substances, is harmless, odorless. A thickness of 10 millimeters is sufficient for high-quality sound insulation. Penoline is an excellent cushion between floor slabs and laminate flooring.

Advantages

• Good thermal insulation parameters;
• Absorbs up to 20 dB of noise;
• Dissipates 70% of sound;
• Prevents fracture of laminate hinge joints;
• Durability.

disadvantages

• Toxic when burning;
• Deforms under strong point load.

Given the unpretentiousness and budgetary cost of the Penolin substrate, it is often used for public premises.

Egen

Laminate backing made on the basis of polyethylene foam. Experts consider it ideal for laminate flooring. Does not require additional fixation during installation. In addition to being easy and secure on the base, Egen remains firm and flexible throughout the entire life of the top layer. Its fine-pored structure absorbs vibrations, thereby enhancing sound insulation. Keeps warm well.

Advantages

• Increased resistance to chemical attack;
• Prevents deformation of the laminate;
• Not afraid of moisture;
• Extends the life of the outer coating;
• Environmentally friendly.

disadvantages

• Toxic when burning.

The technical characteristics of Egen make it possible to use this material for waterproofing and vapor control.

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The best laminate underfloor heating

The "warm floor" system, for obvious reasons, is in great demand and is very expensive. To prevent material costs from becoming in vain, it is important to technically accurately perform thermal insulation. The “correct” underfloor heating will help keep the heat and ensure the reliability of the system. Otherwise, you can insulate the basement, the ceiling of the neighbors, but not your own house. The following brands and manufacturers are good choices.

Tuplex

Hydro-sound-thermal insulation will be provided by a high-quality substrate under the laminate. Which one is best suited for a warm floor? Experts and analysts are among the first to point out this question to Tuplex. It will reliably protect against heat loss, create a ventilated space between the laminate and the base, and can be easily mounted on any surface. The substrate was made using a unique Finnish technology. Has a smooth top layer and a perforated bottom. Between them are foam balls. Due to this structure, technological moisture with streams of warm air is removed through the edges, and fungus and mold do not appear in the material. Even allergy sufferers will be safe and comfortable in rooms with Tuplex.

Advantages

• Three-layer material construction;
• Increased elasticity;
• Noise isolation up to 20dB;
• Convenient docking valve for styling;
• Environmental friendliness.

disadvantages

• Limited range of thicknesses;
• High price.

The 3 mm laminate underlay evens out unevenness in the concrete base up to 3 mm high.

Solid xps

Solid XPS underfloor heating has a clear geometry, consistent thickness and density. The fact is that the Solid company operates on its own equipment, created specifically for the production of a polystyrene substrate. The name "accordion" speaks for itself. The specially bonded plates are easily and quickly assembled, much faster than their sheet counterpart. In terms of technical characteristics, Solid XPS is significantly superior to many analogues. Complies with European quality standards.

Advantages

• Load resistance 11 t / m2;
• Convenience of transportation;
• Soundproofing 18 dB;
• European certification;
• Inexpensive.

disadvantages

• The base for the substrate should not have drops of more than 1 mm;
• High flammability.

Solid XPS will do its job perfectly, provided that it is laid in compliance with technological rules.

Bonkeel smart

Products of a reliable Russian manufacturer, created for the underfloor heating system. Although it is successfully used in cold rooms, creating a full-fledged thermal insulation. The substrate is made of extruded expanded polystyrene. This material prevents heat loss, protects the flooring from deformation, and reduces noise levels. Bonkeel Smart can withstand loads of up to 9 tons per square meter. At the same time, it is safe for human health and the environment.

Advantages

• Thermal insulation 0.279 m2Kv / h;
• Prevents condensation;
• Levels bases up to 2.2 mm;
• Resistant to aggressive chemical influences;
• Wide range of applications.

disadvantages

• For quality styling, you need to buy 10% more.

The plates connected by the "accordion" are easy to assemble and convenient in transportation.

What is better to buy a laminate underlay

The choice of a substrate for a laminate should be approached as seriously as the laminate itself. It depends on how long and qualitatively the floor covering will serve. Familiarity with the recommended brands will help determine which option is right for a particular customer.

• Granorte - cork model for laminate will make any home warm and cozy. If you are satisfied with the high price of a branded manufacturer;
• JPS-Cork - the reference quality of the products of a well-known Portuguese company, suitable for premises where the most expensive and unprotected people live - children and the elderly;
• Steico Underfloor - German material has unique sound insulating properties. Owners of noisy neighbors and sound studios should consider this;
• Izoplaat 5.5mm - a coniferous substrate that is guaranteed to last more than half a century;
• Penolin - is not inferior in quality to the best analogs, but it will make it possible to save material resources;
• Tuplex is a substrate created for those who decided to install a warm floor system;
• Bonkeel Smart is suitable not only for warm floors, but also for cold unheated rooms.

So, cork, coniferous or polymer backing for the laminate is selected. Now it is important to lay it down correctly. Otherwise, it will not last as long and efficiently as planned. Therefore, it is better to entrust the installation to specialists.