Laminated panels are one of the most common materials for use as flooring. Such a flooring combines optimal technical, physical, functional and decorative qualities, allowing you to design rooms in different design styles. However, its operation may cause inconvenience. The presence of bumps, pits and noise effects in the form of a squeak are common problems of coatings, the installation of which was carried out 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 the wooden floor is especially significant, the defects of which, unlike the concrete surface, cannot be fixed with primers and grouts.
The place of the substrate in the structure of the floor covering
A layer of material is located directly between the wooden rough base and the laminate. Thus, it minimizes the negative effects that can occur during walking. In addition, it cannot be said that this layer is necessarily homogeneous and monolithic. For example, the description of the substrate for a laminate on a wooden floor, requiring insulation and waterproofing, can be represented as a multi-level “cake”, including additional protective layers. This can be film, foil, mineral wool and other insulators.
When making an approximate configuration for future coatings, it is important to consider thickness limitations. Decorative panels themselves, depending on the model, can increase the floor height by 1-2 cm. If the room is small, then such changes can be noticeable. Accordingly, it will be useful to calculate the thickness of the substrate for a 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, in the thick layer, there may not be any sense if the material itself is not selected correctly.
Basic requirements for a laminate substrate
To proceed with the selection follows from a wide range of operational properties. The main ones will be indicators of strength and stiffness. The substrate must be resilient to provide a damping effect, but at the same time be tear resistant, since constant mechanical stress can lead to rapid loss of shape. The material’s ability to noise reduction, heat and waterproofing also matters. Even taking into account additional layers, such protection cannot be guaranteed if the base of the material does not meet the basic requirements for insulation. 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 of a 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, a corridor, utility rooms and a utility block.
Cork backing
This is a worthy solution just for the arrangement of residential premises, since cork flooring is environmentally friendly, but is not subject to biological destruction processes. That is, unlike other natural materials, eliminates the development of mold and rot. The advantages of this solution include good thermal insulation. The material maintains thermal comfort in the room, naturally regulating the microclimate. Since it does not have dense and tight layers, ventilation will also be provided in the underground niche. That is, it turns out a ventilated "breathable" 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. Other disadvantages of this substrate include high cost. It is on average 20-25% higher than the price tags for popular synthetic analogues.
Bitumen-cork panels
A modified version of the above substrate, which differs in the configuration of the structure device. A plate of this type is formed by crumb from a cork laid on kraft paper with the addition of bitumen resins. This solution optimizes the technical and physical qualities of the coating, increasing its strength, and also contributes to more effective sound insulation. This option, due to its stiffness, is suitable in cases where you need a substrate for a laminate on an uneven wooden floor - the layer eliminates the errors of the rough surface, thereby ensuring a tight fit 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, however, it is not scary for a slight excess of the humidity coefficient.
Polystyrene foam materials
Artificial material based on extruded plastic agglomerate, the advantages of which include the mechanical protective function. Expanded polystyrene evens the wooden surface, creating optimal conditions for the subsequent laying of the laminate. This option is recommended for heavily loaded rooms where heavy equipment is installed or there is a passage zone. Public buildings are the target objects in which the laying of this substrate under the laminate on the wooden floor is justified. The photo below illustrates an example of mounting panels on an extruded polystyrene foam base.
Coniferous slabs
A relatively new and least common type of substrate due to the high price tag, which exceeds even the cost of cork models. But, thanks to the combination of operational properties, this option can also justify itself. Such plates are distinguished by good thermal insulation, environmental safety, rigidity and ventilation ability. In many ways, coniferous plates are similar to cork, but there are fundamental differences. Firstly, the substrate under the laminate on the wooden floor of this type is less elastic, and secondly, the plates have high thicknesses. This nuance should be considered when laying. Initially, the thickness can be about 5-7 mm, but during operation, the needles are compressed and the coating level will be reduced. Accordingly, the layout of the laminate panels will change slightly.
How to choose the best option?
A lot of choices will help determine the intended purpose of the 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 flaw will not matter, but the technical and physical qualities will benefit the flooring. And, on the contrary, the best substrate 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, it is worth focusing on insulating and noise-canceling qualities. Modifications with bituminous resins will be the most advantageous option in terms of the combination of qualities for laying in the living room or office, but the artificial component still limits their use in sleeping rooms.
Substrate Coating Technology
The rough surface is cleaned of dirt, vacuumed, washed and dried. Next, mark the area on which the laminate will be laid. The substrate material is laid in the transverse direction relative to the future placement of decorative panels. Moreover, a slight tolerance should be left at the edges. The skirting board will close it, thereby ensuring the integrity of the flooring. Typically, the substrate under the laminate on the wooden floor is not fixed, but for greater reliability, you can apply glue or hardware. At the final stage, the panels are mounted. In modern models of the laminate, lock joints are provided that can be snapped when mating sheets. Again, if there is doubt about the insufficiency of the insulating functions of the substrate, it will be useful to provide film layers for waterproofing 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. Under the condition of high-quality installation and the right choice of materials, you can organize durable flooring in any room. To determine which substrate under the laminate on the wooden floor will provide the necessary operational properties, it is possible by the nature of the application of the room. But not only his appointment should be a decisive factor in the choice. The best backing is one that is suitable for bonding with specific laminated panels. Polystyrene materials are optimally suited for high-strength models, and the laminate from home series is organically supplemented with substrates made using natural raw materials.