Rating of the best laminate substrates for 2020

With the help of a laminate underlay, you can get a perfectly flat floor, however, this is only one of the advantages of the product. This material can have noise and heat insulation qualities, provide air exchange. The popularity of substrate models is determined by buyers, as well as by the best manufacturers. Attention is given to a list of the best laminate substrates for 2020, according to buyers, with their pros and cons.

General understanding of substrates: material selection criteria, answers to popular customer questions

Repair is always a hassle in choosing a building material, worries about the process and the final result. The key areas are the floor, ceiling and walls. It will be about floor coverings, or rather a rough layer for laying laminate - a substrate. Frequently asked questions of each buyer:

• Why do you need a laminate underlay?
• Is it possible to do without a backing?
• How to install the underlay?

The underlay is an auxiliary material that gives the final flooring strength and durability. It is laid in order to level the dents between the floor screed and laminate luggage, to insulate the floor, to isolate the noise of movement on the floor. If the substrate is not covered, then the laminate flooring will quickly wear out and be subject to physical damage, there is a high probability that mold and mildew will appear due to accumulated moisture, and many other incidents.

For the durability and long life of the laminate, it is necessary to properly install the substrate. Description of the main stages:

• Clean the surface from dust and other debris (screed after complete drying);
• The substrate is laid on a dry surface;

Depending on the type of substrate, it is laid according to the instructions.

• The auxiliary material is stacked tightly to each other, glued if necessary;
• Be sure to leave a small gap between the substrate and the walls.

How to choose the right laminate underlay? First you need to find out what they are? The table shows the classification of the substrates.

Table - "Types of substrates for laminate: description of the structure of the material and its properties"

Classification:	A type:	Description:
By appointment:	floor	for installation under the main floor covering
	facing	facing material is used for wall insulation, ceiling noise insulation
By form:	roll	in coils, standard coverage 10 sq. meters
	plate	small size sheets, the coverage area of ​​which depends on the size and quantity in the package
By function (provide):	thermal insulation	for warm floors
	soundproofing	used to suppress noise
	air exchange	preventive measure against the appearance of mold and mildew between the screed and the laminate
	eliminate irregularities	to ensure a flat surface when installing the main floor layer
	resistance to deformation	depending on the material, a certain load on the floor is allowed so that the furniture does not damage the laminate

What to look for when choosing a laminate underlay? Some selection rules:

• Building material and its purpose. The underlay can be used for various types of flooring and can also be used for wall and ceiling installations. If you plan to build a house, then it is better to take a universal material. Moreover, the cost for wholesale products will be lower than if you buy a substrate for each zone separately.
• The composition of the material. The substrate can be made of natural fibers, artificial or combined. The table below shows the types of products in this category.
• Manufacturer. Which company is better to buy a substrate for a laminate? Today, many domestic firms hold a leading position in this matter. Although some buyers prefer a foreign manufacturer. Which brand is better to buy a substrate is an individual choice.
• Styling. By observing all the manufacturer's requirements, which, as a rule, are indicated on the substrate label, the user guarantees the future floor covering a long service life.

Table - "Types of material for the substrate"

Name:	Description:
Expanded polypropylene:	well absorbs the coating under load, has high thermal insulation, absorbs noise
Bituminous cork backing:	provides additional protection against the appearance of mold and mildew
Cork:	low thermal conductivity, excellent sound insulation, provides good shock absorption
Coniferous:	increased mechanical strength, retains heat well, does not deform
From expanded polystyrene:	withstands heavy loads for a long time
Jute:	reduces noise level, is mounted in rooms with unstable humidity
Foil:	for heat retention and sound insulation

Natural substrates (coniferous, cork), made of 100% eco-friendly raw materials - recycled wood fiber (conifers, cork oak). They have hypoallergenic properties, good air exchange. For artificial substrates, several layers are created for the purpose of air circulation.

Budget options for laminate substrates are based on synthetic material.

In order not to make mistakes when choosing a substrate, you need to thoroughly study the technical characteristics of the product, calculate the required volume of material consumption, read customer reviews or watch an overview of the installation of a particular brand of substrate under the laminate.

Rating of quality jute laminate substrates for 2020

Jute substrates have special qualities: they isolate noise and retain heat. The most popular models include substrates from domestic manufacturers:

• "Resource";
• SoundGuard.

EcoRoll by SoundGuard

Purpose: for laminate or parquet flooring.

This substrate is used to reduce the noise level. The material is a dense elastic layer where thermally bonded polyester fibers are intertwined in a chaotic manner. Scope of application: in the construction of interfloor floors, as a separation layer in sound insulation systems, when laying laminate and parquet boards. 27 Ln, w - indicator of the reduced level of impact noise with a "floating" screed, surface density should be 120 kg / m.

Specifications:

Parameters:	3.5 mm - thickness, length - 10 m
Net weight:	3 kg 700 g
Coverage area of ​​one roll:	10 sq. meters
Material:	damper: half jute and polyester fiber
Density:	350 grams per square meter
Coefficient of thermal conductivity:	0.036 W / m-K
Vapor permeability:	0.6
Flammability class:	G4
Average price:	1700 rubles

• Environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic material;
• Smooths out irregularities on the screed;
• High performance of sound and thermal insulation;
• Russian production;
• Long lasting;
• Value for money;
• Simple installation.

• Not identified.

Model "20791" from the manufacturer "Resource"

Purpose: for parquet, laminate, carpet and linoleum.

Roll underlay for floor coverings, made of natural material (jute). By its property, this coating is often compared to a cork substrate, the price segment of which is much higher. Feature of the material: absorbs the sound of footsteps on the floor, retains heat, provides ventilation to the floor covering, levels the surface.

Specifications:

Roll length:	10 meters
Thickness:	4 mm
Net weight:	4 kg 150 g
Material:	jute
Manufacturer country:	Russia
Year of issue:	2007
How much is:	1300 rubles

• Inexpensive;
• Footsteps are not audible when moving on the surface;
• High quality;
• Long service life;
• Universal model: for all types of flooring;
• Dense underlay, evens the floor well;
• Natural;
• Antifungal function.

• Sometimes there is an unpleasant odor that will fade over time;
• Flammable quickly.

Model "UT000000244"

Purpose: for underfloor heating under the laminate.

Roll jute underlay with good noise and heat insulating qualities. The thickness of the backing does not allow crimping during installation, eliminates any irregularities. Material consumption is the same as indicated on the manufacturer's packaging.

Specifications:

Vendor code:	1001096862
Coil size:	10 sq. meters
Net weight:	5 Kg
Thickness:	4 mm
Width:	1 meter
Colour:	light brown
Production:	Russia
Material:	jute
By price:	1290 rubles

• Easy to assemble;
• Does not lose shape, levels the floor;
• Excellent heat retention;
• A budget option;
• Natural fiber.

• Manufacturer not specified.

Rating of the best polystyrene foam substrates for laminate in 2020

According to buyers, the following companies have become the best manufacturers of polystyrene foam substrates for laminate flooring:

• "Solid";
• "Aberhof";
• Porileks.

Model "113504" from the manufacturer "Solid"

Appointment: for warm floors, under the laminate.

The pink base in the form of an accordion performs many functions: it is a heater, a soundproofing agent, a leveling base. It allows air to pass through, preventing moisture accumulation between the backing and laminate sheets. It goes on sale in thin layers.

Specifications:

A type:	leaf
Thickness:	1.8 mm
Parameters (centimeters):	105/50
Area coverage with one package:	8.4 sq. meters
Material:	extruded polystyrene foam
Sound insulation:	18 dB
Thermal insulation:	0.03 sq. meter K / W
Maximum load:	11 t / sq. meter
Manufacturer country:	Russia
Average price:	380 rubles

• Mount speed;
• Easily adapts to the area of ​​the room;
• Small irregularities are leveled;
• Provides excellent sound insulation;
• Value for money;
• Dense;
• Moisture resistant.

• Fragile.

Model "157715" from the manufacturer "Aberhof"

Purpose: for laminate, parquet or cork flooring in an apartment.

The gray underlay on the concrete floor has thermal and sound insulating properties. Suitable for several types of flooring. Due to its shape it is easy to fit, evens out irregularities of any scale. Installation recommendations:

• The mounting base must be flat and dry;
• It is necessary to thoroughly clean it from contamination;
• The substrate is laid end-to-end.

Specifications:

A type:	leaf
Parameters (centimeters):	105 - length, 50 - width
Thickness:	3 mm
Density:	45 kg per cubic meter
Material:	extruded polystyrene
Sound absorption:	22 dBA
Number of sheets per pack:	10 pieces.
Covered area with one package:	5.25 sq. meters
Net weight:	1 kg
Manufacturer country:	Russia
By cost:	190 rubles

• Long lasting;
• Comfortable operation;
• Wide range of applications;
• Budgetary;
• Keeps warm well;
• Quiet floor;
• Easy styling.

• Not identified.

Model "NPE-3" from the manufacturer "Porileks"

Appointment: for laminate, parquet boards.

The lining for various types of flooring has a highly efficient and technological thermal insulation. Low density backing material, which makes the flooring particularly flexible. The structure of the fibers is closed cellular, with special resistance to aggressive media. Modern ozone-saving technologies are used to create the substrate. The main advantages of the product include: a low level of impact noise, increased heat capacity, leveling of the concrete floor.

Specifications:

A type:	roll
Parameters (centimeters):	106 - width, 5000 - length
Thickness:	3 mm
Coverage area:	52.2 sq. meters
Density:	20-40 kg / m
Material:	high pressure polyethylene
Colour:	blue
Average cost:	950 rubles

• Functional;
• Environmentally friendly material;
• Safe;
• Retains chemical and physical properties for a long time;
• Convenient to install;
• Does not rot and mold.

• Not identified.

Popular models of polyethylene foam laminates for 2020

The best companies for the production of goods in this category are:

• Isopak;
• "Professional";
• "Tuplex".

Model "12331" from the manufacturer "Izopak"

Purpose: substrate on a wooden floor (solid board), under parquet and laminate.

Green polyethylene foam backing has all the necessary properties to create comfort and coziness in the house. The material is not much inferior in quality to expensive analogues. The underlay can be used with the "warm floor" system. It has a high sound and thermal insulation, water-repellent property, which will prevent mold and mildew from forming on the final floor covering.

Specifications:

A type:	roll
The packaging is designed for:	52.5 sq. meters
Thickness:	3 mm
Roll parameters (meters):	50 - length, 1.05 - width
Minimum batch:	1 square meter
Material:	polyethylene foam
Production:	Russia
Average cost (per 1 square meter):	25 rubles

• Simple installation;
• High quality;
• Affordable price;
• Long service life;
• Product properties;
• Domestic production.

• Not identified.

Model "87408" from the manufacturer "Professional"

Purpose: base for laminate and parquet boards.

The warm backing is made of several materials, the combination of which makes it unique.It consists of 3 layers: high strength polyethylene, which is resistant to temperature and humidity extremes, acts as an insulating material; the second layer - granular polystyrene foam, has elasticity and does not crumble when cutting; the third layer is a multi-layer film (40 microns thick), resistant to punctures and tears. For ease of installation, markings are applied on a roll, every 0.25 meters.

Specifications:

A type:	roll
Roll width:	1m
Thickness:	3 mm
Noise isolation:	up to 20 dB
Material:	polyethylene, expanded polystyrene, combined multilayer film
Coverage area for one roll:	10 sq. meters
Length:	10 m
Production:	Russia
Price per sq. meter:	110 rubles

• Longer service life: wear-resistant backing;
• Durable;
• Easy installation thanks to the markings;
• Safe;
• Certified;
• Eliminates small irregularities;
• Material quality;
• Good noise absorption;
• The presence of natural and forced ventilation due to the structure of the material;
• Keeps warm well.

• Not identified.

Model "2184" from the manufacturer "Tuplex"

Purpose: for sound insulation under parquet or laminate.

The substrate consists of two layers: the first is polyethylene, which must be in contact with the final floor covering; the second is a polyethylene film with numerous microscopic holes for contact with the concrete layer (the company logo is applied). The material has good sound absorption properties, does not absorb moisture and provides air exchange.

Specifications:

A type:	roll
Thickness:	3 mm
Width:	1.1 m
Heat conductivity:	0.044 sq. M. K / W
Density:	136 g per square meter
Net weight:	4 kg 500 g
Roll length:	30 m
Permissible load:	600 kg / square meter
Production:	Russia
Cost for 1 sq. meter:	115 rubles

• Fills cavities and crevices;
• Moisture resistance;
• Combined underlay: several different layers;
• Good sound insulation;
• Elasticity;
• Resistance to deformation;
• World renown;
• Simple and quick installation;
• Special development: for hard laminated floorings.

• Not identified.

The best cork laminate substrates for 2020

The variety of goods and manufacturers in this area is huge. Making a choice, especially for beginners, is difficult. Therefore, the best manufacturers with their representatives from the model lines of laminate substrates are offered to attention. The list of popular companies includes:

• "Cork";
• "MGO".

Model "BASIS" from the manufacturer "Cork"

Purpose: for laminate, parquet, engineered board, solid wood or cork floors.

A cork substrate from a foreign manufacturer is made of recycled bark (cork oak). The material has sound and thermal insulation, protects the floor from moisture that forms during the screed process. Thanks to the processing with a special solution, the substrate is non-flammable and perfectly breathable.

Specifications:

A type:	roll
Thickness:	2 mm
Roll consumption:	10 sq. meters
Width:	1 meter
Material:	bung
Colour:	beige
Manufacturer country:	Portugal
Cost per sq. meter:	125 rubles

• Natural material;
• Environmentally friendly product;
• Does not cause allergies;
• Resistant to mold and mildew;
• High technical characteristics;
• Durability.

• Not identified.

Model "955" from the manufacturer "MGO"

Purpose: for parquet and cork boards, laminate.

Wooden underfloor heating with good soundproofing quality. Color - beige. Sold in rolls. The underlay helps to remove minor irregularities. One roll is designed for an area of ​​10 sq. meters.

Before laying, the substrate should stand indoors for 1-2 days to adapt to the microclimate.

Specifications:

A type:	roll
Thickness:	2 mm
Net weight:	400 g
Material:	bung
Raw materials:	oak
Roll length:	10 m
Width:	1m
Manufacturer country:	Portugal
Cost for 1 sq. meter:	148 rubles

• Thin material: easy to install;
• Natural;
• Safe and environmentally friendly;
• Dense and elastic structure;
• Value for money.

• Not identified.

Model "PPR05" from the manufacturer "Corksribas"

Appointment: for laminate, linoleum, parquet, massive and engineered boards, cork floors.

The building material is used for floors, walls and ceilings. It has high sound insulation properties and also retains heat. Thanks to sheet plates, it is convenient to install and calculate the required volume of material. The thickness of the backing allows you to smooth out any irregularities.

Specifications:

A type:	leaf
Parameters (centimeters):	91,5/61
Net weight:	700 g
Thickness:	5 mm
Material:	natural cork
Colour:	brown
Manufacturer:	Portugal
By cost:	300 rubles

• Wide-profile;
• Hypoallergenic;
• Elastic;
• With high performance indicators;
• Long service life;
• Value for money.

• Not identified.

List of the best pine needles laminate substrates for 2020

The coniferous substrate is considered the most common, since there are enough raw materials for its production, it is natural and affordable. Well-known manufacturers include:

• "STEICO";
• "LATTIALEIJONA";
• Izoplaat.

Model "Underfloor" from the manufacturer "STEICO"

Purpose: under parquet and laminate.

Wood fiber underlays are used for underfloor heating, as a leveling material for the final floor layer. The product absorbs noise well. Installation can only be done on hard, dry substrates. You can use a wall and ceiling underlay.

Styling tips:

• Leave the sheets open for a day indoors;
• Leave a distance of 5-10 mm between the wall and the material;
• Over the total area, the substrate is laid joint to joint.

The substrate, in some cases, can be mounted on glue and liquid nails.

Specifications:

Coverage area of ​​one package:	7 sq. meters
Parameters (centimeters):	79 - length, 59 - width
Thickness:	3 mm
Sound absorption:	up to 25 dB
Colour:	green
Material:	needles
Sheets in a package:	15 pcs.
For the price (1 piece):	84 rubles

• Natural material: from coniferous trees;
• Provides protection for laminate and parquet board locks;
• Used as a finishing material for ceilings and walls;
• Has good sound insulation;
• Leveling irregularities;
• Safe;
• Value for money.

• Not identified.

Model "lattialeijona-4.5" from the manufacturer "LATTIALEIJONA"

Purpose: for laminate, parquet, carpet and linoleum.

This substrate model is considered the most durable in its class. Coniferous fiber with the addition of paraffin is used as raw material. Thanks to this combination, the substrate has elasticity, resilience, retains heat well and absorbs sound. The thickness of the sheet can compensate for any surface defects.

Specifications:

A type:	leaf
Parameters (centimeters):	85 - length, 59 - width
Thickness:	4.5 mm
Material:	needles + paraffin
Coverage area of ​​one package:	6 sq. meters
Density:	270 kg per cubic meter meter
Colour:	beige
Sound absorption:	22 dBA
Manufacturer country:	Finland
Average price:	140 rubles

• High strength;
• 100% natural material;
• Moisture protection;
• Convenient to mount;
• Long lasting;
• Copes well with all the tasks;
• Inexpensive.

• Not identified.

Model "95109" from the manufacturer "Izoplaat"

Appointment: under the laminate.

Coniferous substrate, can be laid freely on the surface, can be held together with glue.The material has all the properties: noise-suppressing, heat-insulating and resistance to heavy loads. Thanks to their porosity and softness, they smooth out floor irregularities.

Specifications:

A type:	sheet
Thickness:	5 mm
Parameters (centimeters):	85/59
Net weight:	9 kg 500 g
Amount in a package:	18 pcs.
Noise absorption:	up to 21 dB
Exposure of pressure at the joints:	20 tons per square meter
Coverage area of ​​one package:	9,027 sq. meters
Coefficient of thermal conductivity:	0.045
Material:	needles
Colour:	green
Manufacturer country:	Finland
Price for 1 cubic meter:	162 rubles

• Durable substrate: 50 years of service;
• Simple installation;
• Functional;
• Value for money;
• Thick: good for removing bumps.

• Not identified.

Output

The review was composed of various types of laminate substrates from domestic and foreign manufacturers for 2020 with their own advantages and disadvantages. The table contains information about the best substrates with a short announcement and price segment.

Table - "Popular laminate substrates for 2020"

Model:	Manufacturer:	Coverage area of ​​one package (square meter):	Material:	Cost (rubles):
EcoRoll	SoundGuard	10	jute + polyester fiber	1700
«20791»	"Resource"	10	jute	1300
"UT000000244"	-	10		1290
«113504»	"Solid"	8.4	extruded polystyrene foam	380
«157715»	"Aberhof"	5.22		190
"NPE-3"	"Porileks"	52.2	high pressure polyethylene	950
«12331»	"Isopak"	52.5	polyethylene foam	25
«87408»	"Professional"	10	polyethylene, expanded polystyrene, combined multilayer film	110
«2184»	"Tuplex"	30	polyethylene foam	115
"BASIS"	"Cork"	10	bung	125
«955»	"MGO"	10		148
"PPR05"	"Corksribas"	-		300
"Underfloor"	"STEICO"	7	needles	84
"Lattialeijona-4.5"	"LATTIALEIJONA"	6	needles + paraffin	140
«95109»	"Izoplaat"	9.027	needles	162