12 best laminate substrates

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Laminate is one of the most popular floor coverings today. The laying technology involves the use of a special layer called a backing. When buying a laminate, users pay little attention to this additional material, most often it is offered by the seller. But not only the durability and integrity of the floor covering, but also the comfort in the room can depend on the quality of the substrate. What points should you pay attention to?

How to choose a laminate underlay

1. Many Russian users, following the example of their neighbors, are beginning to take care of their and their relatives' health. Therefore, they prefer environmentally friendly building materials. On sale you can find products from natural raw materials (wood) or high-quality synthetic analogues. At this stage, it is important to consider the propensity of different people to allergies, reactions to smells, etc.
2. Thermal insulation. Laying the underlay allows you to improve the microclimate in a particular room. This primarily concerns heat. Residents of private houses and apartments located on the ground floor should choose a substrate taking into account the thermal insulation properties.
3. Soundproofing. In a multi-storey building, poor sound insulation becomes a serious problem. In order not to hear noise in the apartment on the floor below, you should give preference to materials that absorb sound and vibration.
4. Thickness. High-quality laying of laminate is possible only on a flat surface. This is difficult to achieve on a screed or old plank base. But with the help of a substrate, it is possible to eliminate irregularities and floor differences. The worse the base, the thicker the layer for the laminate is selected. The standard thickness is 3 mm.
5. Moisture resistance. Modern flooring (laminate, parquet) is quite sensitive to moisture. And if spilled liquids can be eliminated in a timely manner, then high humidity from floor panels or screed will lead to swelling of the panels. It is best to do a simple moisture test by placing plastic wrap overnight. If perspiration does not appear in the morning, then a regular substrate will do.
6. Manufacturer. As for the choice of a manufacturer, today domestic brands compete on equal terms with imported manufacturers. Some of them use foreign developments and technologies, someone introduces their own inventions.

Our review includes the best laminate substrates. When compiling the rating, the opinions of experts and reviews of domestic consumers were taken into account.

Rating of the best laminate substrates

Nomination	a place	Name of product	rating
The best laminate substrates made from natural materials	1	Steico underfloor	4.9
	2	Premium Cork	4.8
	3	PARCOLAG	4.7
	4	Tarkett cork underlay	4.7
	5	Isoplaat	4.6
	6	Arbiton cork	4.5
The best underlays for polymer laminates	1	Eco-cover	4.7
	2	ReFoam 3002	4.6
The best extruded polystyrene substrates	1	VTM, ISOPOLIN	4.6
Best polyethylene backings	1	Tuplex	4.7
	2	Foil Izolon PPE	4.6
	3	Izolon PPE	4.5

The best laminate substrates made from natural materials

A substrate made of natural materials has a whole range of advantages. Most often it is made from different components of wood (shavings, chips, cork); natural or artificial resins and adhesives can be used to combine small fractions. The only drawback of natural substrates is the high price. Experts have identified several quality products.

Steico underfloor

Rating: 4.9

The most environmentally friendly interlayer between the base and the laminate is Steico Underfloor. It is made from natural coniferous wood, the individual fibers are held together with the help of wood resin. The manufacturer offers its products in the form of rectangular slabs measuring 790×590 mm, depending on the homeowner's requirements for the degree of thermal insulation, a substrate with a thickness of 3.6-7 mm is selected. The material ranks first in the rating for its excellent properties, it is not afraid of moisture, solvent or glue.

Experts note good leveling ability, the use of the product allows to smooth out height differences up to 3 mm. Users often use the material when laying laminate in children's rooms.

Advantages

• environmental friendliness;
• good leveling ability;
• wide range of thicknesses;
• high performance.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Premium Cork

Rating: 4.8

Premium Cork underlay boasts high quality workmanship. In environmental friendliness, the material is not inferior to the leader of the rating, but the price of this natural product is quite high. The product is made from the bark of cork oak without the addition of chemicals. Experts point out that the cork substrate retains all its important properties over time. These are excellent thermal insulation qualities, the ability to absorb noise, leveling the floor. Pests, mold and fungus do not settle in the cork. Such a backing will be especially useful for people suffering from allergies.

Users are pleased with the ease of preparation of the base. Dust and dirt are removed from the surface, after which the roll is rolled. Such packaging is a disadvantage for some builders.

Advantages

• environmental friendliness;
• long service life;
• good sound and heat insulation;
• simple preparation of the base.

disadvantages

• high price.

PARCOLAG

Rating: 4.7

The PARCOLAG backing has a successful combination of natural and synthetic materials. It is made on the basis of thick cardboard, on which cork chips are applied mixed with bitumen. The main advantage is thermal insulation. Experts recommend the product of the Russian company Icopal to owners of private houses and apartments on the ground floor. With its help, it is possible to put a reliable barrier to cold and moisture. The elasticity of the material increases the life of the laminate.

Thanks to the triple structure, there is good air exchange, so neither mold nor mildew appears in the substrate. The products are supplied to the retail chain in rolls 15 mm long. Of the shortcomings, users note a persistent smell of bitumen, so the applicant takes the third line of the rating.

Advantages

• reliable heat and moisture insulation;
• good ventilation;
• elastic structure;
• high strength.

disadvantages

• not suitable for warm floors;
• the smell of bitumen.

Tarkett cork underlay

Rating: 4.7

One of the most attractive prices for a natural substrate is offered by the Tarkett brand. The material is made from natural cork, which predetermines a number of positive aspects. Polyurethane resin acts as a binder. First of all, the product is environmentally friendly, which expands its scope. The substrate quickly restores its original state after compression, and its good thermal insulation properties reliably hold cold masses coming from the basement. On sale, the material can be found in the form of rolls 10 m long. The manufacturer has taken care of fakes, you can order the product on the official website. Of the shortcomings, users note a small assortment, the quality of the cork leaves much to be desired.

Advantages

• environmental friendliness;
• durability;
• affordable price;
• elasticity.

disadvantages

• thin layer;
• cork raw materials of poor quality.

Isoplaat

Rating: 4.6

In the production of Isoplaat underlays, the main focus is on sound insulation qualities. The material is made on the basis of soundproof panels. It successfully combines natural ingredients and modern technologies. Special fibers are formed from coniferous wood, due to which it was possible to obtain a porous structure. It is distinguished by its durability, and due to the introduction of antiseptics into the substrate, fungus and mold do not multiply in the substrate. The product can be purchased in the form of 850×590 mm panels. The maximum level of sound insulation can be achieved with a material with a thickness of 4-5 mm.

To the advantages of the product, users consider the absence of smell, high-quality workmanship. However, it is not possible to find such material in every hardware store. Therefore, the challenger is not included in the top three.

Advantages

• excellent sound insulation;
• elasticity;
• environmental friendliness;
• durability.

disadvantages

• deficit in the trading network;
• overcharge.

Arbiton cork

Rating: 4.5

The Arbiton Cork underlays offer an optimal quality / price ratio. The Polish manufacturer supplies products to the Russian market in the form of rolls (10×1 m). The required rigidity and thermal insulation of the floor covering is provided by a material with a thickness of 2 mm. Experts pay attention to the fact that the substrate can withstand temperature extremes. It is recommended for use in floor systems with warm (water) floors. However, it is required to lay shielding layers. The material is created on a natural basis, it has elasticity, leveling all the loads exerted on the laminate.

Builders praise the material for forming an even layer without waves. Only the edges of the material are brittle, so careful handling is required.

Advantages

• acceptable price;
• heat resistance;
• elasticity;
• lack of memory effect.

disadvantages

• fragility;
• heterogeneity of composition.

The best underlays for polymer laminates

Synthetic substrates are an excellent combination of affordable price and good performance. They create a reliable barrier to cold and moisture at the interface between concrete and laminate. But the noise insulation capabilities of the composite material are limited. The experts selected several products.

Eco-cover

Rating: 4.9

The domestic substrate Eco-cover is widely used. It is a vinyl acetate and ethylene based product. Environmentalists have no complaints about the safety of the material, so it can be used both in office premises and in residential buildings and apartments. Experts note the excellent leveling ability, and due to the elasticity and high strength, the surface of the coating is hard. The product is produced in the form of slabs, for ease of transportation, they are rolled into rolls.

The substrate becomes the winner of our rating for excellent technical characteristics. It successfully fights noise, moisture, retains all its qualities in a wide temperature range (-40 … + 80 ° C). Finishers praise the material for its ease of use and a wide range of sizes.

Advantages

• wide scope;
• good sound insulation;
• moisture resistance;
• ease of use.

disadvantages

• high price.

ReFoam 3002

Rating: 4.8

The ReFoam 3002 substrate has one of the best noise insulation indicators (21 dB). The material is cross-linked polyethylene, which is safe for use in children's and medical institutions. Experts appreciate it for its high density and elasticity. Thanks to the combination of these qualities, the underlay is easy to work with, and the floor covering is distinguished by its integrity. The production technology was invented in Japan, and products are manufactured and sold in Russia. In stores, roll products (10×1.2 m) are presented, the optimal rigidity of the laminate is ensured with a thickness of 2 mm.

The product does not have the best water absorption capacity, therefore, it is not recommended to use it on the first floors of high-rise buildings, where there is a basement under the floor. The material occupies the second line of the rating.

Advantages

• good sound insulation;
• strength and elasticity;
• ease of transportation and stacking;
• lack of smell.

disadvantages

• does not absorb moisture.

The best extruded polystyrene substrates

Extruded polystyrene is widely used in construction, and the substrate for the laminate is also made from it. The strengths of the material include affordability and a wide choice in thickness.

VTM, ISOPOLIN

Rating: 4.6

The most affordable option for a laminate or parquet flooring is to use an extruded polystyrene backing. The products are produced in the form of sheets that are easy to transport and stack. ISOPOLIN is called a quiet floor due to its good sound-absorbing properties. The product stands out from the competition with a large range of thicknesses. The product is lightweight, which is why air currents often lift separately lying sheets from the floor. Experts advise to immediately connect them with tape.

Users are pleased with the availability of the material and the ease of installation. The disadvantages include fragility, modest leveling ability of thin sheets (less than 3 mm).

Advantages

• low price;
• ease of transportation and installation;
• light weight;
• suitable for all bases.

disadvantages

• fragility.

Best polyethylene backings

Polyethylene backing is very popular with Russian users. The material is resistant to microorganisms, moisture, it is easy to use. To increase the thermal and waterproofing properties, manufacturers supplement the polyethylene foam with aluminum foil. Here are some quality products.

Tuplex

Rating: 4.7

Unique Finnish technology is implemented in Tuplex polyethylene backing. Styrofoam balls are located between the two films. Moreover, the bottom layer has a special perforation that allows moisture to penetrate into the material. Water comes out together with air currents through the edges of the substrate. It is clear that we are talking about a small amount of moisture. Otherwise, mold or mildew will start in the material.

According to experts, this breathable construction is easy to install. There is a small percentage of waste that other competitors have. For good technical parameters and original design, the substrate becomes the winner of our rating.

Advantages

• unique manufacturing technology;
• good moisture absorption;
• breathable construction;
• effective ventilation.

disadvantages

• limited assortment in thickness.

Foil Izolon PPE

Rating: 4.6

Foiled Izolon PPE allows protecting the floor from cold and moisture at the same time. The backing is a cross-linked polyethylene, which is produced in rolls. Aluminum foil is attached to one side of the substrate. Due to this design, the material has a low thermal conductivity coefficient. The material perfectly protects the laminate from steam and moisture, often foil-clad Izolon is used as waterproofing. Along with durability and resistance to decay, the product is also environmentally friendly. It is suitable for installing underfloor heating.

When laying the laminate, there is a problem with the formation of a solid layer. As a result, the joints become weak points for the penetration of cold and moisture.

Advantages

• low thermal conductivity;
• safety;
• elasticity;
• possibility of reuse.

disadvantages

• high price.

Izolon PPE

Rating: 4.5

Owners of apartments living above the 2nd floor, when laying a laminate or parquet board, can use Izolon PPE as a layer. In contrast to the foil-clad version, the material does not claim to be the best insulation or vapor barrier. This is not required of him when the floor covering is installed on a dry and warm floor. The basis of the substrate is the same foamed polyethylene foam, sewn into a single roll. Thanks to its multi-layer honeycomb structure, the product perfectly absorbs noise and vibration, further preventing heat loss in the room. Experts note the inertness of polyethylene foam, it itself does not emit harmful compounds, does not react with gasoline or alkaline-based detergents. A set of useful characteristics allows the substrate to take third place in our rating.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• inertia;
• good sound insulation;
• safety.

disadvantages

• gradual thinning of the substrate.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.