The substrate for linoleum: whim or need

Linoleum is widely regarded as a leader among floor coverings. The versatility of the material confirmed the practice of using it for decades. Attracted by the price and ease of installation. At the same time, often a dilemma on the need for installation on the basis of a special material. What is the substrate under the linoleum, how it is structured and where its use is necessary? Understand these issues will help in this article.

Do I need a substrate under linoleum: functional characteristics and structure of the material

Linoleum substrate - additional building material layer plays the role between the floor and linoleum. Between builders tochitsya long been debate as to whether to use a substrate is necessary. Some believe that it is desirable, and in some cases even necessary, other - followers of the opinion that the laying of additional material - waste of time and money.

In fact, both sides are right: do not, in some cases without the substrate, and in some - it would be superfluous element. In the event of the need for its use, you must first familiarize yourself with a wide range of functions performed by the substrate:

1. Reliable soundproofing. This is especially important in multi-storey buildings, as the noise interferes with the penetration of the premises placed at the bottom.
2. Additional insulation. This is useful for apartments with cold floor, for example, placed on the ground floor and on the non-residential premises, which are not heated. That support can be an excellent insulator.
3. Alignment surface. Additional layer eliminates tight contact with the ground floor flooring material, eliminates the pits, cracks, bumps, thereby leveling the base and extend the life of linoleum. Indeed, the presence of defects on the floor leads to a rapid deterioration of the material.

In the production of substrates using various techniques and raw materials, in particular natural and synthetic. Variety, advantages and disadvantages of its basic types are described below. The name and structure of the natural substrate correspond to material which was taken as a basis for the manufacture of:

• jute;
• cork;
• linen;
• wood fiber;
• combined.

Useful advice!Now the building materials market offers a wide range of multi-layered linoleum with a special layer of different sound- and heat-insulating materials. Their use eliminates the need to lay additional material under the linoleum.

Jute, flax or linoleum cork underlay: Comparative characteristics

Jute. The basis of such a substrate is a natural plant fiber of jute. In order to prevent decay and ignition of the feedstock is added a special flame retardant. Such a framework can absorb and remove moisture. At the same time, the material itself is not getting wet. Its main drawback - the high cost.

Corkboard. Raw material is crushed cork. Such a substrate is characterized by ecological purity (100%), because its composition is possible the use of synthetic substances. This is an excellent thermal insulation and sound insulation under the linoleum layer. Along with, there are disadvantages listed advantages. Chief among them - the high price. In addition, the material has a low degree of rigidity, which results in bursting the coating under the influence of furniture and subsequently to its deformation.

Linen. The production technology is a double piercing needle flax fibers. Processing special means prevents bacteria and insects. The main advantage of the material - providing free ventilation between the floor and the coating. Circulation of air prevents moisture and spread of harmful bacteria and fungi.

Mixed and synthetic substrate: which is better for linoleum

Fiberboard. Basic material - softwood trees. Quite a new kind of a substrate having high sound and thermal insulation qualities. The disadvantage is the same as that of the cork base - a tendency prominaetsya. Additionally, coniferous resin, protecting the wood from moisture and pests, has a strong, not very pleasant smell. This inconvenience "evaporate" with time.

Combined substrate. Manufactured by mixing flax, jute and wool fibers. Even the thin material of 2 mm has a high density - up to 700 g / m². Such quality significantly improves the insulating properties. However, such a substrate as well as all natural, inclined prominaetsya, although to a lesser degree. It is believed that this is the most practical basis for any kind of floor covering.

Foam. Refers to a category of synthetic, it is based on a porous polymer material. It has good sound and heat insulation qualities, as well as a relatively low cost. However, experts do not recommend to use it under the linoleum. Such a substrate strongly prominaetsya and soon loses its shape, all this has a negative impact on the state of the base coat. This material is better suited for laminate.

Useful advice! Optimal variant that provides insulation and dry the floor, - a variant of a combination of flax, jute and wool fibers. This universal substrate having a high degree of wear resistance and insulation.

In some cases, the substrate is required under the linoleum, and when - overkill

There are a number of significant arguments in favor of the substrate under the linoleum. In particular, its use is mandatory in the following cases:

• cold floor - the main precondition in order to lay an additional basis before laying linoleum. A high degree of thermal insulation material serves as a protective barrier against the cold, which enters from the basement or the lower floors of a residential premises. Therefore, experts do not recommend to save on the comfort and health of relatives, neglecting layer between the floor and linoleum. It is worth to buy a good substrate, preferably made of natural raw materials;

• uneven floor surface. Make perfectly flat screed only by experienced master, so as to avoid irregularities, it is better to take advantage of the substrate, which will hide all the flaws;
• single-layer linoleum. Coverage without the basics, though is much cheaper, will not be able to provide the necessary thermal insulation, in such cases require a special foundation - substrate.

Do without an additional layer can be, in some cases, the following:

• linoleum trail on the old coating. In this situation, the substrate must be as smooth, flawless, otherwise the old material better dismantled;
• layered linoleum with jute or foam base, which in its properties is not inferior to the substrate, greatly simplifies the process of laying. This laminate consists of fiber glass layer impregnated with a paste PVC fabric substrate, jute, foamed polyvinylchloride and polyester;

• despite the fact that the homogeneous Tarkett Linoleum is a single layer, it provides a reliable insulation. This option - the best choice of linoleum in the hallway. Photos show different types of such a material.

Installation of linoleum on a different basis: types and requirements

Before proceeding with the laying of linoleum, with or without the substrate, it is necessary to study the technical features of the base and carefully prepare it. Sam linoleum - material is sufficiently flexible and elastic, so you need to take care of the implementation of a number of requirements in relation to the basis of:

• surface must be durable and smooth. Admitted exceptionally smooth changes from 2 to 7 mm, however require additional alignment procedure by casting a floor;
• the hardness of the subfloor;
• base must be perfectly clean and dry. If necessary, the surface is cleaned of old paint, eliminate the fatty and oily stains.

Useful advice!When deciding on the appropriateness of the substrate, it is necessary to take into account, where it is planned to lay linoleum. In the corridor, you can do without it. You can use a single layer of commercial linoleum, the thickness of the layer that will create the necessary isolation.

Requirements for preparation of the base prolongs linoleum service. As for the base, it is shared, depending on the material on these types:

• concrete;
• wooden floor;
• old coating;
• tile;
• plywood covering base concrete or wooden floor (sheet materials such as plywood, chipboard or OSB panels, can be both the basis for the gender, and serve as a substrate under flooring).

Each view includes a base and a special preparation method for mounting of linoleum and the substrate under it.

Chipboard material instead of the substrate: at a linoleum floor plywood

Usually, as a substrate on a concrete base using a plywood linoleum. On the wooden floor of this technology is used more often. Also involve other wood-base materials - MDF and OSB boards. Their main advantage - providing a perfectly flat surface. In addition, they ensure the necessary rigidity of the base. Availability of plywood under linoleum not exclude the possibility of laying an additional layer of any soft substrate, which will provide additional heat and noise insulation effect.

Fiberboard - the thinnest and most affordable in terms of price material. Its thickness - up to 2 mm. For this reason, hardboard is not suitable for laying on the floor is very curve, as the substrate deforms rapidly, resulting in defects are recorded on the linoleum.

RSD to order stronger and thicker (from 6 to 12 mm) of the previous material, so more suitable for foundations under the linoleum. These boards will help to align the floor, but before the application is necessary to clearly define the required level. At the same time, the material wears out quickly under load, part of the plate flakes off over time, which leads to the formation of defects.

Plywood, on the basis of the characteristics described above means a coating - the best of the solid base material. Its layered structure does not allow to bend, which contributes to the excellent floor leveling. The only disadvantage of plywood is that it costs much more expensive than other alternative solid supports.

Related article:

What a substrate under a laminate better views, features and specifications

The main criteria for selecting the material. How to instal their own hands. Ranking the top 5 manufacturers.

All wood-base materials have a common drawback: they are vulnerable to moisture, so they should not be laid in the kitchen or in the bathroom. Under the influence of moisture wood boards are beginning to rot, changing the shape and volume. All this has a negative impact on the primary coating. Fiberboard may generally like paper, be melted in contact with moisture. Chipboard exposed to damage by insects and are prone to fire. But in the case of proper pre-treatment, all these negative aspects can neutralize.

Useful advice!In order better to take alignment surface veneer of thickness at least 10 mm. On level screed suitable sheets of 6 mm thickness.

The base for linoleum: a substrate on a concrete floor

The concrete base is ideal for laying linoleum with prior its alignment. To do this, use a special blend made screed or using a floating floor method. On the concrete floor often resort to the substrate. The procedure involves placing a specific sequence of operation:

• base preparation includes cleaning and surface leveling. After performing concrete screed floor must be completely dry. This may take up to 30 days;
• elimination of defects. After pouring the floor sometimes form small flaws. The bumps can be brought down or cut off, and holes must be filled with a mixture of self-leveling;
• waterproofing. After final drying surface coated with the waterproofing layer. For this fit a simple plastic film covering the whole floor cloth. Be sure to provide an overlap on the wall of 3-4 cm;
• installation alignment layer involves laying plywood or other wood-base materials. sheets of plywood trail with a margin of 5 mm wall. Subsequently, the gap and the joints between the boards is filled with sealant. Fixed material with small dowel-nails (5 mm) at a distance of 60 mm from each other. Fixing material must not protrude and dents obscure filler;

• roll flooring substrate. The material is rolled and laid end to end, without overlaps. Seams glued gray reinforced tape.

What should be padded under linoleum on wooden floor

Wooden floors are very popular because of its environmental friendliness, practicality and thermal insulation characteristics. But this floor wears over time, there is a need to update it. Faced with such a problem, the owners are wondering whether it is possible to lay linoleum on the wooden floor. It turns out that the laying of PVC material - the optimal solution for the floor renovation with wooden base. At the same time dismantling the boards will not be required.

Naturally the question arises as to whether to buy a substrate for linoleum need. Search response should in each specific case, considering the quality of the wooden support and the purpose for which this application is planned interlayer.

In particular, the support will help to improve thermal insulation. Even in the coldest time of this floor will retain heat as much as possible. Stack substrate is optional if the planned installation of the warm linoleum on plywood base.

Use an additional base is desirable as before to put linoleum on the wooden floor that creaks too. In addition, it will help neutralize the small bumps and dimples on the surface.

Useful advice! The easiest way - is the acquisition of linoleum with the substrate. Its price is much higher, but the cost savings needed for the purchase of the substrate, plus the gain in time, also does not need to expend energy for installation. Ideal - Semi-commercial linoleum. The characteristics of such coatings provide good insulation and compensation irregularities.

If the thickness of the semi-commercial linoleum is insufficient, it is further possible to use a substrate. How to lay linoleum on the wooden floor and the substrate, we shall understand below.

How to lay linoleum on the wooden floor: surface leveling

Wooden floor - a frequent basis. As a rule, even in a perfect wooden floor has cracks, bumps on the nails and other imperfections. Therefore, on the basis of a best mount plywood thickness of 7 mm. On the question of whether the laying linoleum on the wooden floor, the experts give a positive response with prior surface alignment.

Before you align the wooden floor beneath linoleum, you need to prepare the floorboards. Bumps and cracks should be to cover a special putty. This will ensure the integrity and good floor insulation.

If the floor is new and smooth, it is possible to dispense with a plywood layer, and before laying linoleum on the wooden floor, it is necessary carefully fix the board, align the base or a plane grinders, nail heads as much as possible to drown in wood and putty the holes. Using putty joints between the boards are removed, and other defects. If the board to form an undulating surface, the floor will have perestelit places or be completely removed. The coating must be clean, dust and debris in the cracks must be removed with a vacuum cleaner.

How to lay linoleum on the wooden floor: the substrate styling

After the surface leveling and clean debris from the substrate mounting process consists of the following stages:

1. Laying an insulating layer. As in the case of concrete floor before laying linoleum on the wooden floor, it is advisable to lay the usual polyethylene film. It protects the wood from moisture and creates the necessary insulation.
2. Flooring substrate. Blanket trail stripes without overlaps - butt, and then connect them with sealant or special tape.

After that, you can start laying linoleum on the wooden floor. If used as a substrate plywood, then the process more time-consuming, it includes the following sequence of works:

• primer surface. Previous while the linoleum laid on a wooden floor, the surface is cleaned of old paint and is applied to it a primer material;
• plywood assembling is performed after the complete drying of the primer. Plywood trail with some displacement. The distance from the sheet to the wall should not be less than 5 mm;
• fastening plywood. For fastening to the wooden base is best to use self-tapping screws, which are easy to use and able to provide a secure fit;

• elimination of defects. At the edges of the plywood sheets with the help of the planer clean burrs and depressions in the ground screwing screws obscure filler.

Useful advice!If you intend to use on the wooden floor glue for linoleum, it is necessary to remove old layers of paint and varnish.

How to style your linoleum on the wooden floor

To learn how to lay linoleum on the wooden floor, there are many tips and tricks on the network. Summarize them, we can conclude that the immediate laying of linoleum - a simple process, which is preceded by a painstaking preparatory work. The material itself is spread easily. To linoleum took the necessary form, you should give him a couple of days to lie in the unfolded state. The time depends on the flexibility of the material, which is influenced by the proportion of 1 m² of linoleum. Heavier usually mounted organic coating types.

As a floor finish in areas with high traffic it is recommended to use commercial linoleum. GOST characteristics such floor covering indicate a high degree of strength and durability, a superior laminate. On the quality of the floor covering shows the special quality certificate of the manufacturer.

More flexible kinds of stuff to fix is ​​quite simple. Suffice it to carefully align the cover, and then coat the edges with special glue. Final Fixing ensure installation of the baseboards. If there is uncertainty about the actions and fear to spoil the expensive material, it is recommended that the work to professionals.

Thus, the substrate under linoleum not necessary to use always, but sometimes without it, just can not do. As additional material, it helps to improve the quality of sex. The main thing - to decide with a set of functions required of the substrate, and choose the correct option. To lay the material is quite simple. As a result, it will give additional heat and sound insulation properties of the base coat. On the concrete floor to protect from the cold, and wooden - from damage and creaking floorboards.