Rating of the best laminate underlays for 2022

With the help of a substrate for a laminate, 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. Here is a list of the best laminate underlays for 2022, according to buyers, with their pros and cons.

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

Repair is always the chores of choosing building materials, worries about the process and the end result. Key areas are the floor, ceiling and walls. We are talking about floor coverings, or rather a draft layer for laying laminate flooring - the substrate. Frequently asked questions of each buyer:

• Why do you need a laminate flooring?
• Is it possible to do without a substrate?
• How to lay the underlay?

The underlayment is an auxiliary material that provides the final floor covering with strength and a long service life.It is laid in order to even out the dents between the floor screed and the laminate floor, to insulate the floor, to isolate the noise of movement on the floor. If the substrate is not covered, then the laminate coating will wear out quickly and be subject to physical damage, there is a high probability that mold and fungus will appear due to accumulated moisture, and many other incidents.

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

• Clean the surface of 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.

• Auxiliary material is laid 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 underlay for laminate flooring? First you need to know what they are? The table shows the classification of substrates.

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

Classification:	Type of:	Description:
By appointment:	floor	for laying under the main floor covering
	facing	facing material is used for wall insulation, ceiling soundproofing
By form:	rolled	in coils, standard coverage area 10 sq. meters
	plate	small 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 for noise suppression
	air exchange	preventive measure against the appearance of mold and fungus between the screed and the laminate
	eliminate irregularities	to ensure a level surface when installing the base floor layer
	deformation resistance	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 substrate for laminate flooring? Some selection rules:

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

Table - "Types of material for the substrate"

Name:	Description:
Expanded polypropylene:	well shock-absorbs the coating under load, has high thermal insulation, absorbs noise
Bitumen-cork substrate:	Provides additional protection against mold and mildew
Cork:	low thermal conductivity, excellent sound insulation, provides good cushioning
Coniferous:	increased mechanical strength, retains heat well, does not deform
From Styrofoam:	withstand heavy loads for a long time
Jute:	reduces noise level, mounted in rooms with unstable humidity
Foil:	for heat retention and sound insulation

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

Budget options for substrates for laminate - 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 amount of material consumption, read customer reviews or see an overview of the installation of a specific brand of substrate for laminate flooring.

Rating of high-quality jute laminate underlays for 2022

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

• "Resource";
• SoundGuard.

EcoRoll model from SoundGuard

Appointment: for a floor under a laminate or a parquet.

This underlay 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 interfloor constructions, as a separating 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, the surface density should be 120 kg/m.

Specifications:

Options:	3.5 mm - thickness, length - 10 m
Net weight:	3 kg 700 g
Coverage area per 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
Steam permeability:	0.6
Flammability class:	G4
Average price:	1700 rubles

• Environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic material;
• Smoothes out unevenness on the screed;
• High rates of sound and thermal insulation;
• Russian production;
• durable;
• Value for money;
• Easy installation.

• Not identified.

Model "20791" from the manufacturer "Resource"

Purpose: under parquet, laminate, carpet and linoleum.

Roll underlay for floor coverings, made of natural material (jute). By its properties, this coating is often compared with 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
Producing country:	Russia
Year of issue:	2007
What is the price:	1300 rubles

• Inexpensive;
• Footsteps are not heard when moving on the surface;
• High quality;
• Long service life;
• Universal model: for all types of floor coverings;
• Dense substrate, well levels the floor;
• Natural;
• Antifungal function.

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

Model "UT000000244"

Appointment: for a heat-insulated floor under a laminate.

Rolled jute underlay with good noise and heat insulating properties. The thickness of the substrate does not allow sagging during installation, eliminates any irregularities. The material consumption is the same as indicated on the packaging from the manufacturer.

Specifications:

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

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

• Manufacturer not specified.

Rating of the best polystyrene substrates for laminate flooring for 2022

According to buyers, the following companies became the best manufacturers for the production of polystyrene foam substrates for laminate:

• "Solid";
• Aberhof;
• Porilex.

Model "113504" from the manufacturer "Solid"

Appointment: for a heat-insulated floor, under a laminate.

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

Specifications:

Type of:	sheet
Thickness:	1.8mm
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
Producing country:	Russia
Average price:	380 rubles

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

• Fragile.

Model "157715" from the manufacturer "Aberhof"

Purpose: for the floor under the laminate, parquet or cork flooring in the apartment.

The gray underlay on the concrete floor has insulating thermal and sound properties. Suitable for laying 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 level and dry;
• It must be thoroughly cleaned of contamination;
• The laying of the substrate is carried out end-to-end.

Specifications:

Type of:	sheet
Parameters (centimeters):	105 - length, 50 - width
Thickness:	3 mm
Density:	45 kg per cubic meter
Material:	extruded polystyrene
Sound Absorption:	22 dB
Number of sheets per pack:	10 pieces.
Covered area per package:	5.25 sq. meters
Net weight:	1 kg
Producing country:	Russia
By cost:	190 rubles

• durable;
• Comfortable operation;
• Wide scope;
• budget;
• Holds heat well
• Quiet floor;
• Easy fitting.

• Not identified.

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

Purpose: for laminate, parquet board.

Lining for various types of flooring has highly efficient and technologically advanced thermal insulation. The low density backing material gives the flooring a special flexibility. The structure of the fibers is a closed cellular, special resistance to aggressive environments. To create the substrate, modern ozone-saving technologies are used. The main advantages of the product include: a small level of impact noise, increased heat capacity, leveling the concrete floor.

Specifications:

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

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

• Not identified.

Popular models of polyethylene foam underlays for 2022

The best firms for the production of goods in this category were:

• "Isopack";
• "Professional";
• Tuplex.

Model "12331" from the manufacturer "Isopak"

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

The green polyethylene foam underlay has all the necessary properties to create comfort and coziness in the house. The material is not much inferior in quality to expensive counterparts. The substrate can be used with the "warm floor" system.It has a high degree of sound and thermal insulation, water-repellent property, which will not allow mold and fungus to form on the final floor covering.

Specifications:

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

• Easy installation;
• High quality;
• Affordable price;
• Long service life;
• Product properties;
• domestic production.

• Not identified.

Model "87408" from the manufacturer "Professional"

Appointment: the basis under a laminate and a parquet board.

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

Specifications:

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

• Increased service life: wear-resistant substrate;
• durable;
• Easy installation thanks to markings;
• Safe;
• Certified;
• Eliminates small irregularities;
• The quality of the material;
• Noise absorption is good;
• The presence of natural and forced ventilation due to the structure of the material;
• Holds heat well.

• Not identified.

Model "2184" from the manufacturer "Tuplex"

Purpose: for soundproofing under a parquet board or laminate.

The substrate consists of two layers: the first - polyethylene, 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's logo is applied). The material has good sound absorption property, does not absorb moisture and provides air exchange.

Specifications:

Type of:	rolled
Thickness:	3 mm
Width:	1.1 m
Heat conduction:	0.044 square meter 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 per 1 sq. meter:	115 rubles

• Fills cavities and crevices;
• moisture resistance;
• Combined substrate: several different layers;
• Good sound insulation;
• Elasticity;
• Resistance to deformation;
• world fame;
• Simple and fast installation;
• Special development: for hard flooring laminated.

• Not identified.

The best cork underlays for laminate flooring for 2022

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 ranges of substrates for laminate are offered to the attention. The list of popular companies includes:

• Cork;
• MGO.

Model "BASIS" from the manufacturer "Cork"

Purpose: under laminate, parquet, engineering board, solid wood or cork floors.

Cork underlay from a foreign manufacturer is made from the bark of a tree (cork oak) in secondary processing. The material has sound and thermal insulation, protects the floor from moisture, which is formed during the screed process. Thanks to the treatment with a special solution, the substrate does not ignite and perfectly passes air.

Specifications:

Type of:	rolled
Thickness:	2 mm
Roll consumption:	10 sq. meters
Width:	1 meter
Material:	cork
Color:	beige
Producing country:	Portugal
Cost per sq. meter:	125 rubles

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

• Not identified.

Model "955" from the manufacturer "MGO"

Purpose: for parquet and cork boards, laminate.

Wooden underlay for underfloor heating with good soundproofing quality. Color - beige. Sold in rolls. The underlayment helps to eliminate small irregularities. One roll covers an area of ​​10 square meters. meters.

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

Specifications:

Type of:	rolled
Thickness:	2 mm
Net weight:	400 g
Material:	cork
Raw material:	oak
Roll length:	10 m
Width:	1m
Producing country:	Portugal
Cost per 1 sq. meter:	148 rubles

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

• Not identified.

Model "PPR05" from the manufacturer "Corksribas"

Purpose: for laminate, linoleum, parquet, solid and engineered boards, cork floors.

Building materials are used for floors, walls and ceilings. It has high sound insulation properties and also retains heat. Thanks to sheet plates, it is convenient to mount and calculate the required amount of material. The thickness of the substrate allows you to smooth out any irregularities.

Specifications:

Type of:	sheet
Parameters (centimeters):	91,5/61
Net weight:	700 g
Thickness:	5 mm
Material:	natural cork
Color:	brown
Manufacturer:	Portugal
By cost:	300 rubles

• wide profile;
• Hypoallergenic;
• elastic;
• With high rates of technical characteristics;
• Long service life;
• Value for money.

• Not identified.

List of the best pine needle underlays for 2022

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"

Appointment: under a parquet and a laminate.

Wood fiber underlay is used for underfloor heating as a leveling material for the final floor layer. The product absorbs noise well.Laying can only be done on solid, dry substrates. Can be used for walls and ceilings.

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 butt-to-butt.

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

Specifications:

Coverage area per package:	7 sq. meters
Parameters (centimeters):	79 - length, 59 - width
Thickness:	3 mm
Sound Absorption:	up to 25 dB
Color:	green
Material:	needles
Sheets per pack:	15 pcs.
For the price (1 pc.):	84 rubles

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

• Not identified.

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

Purpose: under the laminate, parquet, carpet and linoleum.

This model of the substrate is considered the most durable in its class. Softwood fiber with paraffin additive 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 even out any surface imperfections.

Specifications:

Type of:	sheet
Parameters (centimeters):	85 - length, 59 - width
Thickness:	4.5mm
Material:	needles + paraffin
Coverage area per package:	6 sq. meters
Density:	270 kg per cu. meter
Color:	beige
Sound Absorption:	22 dB
Producing country:	Finland
Average price:	140 rubles

• High strength;
• 100% natural material;
• Moisture protection;
• Easy to mount;
• durable;
• Copes well with all assigned tasks;
• Inexpensive.

• Not identified.

Model "95109" from the manufacturer "Izoplaat"

Purpose: under the laminate.

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

Specifications:

Type of:	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
Joint pressure holding:	20 tons per square meter
Coverage area per package:	9.027 sq. meters
Coefficient of thermal conductivity:	0.045
Material:	needles
Color:	green
Producing country:	Finland
Price for 1 cubic meter:	162 rubles

• Durable substrate: 50 years of service;
• Easy installation;
• Functional;
• Value for money;
• Thick: good at eliminating irregularities.

• Not identified.

Conclusion

The review was made up of various types of substrates for laminate from domestic and foreign manufacturers for 2022 with their own advantages and disadvantages. The table contains information about the best substrates with a brief announcement and price segment.

Table - "Popular laminate underlays for 2022"

Model:	Manufacturer:	Coverage area per 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"	Porilex	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	cork	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