Which substrate is better for linoleum: types, use cases

Despite the emergence of many modern flooring, linoleum is still a popular option. Its attractiveness for people decorating their homes is explained not only by affordable price and durability, but also by a large selection of colors and textures. They help complement any style in the interior.

However, the quality of the finish may be affected by the installation method. Many masters argue that the substrate used during installation can significantly improve the appearance of the floor, making it smoother, more beautiful and quieter. We will figure out which substrate is better, how to choose it.

Types of Substrates

The substrate is an important element in the device of any gender. It performs several basic functions. In particular, it creates a heat-insulating layer, conceals small roughnesses of the rough coating, and also has sound insulation. Therefore, its use, including under linoleum, is considered a completely reasonable decision.

There are several varieties of the base:

• jute;
• bung;
• linen;
• composites;
• foamed materials (e.g., isolon, penoizol).

The choice depends solely on the taste preferences of the homeowners.

TIP. If the decoration uses resources created using synthetic substances, penoizol or any other inexpensive foam material is used. Under the condition of maximum naturalness, you can choose a cork or jute coating.

Jute

Jute fibers used to be actively used for the production of ropes and burlap. Today they are used to create lining material for various types of floor coverings.

A unique feature of jute fibers allows you to reliably protect the room from moisture. They absorb and excrete it, while they themselves do not get wet. This is a completely natural and environmentally friendly material that can be used in any room.

The main disadvantage of such a fabric is its high cost, which does not allow its use everywhere. Only a few citizens agree to lay jute under inexpensive linoleum.

Bung

Another natural material, which is made by pressing sawdust from balsa wood under powerful pressure. Among the advantages, antistatic properties and a fire-resistant surface are distinguished. The material is non-toxic and quite acceptable for installation even in children's rooms.

The main disadvantages of this material is its high price and softness.. It is easy to push and spoil with heavy furniture.

If you still decide on a cork substrate, you should use the product with the highest possible stiffness.

Linen

A soft substrate created using special technology from flax fibers. It is completely natural and environmentally friendly. To prevent the formation of fungus and mold, it is treated with special antifungal compounds in production.

Of all the natural substrates, this is the most budgetary. It is soft and perfectly spreads on the rough floor, is antistatic and remarkably masks small irregularities of the wooden floor.

Composites

Affordable and practical material from the synthetic category. It is two layers of polyethylene, between which are granules of polystyrene. Among the undoubted advantages of such a substrate, obvious insulation, as well as protection against moisture and heat insulation in the room.

Important! Rigidity is one of the features of this material. Composite surfaces are difficult to deform and may not fit the selected linoleum.

Therefore, many experts refuse to use such a substrate because of its rigidity. For linoleum, soft materials are most preferred. And also the cost of this film sometimes repels from the acquisition: it is quite high.

Foam Materials

A widely used option that absorbs noise well and has thermal insulation properties. However it is not recommended to use it under linoleum. Because over time, with the active use of the flooring, it wrinkles and creates ugly knolls and creases on the finish material.

Which substrate is better to choose

Experts in the field of apartment renovation do not have an unambiguous opinion on whether a substrate for linoleum to be laid is generally needed. Some of them recommend laying it on a rough wooden floor, while another insists on the use of lining material.

If you nevertheless decided to lay the substrate, you should pay attention to the natural components of the jute and cork substrate. They are environmentally friendly and safe, retain heat well and “breathe”, do not retain moisture. Such a choice will make it possible to safely use the room, knowing that the coating will last a long time and will look beautiful.