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 2024, according to buyers, with their pros and cons.
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:
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:
Depending on the type of substrate, it is laid according to the instructions.
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:
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 |

Picture - "Cork underlay for laminate"
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.
Jute substrates have special qualities: they isolate noise and retain heat. The most popular models include substrates from domestic manufacturers:
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.

EcoRoll by SoundGuard, exterior, unrolled roll
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 |
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.

Roll of substrate "20791" from the manufacturer "Resource"
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 |
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.

Roll of substrate "UT000000244" in unfolded form
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 |
According to buyers, the following companies have become the best manufacturers of polystyrene foam substrates for laminate flooring:
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.

An example of laying a substrate under the laminate "113504" from the manufacturer "Solid"
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 |
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:

Model "157715" from the manufacturer "Aberhof", underlay for laminate, exterior
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 |
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.

Roll of substrate "NPE-3" from the manufacturer "Porileks"
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 |
The best companies for the production of goods in this category are:
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.

Rolled underlay "12331" from the manufacturer "Izopak"
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 |
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.

Appearance of the substrate "87408" from the manufacturer "Professional"
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 |
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.

Installation of the substrate "2184" from the manufacturer "Tuplex"
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 |
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:
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.

Rolls of cork underlay for BASIS laminate from the manufacturer Cork
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 |
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.

Installation of a substrate under the laminate. Model "955" from the manufacturer "MGO"
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 |
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.

Cork backing sheets "PPR05" from the manufacturer "Corksribas"
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 |
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:
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:
The substrate, in some cases, can be mounted on glue and liquid nails.

Substrate "Underfloor" from the manufacturer "STEICO", appearance, material installation
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 |
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.

Packaging of the substrate "lattialeijona-4.5" from the manufacturer "LATTIALEIJONA"
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 |
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.

Backing sheet "95109" from the manufacturer "Izoplaat"
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 |
The review was composed of various types of laminate substrates from domestic and foreign manufacturers for 2024 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 2024"
| 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 |