Laminate thickness

Even if the base for laying the laminate seems perfectly flat, it is impossible to ignore the presence of the substrate. It allows you to make the floor really smooth, prevents breakage of the castle or the formation of recesses in the board, and also helps to improve noise and heat insulation. Its thickness, like the board itself, can be different. We will understand what is needed in some cases.

What determines the thickness of the substrate for the laminate

The thickness depends mainly on the material of manufacture. The most popular are the following:

  • The made foam polyethylene. This is the most popular material. It has a low price and good performance. So, polyethylene is not afraid of moisture, it is a good heat and sound insulator. Its thickness is usually small.
  • Polystyrene. It is made on the one hand foil. This is more expensive material, but it has better performance. Does not accumulate moisture, does not allow mold to form, less sags. Its thickness is slightly higher.
  • Cork is considered one of the most expensive. It does not sag at all, it has higher qualities of noise and heat insulation, its properties are quite thick and durable. Suitable for high quality laminate.

The choice of thickness of the plates is influenced by indicators such as:

  • level of roughness of the base;
  • floor operating conditions;
  • price policy;
  • the necessary level of noise and heat insulation;
  • the price and quality of the laminate.

Now more about the existing thickness options.

Types of substrates and their thickness

Since the main difference in thickness depends on the type of product, this will be one of the main criteria for division. Above, we called the basic materials from which this coating element is made. These are the most popular options, however, are not the only ones. There are other bases from which the substrate for the laminate is made. We divide them by the criterion of thickness.

Minimum 2 mm

This is the most subtle variation. It is suitable in cases where surface irregularities are minimal. Basically, a 2 mm substrate is a foamed polyethylene. She fulfills the minimum requirements:

  • provides a minimum level of isolation;
  • does not accumulate moisture;
  • does not give in to damage of rodents;
  • does not grow moldy.

It also has a small price, which to a large extent ensures its popularity. Of the minuses, a large degree of sagging can be distinguished.

Important! A 2 mm substrate is only suitable if the substrate has minimal bumps.

Standard - 3 mm

This option is represented by a mixture of polyethylene and polystyrene, which is located between two layers of the first material.

This is the most common option. Suitable for good insulation, completely smooths out any unevenness in the floor and sags less.

Cork backing 4 mm

A 4 mm substrate is mainly represented by cork options. It can be a purely cork cloth, bitumen-cork or rubber-cork. This series belongs to more expensive options, while it has more advantages, in addition to the above:

  • not sagging;
  • not combustible;
  • light
  • environmentally friendly;
  • durable.

Due to its incombustibility, this material is often used in the installation of underfloor heating. Suitable for leveling both small irregularities and more noticeable.

Which substrate is 5 mm

It is represented by fiberglass, on one side covered with a bitumen cork. Suitable for leveling deeper bumps. It has excellent sound, heat and waterproofing properties.

Important! A 5 mm substrate is laid with gaps around the perimeter of the room.

Expanded polystyrene 7 mm

The 3 mm model was presented above, which is a combination of polystyrene and polyethylene. In this case, only foamed polystyrene is included.

On the one hand, such a canvas is made corrugated, which improves the insulating properties, and also prevents the accumulation of moisture and the formation of mold.

Important! Adhesive tape is not enough to fasten such a substrate; an adhesive aluminum tape is used here.

What is a 10 mm substrate

This option is rarely used, since this is the maximum thickness of the substrate. In some cases, it can replace the use of self-leveling mixtures. It is presented by tiles from needles. It is mainly made to order, and it is extremely difficult to find it in stores.

Watch the video: Laminate Thickness Explained - Laminate Flooring Project 5 - Carpetright (March 2024).

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