Underlay carpet on a wooden floor. Which underlay to choose for carpet
What are the requirements for finished floor so that its installation is considered competent and of high quality? Firstly, it must be durable and wear-resistant, which means it can withstand heavy loads. Secondly, beautiful. And, thirdly, the corresponding hygienic standards that apply in the country. It is believed that floor base and the covering must be constructed strictly according to technology to prevent premature failure of floor materials. That is, it is necessary to adhere to certain standards, one of which is the use of a substrate. And if this happens by default with parquet and laminate, then carpet underlay is something new for many.
Conduct a survey on the topic “is carpet underlay necessary at all,” and many will answer that it is not needed. After all, carpet is warm, soft and durable coating, hiding minor differences in the floor plane. I'd like to believe it. But experts have a different opinion. They believe that the quality of a floor structure is determined by several factors. One of them is the use of underlay, including under carpet.
Types of substrates
Today, manufacturers offer two types of underlays used to level the floor base under carpet:
- Made from natural materials.
- From synthetic ones.
Let's look at the most popular of them.
Polyurethane foam
This is a tile material that is attached to the subfloor using adhesive composition B-2.
Polyurethane foam can hide a plane difference of up to 3 mm. Please note that this carpet underlay can only be laid on a dry surface.
Very important point- it is necessary to strictly monitor the tightness of the contact of the plates to each other. No gaps or cracks - the floor must be monolithic.
Polyurethane
Best substrate
This is a polyurethane-based roll material, framed on both sides with plastic film or paper.
The first sample can be used under carpet if the latter is installed on the floor using stretching technology. Its essence is that the floor covering is stretched on special hooks or gripper slats.
The second sample is most often framed not with plain paper, but with a layer of felt applied to it. It is the felt that increases thermal insulation properties substrate several times.
Rubber
This type of backing material is made from crumb rubber by hot pressing method.
This is the hardest material in this category. Therefore, experts recommend using it when carpet from natural fibers.
Cork
Cork backing
The most expensive option, but, according to professionals, it is the one that increases such qualities of the floor as hygiene, softness when walking, and safety according to sanitary standards.
Since carpeting is most often installed in children's rooms, it makes sense to splurge and purchase a cork underlay for carpet specifically for this room. She will soften already soft material and will increase its safety. After all, children most often play on the floor.
Polyethylene foam
This is the most common option. Moreover, it is the cheapest and quite reliable.
This substrate is also called isolon or penofol. Their thickness can vary between 2–20 mm. In addition, today many manufacturers offer modified materials, on one side of which a foil layer is glued.
As a result, the carpet underlay becomes a reflector, hydro, steam and heat insulator all rolled into one. The most important thing is that, as in the case of rubber samples, this one has important quality- it is not afraid of water and high humidity. So you can safely clean with a washing vacuum cleaner.
Expanded polystyrene
Expanded polystyrene tiles
An interesting option for substrates. It is produced in slabs and rolls. Material thickness - from 3 to 100 mm.
Experts guarantee that you can walk on thick slabs laid under carpet even with shoes on. In this case, you will never push through the material, although it is easily cut with a sharp tool. This is such a paradox.
For information - polystyrene foam boards manufactured according to different technologies. For example, by extrusion method. In this case, the density of the slabs can reach up to 45 kg/m³.
Attention! Carpet underlay can be made not only from pure materials, which were discussed above. Manufacturers often offer combined options, which are several times better than usual. But they also need to be chosen correctly.
Therefore, the consumer is faced with the question - what criteria are used to select a carpet underlay, and what should you pay attention to first? There are two requirements for the quality of the substrate material. It is high elasticity and moderate density.
Identifying them is not so easy. But experts suggest one effective method. Take the backing in your hands and crumple it. If it loses its appearance, and this happens instantly, it means that the material in your hands is not of very high quality.
Methods for laying the substrate
Carpet installation option
Some types of underlays are laid on the floor base with fixation. Typically, adhesives are used for this. But this is not at all necessary for roll materials. Here it is important to spread the underlay correctly so that it completely covers the floor with high degree tightness.
Sometimes the backing under the carpet is laid using the glueless method, but the carpet itself is glued to it. This layer cake adheres well to the base of the floor and does not move. The main thing is to choose the right glue for these operations.
Its composition will depend on the base material - concrete or wood. Waterproof PVA glue is most often used. But manufacturers need to pay attention to the fact that such glue promotes shrinkage of the backing material, especially those made of natural textures. Therefore, it is better to use polymer-based adhesives for them.
The ideal option is glue for a specific substrate, that is, specifically for cork, rubber, polymer, etc. In addition, the quality of the glue affects the permissible porosity of the base. The better the adhesive composition, the more porous the bonded surface can be. This will not reduce the bonding strength.
Attention! Before starting work, it is necessary to place the adhesive composition and carpet backing in the room where they will be used. There they must undergo acclimatization.
And one more important point- the selected carpet underlay must be laid at a certain temperature and humidity recommended by the manufacturer. Moreover, each type of material has its own indicators.
Special mounting option
Installation of floor coverings
There is a way to attach the backing to self-adhesive double-sided tapes. Linoleum is fixed in the same way.
To do this you need:
- Remove the protective film from one side of the tape.
- Lay the tape around the entire perimeter of the room, pressing it well to the base.
- Remove the protection on the other side.
- Lay the backing and press it along the edges. In this case, tension is required if it is a roll version.
This method is more suitable for finishing wooden floors. If you settled on it, and the floor in the house is concrete slab floors, leveled with a screed, then we recommend laying the base OSB boards or plywood. Fastening wooden tile materials carried out using self-tapping screws.
Conclusion on the topic
We hope you understand that carpet underlay is a necessary thing, and in some cases even super important. If you want the carpet to last twice as long, we do not recommend laying it without a backing.
Publications on the topic
If when laying parquet and laminate the underlay material is used by default, then with carpet everything is not so simple. Many people think that it is not necessary, because the carpet is already soft, and also masks minor defects in the base. However, experts insist on following installation technology. And the substrate is an important part of this process.
When in doubt whether to buy a substrate or not, it is worth citing the undeniable benefits of such a purchase:
- Extends the life of the carpet, because protects against friction. If carpet is laid directly on top of concrete, friction from the surface will destroy the flooring in just a few months. With a backing, the coating will last up to 2 times longer.
- Depreciates. Carpet experiences constant mechanical stress associated with the movement of people and the pressure of furniture. The substrate takes on part of the load.
- Increases comfort. Thanks to this layer, even thin carpeting will become softer and more pleasant - almost like long-pile carpet.
- Increases heat and sound insulation.
- Evens out small uneven floors.
Types of carpet underlays
There are 2 types of substrates on the market - synthetic and natural:
- Polyurethane foam.
- Polyurethane.
- Polyethylene foam.
- Rubber.
- Cork.
Polyurethane foam backing
Lightweight polyurethane foam has excellent soundproofing properties and enhances the heat and waterproofing of the room. Suitable for both private apartments and offices, hotels, medical institutions. A striking example- a substrate from, which is ordered for finishing ships, restaurants, stairs, rooms, entrances. The polyurethane foam backing can be laid on a base with small defects (up to 3 mm) - the main thing is that it is dry.
Polyurethane backing
Polyurethane-based underlay is usually used for carpet, which is installed using the “stretching” method, i.e. using gripper bars. Polyurethane substrates are available framed in polyethylene film and treated kraft paper. waterproofing compounds. There are models with an additional layer of felt - they increase the thermal insulation of the floor.
Polyethylene foam backing
Other trade names– isolon, penofol. It is produced in thicknesses of 2-20 mm, and can be foil-coated. The foam backing provides thermal insulation and sound absorption, protects against steam and moisture (can be used in wet rooms). Polyethylene foam is inexpensive, elastic, moisture resistant, but quickly loses its shape.
Rubber backing
Two main modifications are made from crumb rubber and from foam rubber. Heavy, elastic substrates are made from crumb rubber universal application compatible with natural fiber carpets. Polyjute-based sponge rubber substrates are produced by a British manufacturer.
Cork backing
More expensive than others, but the cost is compensated by hygiene and safety. In commercial interiors, cork material is rarely used, but it is perfect for finishing children's rooms and bedrooms.
In addition to pure artificial or natural substrates, there are combined materials. For example, bitumen-cork - they are less environmentally friendly, but can be used in wet rooms, unlike pure cork.
Subtleties of buying carpet underlay
The substrate is selected based on a number of parameters:
- Thickness 5-10 mm. If the substrate is thinner than 5 mm, most likely its quality is below average. Material thicker than 10 mm is used less frequently.
- Elasticity. The easiest way to check the performance is by squeezing the substrate. It should return to its original shape and be completely smoothed out.
- Moderate density. The layer must allow air to pass through so that the room does not have a musty, damp smell.
Abstract imitations and realistic images water, foliage, flowers, forest and stones are translated into soft carpet. In addition, you will find materials such as marble and quartz, rough textures such as asphalt, dry dirt and even animal prints.
Spring colors
This color theme reflects the first season of the year. Green sprouting leaves and small white flowers that finally break the spell of winter. In addition, there are delicate designs inspired by pink flowers early morning sun and cherry blossoms.
Summer colors
This joyful multicolor theme interprets flowers summer garden, as well as green backgrounds. Additionally, this theme reflects the sand, pebbles and blue sea in a beach theme.
Autumn colors
The fall theme features warm shades of brown and gray covering the natural floors with dying leaves, branches, tree trunks, sand erosion and marble structures.
Winter colors
The cold feeling of winter is translated into the surface of the water with reflections. Blues and grays add a cool vibe to marble, slate, grass and bamboo.
For many floor coverings, the use of underlayment material is strictly necessary. This includes carpet. A special underlay for the carpet is needed to ensure its proper service life.
The latter causes heated debate. Many argue that carpet does not need an additional layer, because it itself is warm and soft. But contrary to this, professionals say that you need to comply installed technology installation
Carpet flooring is comfortable, but installation technology must be followed
Benefits of using a substrate
If you are in doubt whether to use underlay material or not, then it is worth citing the advantages of its use.
- Increased service life flooring. This is achieved by reducing the wear of the carpet during operation due to mechanical loads under the influence of people’s movements and static stress of furniture. With a backing, the floor covering will last almost twice as long.
- Increases the softness of the coating. With backing material, even thin carpet seems much softer and more luxurious.
- Increases thermal insulation characteristics flooring
- Levels the base for laying carpet.
Attention! If installation is carried out on concrete base, then you can’t do without a substrate. And when laying over old linoleum, you can skip this step.
Carpet underlay: varieties
The leveling material under the carpet is made from natural or synthetic materials. It is worth taking a closer look at the varieties and popular types substrates.
Polyurethane foam
This material is laid using an adhesive composition. Manufactured in the form of slabs, it evens out unevenness of the base up to 3 mm.
Polyurethane foam – synthetic material, because it is used with synthetic coatings Lay polyurethane foam only on a thoroughly dried surface, while ensuring during installation reliable connection and the adhesion of the plates to each other.
Polyurethane
U polyurethane material on both sides polyethylene film and kraft paper treated with waterproofing impregnations.
Polyurethane foam underlays are used under carpet, secured with baseboards, and polyurethane underlays are laid using “stretching” technology - the floor covering is stretched over them with special slats or hooks. There are polyurethane underlays with a layer of felt, they improve the thermal insulation of the floor.
Rubber
Made from rubber crumbs compressed under high temperatures. Of all those presented, the rubber backing for carpet is the hardest, which is why it is recommended to use it with natural coverings.
Rubber backing ensures reliable adhesion of the coating Cork
Expensive type of material made from natural raw materials. Its use is guaranteed to increase the service life of the coating, because cork can recover from deformation.
Cork is a natural and expensive product, which is why it is used with the same coatings The hygienic structure of the material will not become a source of fungi and mold, and good thermal insulation will help keep floors warm and comfortable.
Advice! Cork is a suitable solution for a child's room because it softens falls and is not harmful to health.
Polyethylene foam
The most common products because they have high reliability indicators at an affordable price. There is a material on the market called isolon or penofol - both are based on polyethylene foam. The thickness of the material varies between 2-20 mm. There are also foil options. This carpet underlay performs several functions at once: it protects from moisture, steam and keeps the room warm. This quality allows it to be used in rooms with high humidity.
Expanded polystyrene
Also requiring attention is a variant of the substrate, produced in rolls or slabs with thicknesses from 3 mm to 10 cm. The use of thick slabs will allow you to walk on them even in shoes without fear of damaging the structure of the material. Although this material is easy to process and cuts well with a knife, it cannot be pressed through with a heel when walking.
Producing polystyrene foam boards various technologies. The most popular is extrusion, which allows you to reach a density of 45 kg/m3.
In addition to natural and synthetic types of materials, the market also offers combined ones. For example, bitumen-cork substrates are used in rooms with high humidity, which cannot be said about pure cork. But bitumen in the structure of the material compromises the environmental qualities of cork.
The final choice is made depending on the needs, type of coverage, and financial capabilities.
How to choose a substrate
Options for roll and plate materials Tips for choosing carpet underlay:
- The carpet underlay must be strong to withstand loads, but not hard so as not to cause discomfort. This is determined by touch;
- Man-made materials are a likely source unpleasant odors and toxic substances. I'll have to sniff it. Pungent smell - move on;
- Constant movements on the carpet subject the material to deformation, and furniture legs leave potholes on the surface. Squeeze the material and release. If it takes a very long time to recover, then it is better to refuse the purchase;
- Suitable thickness of the substrate is 1 cm. Thicker options will quickly lose their quality;
- Flexibility is an important property when laying;
- If you buy synthetic carpet, then you shouldn’t spend money on a natural backing.
When choosing a natural carpet, it is recommended to use a backing made only from natural materials so that substances that can harm health are not released. The most natural and safe option is considered to be cork material, made using a special technology from the bark of the cork oak tree.
Installation of the substrate
Preparing carpet joints on top of the laid underlay double-sided tape The installation technology depends on the type of material (for example, if it is self-adhesive). Typically, products in slabs are fixed with glue, while rolled products can be left without fastening. They simply reliably cover the surface to create an airtight structure.
In some cases, the underlay is laid without using glue, and the carpet itself is glued on top of it. It is necessary to use such a structure in order to achieve greater strength and prevent the layers of the coating “pie” from shifting.
A guarantee of reliability - right choice adhesive composition. It depends on the type of base and operating conditions. Popular PVA is not suitable for rooms with high humidity, because under the influence of moisture the reliability of fixation decreases. Therefore, in such situations, polyurethane adhesives are used.
The most profitable option is to use the adhesive for the backing, which is recommended by the product manufacturer.
Advice! The glue and substrate must acclimatize to the operating and installation conditions, so they are placed in the room in advance. Moreover, each type of material has its own temperature and humidity conditions.
People who were doubtful about the advisability of using carpet underlays are now, most likely, convinced that it is necessary. The main thing is to choose the right one.
A video showing the procedure for installing carpet will be useful for those who are planning to install this soft and comfortable material in their apartment.
Carpet underlay allows you to extend the life of the floor covering. Regardless of the type of material (parquet, laminate, fleecy fabric), it is recommended to lay a protective layer before laying the coating.
But if for parquet board and laminate, this measure is mandatory and is implemented by default, then at the stage of choosing a fleecy material, users wonder whether a backing is needed. The answer will be clear: such protection plays an important role.
What functions does it perform?
The main purpose of the underlay is to extend the service life of the floor covering. This applies to a greater extent to the rough surface: concrete or wooden floor. In both cases, there may be unevenness and roughness. In the absence of protection, the decorative coating will become unusable in a matter of months due to the violation of the integrity of the base due to intense friction against concrete.
In addition, the substrate takes on part of the loads exerted on the floor surface when walking. Thanks to such properties as elasticity, a shock-absorbing effect is ensured. In addition, the underlay under the carpet helps to improve the heat and sound insulation qualities.
One of the advantages of such a layer is the ability to additionally smooth out unevenness of the rough surface (wooden floor, concrete), which will certainly appear when using short-pile carpet.
Overview of the main varieties
There are several options that meet the requirements for substrates: polymer materials, cork analogue. Important properties such coatings: elasticity, sufficient strength, resistance to collapse.
Type 1: Polyurethane foam products
This universal option, which is used at various facilities: private housing, public and administrative, as well as commercial buildings. The carpet underlay in this design meets all the requirements, ensures long-term use of the decorative covering, hides minor differences in the levels of the rough surface (3-4 mm) and is characterized by increased strength.
Among other things, polyurethane products provide additional sound insulation. Also, polyurethane foam is characterized by excellent waterproofing properties. Recommendations for installation: laid on a dry, prepared floor (wood, concrete, etc.), care must be taken to ensure that no air pockets form.
Polyurethane foam can be used on perfectly smooth substrates and on surfaces with minor defects, the main thing is that the base is dry.
View 2: Polyurethane material
It is recommended for use using the stretching method, in which the decorative coating is secured with special slats. The underlay in this design is suitable for laying on floors with more significant differences (over 5 mm), especially when it comes to material with a felt top. The main qualities of polyurethane: hydro, sound and thermal insulation.
Their base and top are made of polyethylene. Ideal for laying carpet using the stretching method (stretching the covering on hooks - gripper slats).
View 3: Rubber base
Made from crumb rubber. The material is characterized by strength and elasticity, helps to level the rough surface. But usually this option is used as a protective layer for carpet made from natural materials.
Rubber crumb backing is suitable for natural backing carpet
View 4: Cork covering
This is one of the best varieties protective layers. This material is environmentally friendly, which means it is safe to use even in a nursery. It is also distinguished by its elasticity, so the coating will exhibit shock-absorbing properties.
Additionally, cork improves warmth and soundproofing properties decorative covering. This floor is comfortable to sit on and play on, which is also important for a child’s room. Cork is characterized by durability, but it is recommended to lay this material on concrete or other rough surface with minor differences.
Cork look: one of best views interlayers for carpet, has
excellent soundproofing properties.
What should you consider before purchasing?
When choosing a substrate, pay attention to the following points:
Density indicator
First of all, it is necessary to check the substrate for elasticity, for which it is enough to crush it. Suitable option will not lose its shape and almost immediately takes on its original appearance. In this case, you can safely purchase the material. The density of the substrate is also taken into account: it should be soft, but not too soft, otherwise this disadvantage will affect the strength.
High-quality substrates are resistant to compression and therefore quickly return to their original form. If this does not happen, you should refuse the purchase.
Substrate thickness
In addition, stepping on the floor should be comfortable: the softness and thickness of the coating plays a role. The value of the last of these parameters can vary within 5-10 mm, but there are varieties with a thickness from 1 to 5 mm, however, they are worse in operation. Along with the above criteria, the porosity of the material should also be taken into account: the substrate must be “breathable” so as not to create a greenhouse effect.
Popular manufacturers of polyurethane foam backing: Napa, Tuplex, BerberMax. Cork covering good quality offer: Ipocork, Mjo, Matrix. Polyurethane analogues are produced: Dtr 30, T5, and rubber substrates - Durafit 500.
Product cost and quality
Protective layer on the subfloor various materials(concrete, wood, etc.) is offered at different prices, which is affected by the quality and parameters of the coating. On average, roll polyurethane protection can be purchased within the range of 180-300 rubles/sq. m. Simpler analogues are offered at a price of 200-500 rubles/pack.
Laying nuances
Depending on the type of rough surface, the substrate can be laid without additional fastening substances and elements, but if necessary, protective material firmly attached to the floor. The determining factor in this case is the quality of the rough surface (concrete, wood).
The adhesive is selected based on the type of material from which the floor is made, as well as taking into account the type of substrate itself. The work is carried out some time after protective covering and the adhesive were left in the room where installation would take place. This measure will allow the materials to acclimatize to new conditions, thereby reducing the risk of shrinkage.
In Russia, people are reluctant to buy carpet underlay, naively believing that they will “feel great” without it. But in vain! Europeans and Americans have gone much further than the Russians in matters of construction and interior decoration, and their practice can be trusted. So, for them, a carpet underlay is a matter of course when purchasing a soft covering. They have long proven that this material can greatly increase the service life of carpet, making it softer and more comfortable for walking. What types of carpet underlays exist? How to choose a high-quality substrate and why is it needed at all? You will learn about all this from this article.
Carpet backing. Fad or real benefit?
Is it possible to do without a substrate?
You can do without a substrate, but do you need it? See for yourself! With a backing, your carpet will last you twice as long as without it, because the friction that occurs between the covering and the base of the floor leads to only one thing - rapid wear. In addition, some types of soft coverings have a fairly small thickness, which affects the comfort of the material - walking on such a carpet, of course, is better than on a bare floor, but it is not very pleasant for the legs.
Another advantage of using a carpet underlay is the ability to lay the covering on an uneven base. Naturally, we are not talking about a screed completely covered with “pits and ditches,” but it is quite acceptable to lay carpet on a base with minor defects.
In addition, the underlay serves as an additional heat, sound and water insulator, which means the floor in your home will always be warm and dry. Well, the last point: the underlay can significantly save your money, since its combination with a thin carpet costs much less than even the cheapest long-pile covering.
Substrate and parquet
I would like to make a separate point about laying carpet on parquet and parquet boards. In this case, the use of an underlay is mandatory, since even the most ideal parquet from the point of view of laying creates an increased load on the carpet at the joints of the parquet blocks. For high-quality styling experts recommend using the stretching method on grip slats. Of course, this fastening option somewhat damages the parquet, but such a sacrifice is necessary for longer service life of the carpet.
The gripper strip will allow you to lay carpet on the parquet with high quality
Types of carpet underlays
There are several types of carpet underlay. Each of them has its own characteristics and advantages, but how to navigate the assortment, albeit small?
Polyurethane foam substrates
From the name it is clear that this type of substrate consists of polyurethane foam - a material that has high thermal and waterproofing properties. This substrate has proven itself not only in city apartments, but also in medical institutions, offices, and hotels. Thanks to it, you can achieve a feeling of complete unity with your own home, because polyurethane foam, among other things, is also an excellent soundproofing material.
You can use a polyurethane foam backing both on perfectly smooth substrates and on surfaces with minor defects, the main thing is that the base is dry.
The polyurethane foam backing hides screed unevenness well
Polyurethane substrates
Polyurethane substrates are somewhat thicker than polyurethane foam and have an additional top layer of polyethylene, which protects the material from moisture. This type The underlay is ideal for laying carpet using the stretching method. There is another type of polyurethane backing with felt top layer. This material perfectly soundproofs the room and hides unevenness in the base. Polyurethane substrates are available as paper based, and based on artificial jute.
Polyurethane backing for carpet with polyethylene protective layer — great way insulate a cold floor
Rubber crumb backings based on polyjute
This type of underlay can be used not only for carpeting, but also for laying parquet boards and laminate flooring. The structure of the crumb rubber backing is quite dense and hard, but when carpet is laid on it, it becomes springy and elastic. This material protects well soft covering from moisture, prevents heat from escaping from the room and perfectly removes sounds. It is advisable to use such a backing in combination with natural-based carpet.
Rubber crumb backing - solid foundation under the carpet
Subtleties of purchase
When choosing a substrate in a store, you should pay attention to the following points:
- external data. The thickness of the substrate should be from 5 to 10 mm. If this parameter is below the norm, then most likely you are looking at a fake that is not of high quality.
- specifications. Check the material for strength and elasticity. If, when the substrate is compressed, it does not return to its shape, remains wrinkled and untidy, then you should opt for another option. A high-quality substrate has a strong, elastic structure that quickly recovers after any physical impact.
- moderate porosity. The substrate must “breathe”, otherwise the room may smell musty and damp.
Well, now you know whether you need a carpet underlay; all that remains is to choose the one that is ideal for your carpet. Let the soft pile delight your feet every day!