Choosing a substrate for linoleum on a concrete floor

Recommendation points

• Cork underlay for linoleum
• Jute underlay for linoleum
• Linen underlay for linoleum
• Foam underlay for linoleum
• Combined underlay for linoleum

Linoleum remains a popular type of flooring due to its affordable price and ease of installation. Often, linoleum is simply placed on a concrete base. In this case, it is advisable to use a substrate, the choice and varieties of which will be described by our advice site.

The portal wrote in detail about the choice, types, types, technical characteristics of the linoleum itself. Now let’s talk about the substrate, which is needed when laying on a concrete base in the following cases:

• There is a need to improve the sound insulation of the apartment, to reduce the noise coming from the neighbors below, and to protect them from stomping from above.
• It is necessary to insulate the floor. For example, an apartment is located on the ground floor. Or we are talking about a private house without a warm basement or basement.
• The concrete screed is not perfectly flat, you need to fix it. A sufficiently thick substrate will solve the problem if the height differences do not exceed 2-5 millimeters.

Important! If there are serious problems with the screed, there are noticeable differences in height, pits, depressions, then the use of a substrate will not correct the situation. It is necessary to make the correct screed and level the base.

Cork underlay for linoleum

Nice, environmentally friendly option. Serves up to 30 years, can be 2 to 10 millimeters thick. It costs about 1,500 rubles per roll, it just fits. However, as in the case of laying the laminate on a concrete base, the cork substrate must be additionally protected from moisture with a layer of polyethylene or other waterproofing. In addition, if linoleum is used as a topcoat, dents will remain under heavy furniture..

Jute underlay for linoleum

Unlike cork, it is rigid and does not deform even under the legs of a massive cabinet. Does not absorb moisture, it can be 2 to 5 millimeters thick, it costs about 1000 rubles per 10 square meters, that is, it is quite affordable. Of the minuses of a jute substrate on a concrete base, it can be noted only that there is insufficient flexibility – it will not hide pits and screed drops.

Linen underlay for linoleum

It is also an absolutely natural material, which, on a concrete basis, will prevent the appearance of mold, has good heat and sound insulation properties. It costs a little cheaper than a jute substrate, it can be 3 to 7 millimeters thick, it just fits. Of the minuses, one can only note the fact that it is more difficult to find a linen backing in stores, there are few manufacturers offering just such a material.

Foam underlay for linoleum

We are talking about foamed polyethylene. This is the most affordable option for a substrate, which is used not only when laying linoleum on concrete. It is sold most often in rolls, it is easy to fit, it has great flexibility. However, the foam backing lasts no more than 10 years. It is airtight, if you put it on an incompletely dry screed, mold will inevitably appear.

Combined underlay for linoleum

Consists of wool, jute and flax, that is, it combines all the advantages of these materials. The combined substrate serves up to 50 years. Cons – high price – from 200 rubles per square meter. In addition, you may encounter fakes, low-quality material.

Important! Now on the market there are types of linoleum with a ready-made substrate, multilayer. It costs more than usual, but you do not need to buy an additional substrate and spend time installing it.