The main task of any well-equipped floor is to cope with heavy loads, while remaining an example of aesthetics, wear resistance and hygiene. But what does “well-equipped” mean? In the understanding of experts, this can be called a floor structure erected according to technology proven over the years, using measures that can prevent sudden deterioration of the coating. One of these “measures,” of course, is the use of a substrate. What's interesting: for laminate or parquet board this “auxiliary” product is purchased by default, and when the question arises whether a carpet underlay is needed, many for some reason shrug their shoulders uncertainly or, even worse, resolutely declare that “no, it’s not needed,” explaining this by the warmth and softness of the coating itself . Professionals fundamentally disagree with this opinion; they argue that laying the underlay is an integral stage in the formation of a high-quality floor from any material, including carpet. What is a carpet underlay and what are the basic requirements for it? You will find answers to these and many other questions in this article.

Types of carpet underlays

The construction market offers the buyer a huge range of carpet underlays: among them there are both natural and artificial samples.

Let's look at some of the most popular and practical options.

• Polyurethane foam. They are suitable not only for “home use” - they are also successfully used in hotels, offices, medical and educational institutions. They can effectively hide surface unevenness and increase noise insulation in the room. The base on which the polyurethane foam substrate will be laid must be absolutely dry; its maximum permissible difference is three millimeters.

Installation technology. Apply glue to the base with a notched trowel (marking B-2). Lay the sheets of pre-cut substrate end to end.

It is necessary to monitor the tightness of the material to the floor, since the formation air jams unacceptable!

• Polyurethane. Their base and top are made of polyethylene. Ideal for laying carpet using the stretching method (stretching the covering on hooks - gripper slats). Polyurethane samples are also in demand for paper based with a felt top - they significantly improve the thermal insulation of the floor and conceal its unevenness.

• Made from crumb rubber (on polyjute). They are distinguished by their hardness. They are used mainly when laying carpet on a natural basis.

Benefits of use

Do you need compelling arguments to purchase carpet underlay? Please - there are a lot of them. So, the substrate is capable of:

• increase the service life of the coating at least twice. Carpet backing provides maximum efficiency operation of the coating with minimal wear. In addition, this intermediate layer acts as a shock absorber, taking on the main load from human movements;
• help achieve the effect of absolute comfort and softness of the surface. With its help, even a thin carpet seems thick, fleecy and luxurious;
• improve the thermal insulation, sound insulation and hygroscopic properties of the carpet floor;
• level out small unevenness in the subfloor.

The use of a backing becomes especially important when laying carpet directly on a concrete floor. If, as a rough coating linoleum stands out (smooth and not mutilated), you can do without it.

How to choose a substrate and not make a mistake?

Simultaneously with the realization of the need to use a substrate, this question also arises in my head. Really, how? To paraphrase a well-known saying, let’s say “rely on a consultant, but don’t make a mistake yourself.” Basic requirements for the intermediate shock-absorbing layer - good elasticity and moderate density. You can check these parameters in action by crumpling the material. If it instantly loses its shape, it means that you have a clearly unsuitable specimen in your hands.

Acquisition and high-quality styling a substrate that meets the above requirements is the key to successful and long-term operation any carpeting.

Many people purchasing carpet and laying it on a concrete floor do not know that it is necessary to use an underlay. after all, underlay can help your carpet extend its lifespan.

Why do you need a carpet underlay?

Currently, many different types of substrate have appeared, and this is due to the fact that in Lately everyone began to use the carpet in great demand. When laying carpet, it is also necessary to use an underlay, as when laying laminate. What does using a substrate give us?

1. Using backing material under carpet covering, you increase its term. And this confirms the correctness of the fact that it is necessary to lay Additional materials. The underlay takes the entire main load and saves the carpet from abrasion.
2. When using a backing, the carpet becomes much softer. Even if you use the thinnest underlay, it will give your rug the feel of a thick, shag rug.
3. The substrate serves as thermal insulation and sound insulation. If your floor is holding together, then the underlay will fix it, because even if you use a five-millimeter underlay, it will perfectly level the base of the floor.

That is, the conclusion suggests itself that the underlay retains all the properties of carpet for a longer period and eliminates many floor errors.

Choosing a substrate

Before you start purchasing carpet underlay, you must first carefully study the properties of the underlay and what material it is made of. Please note that the substrate should not be loose, but rather the material should be dense and springy. If you took the substrate and squeezed it with your fingers, released it and it did not return to its previous shape, then it is best to refuse this type of substrate. The thickness of the carpet underlay ranges from 0.7 millimeters to 1 centimeter. When choosing a material, do not forget to take into account such a factor as air permeability in the room, since in the worst case, a smell of rot and dampness may appear in the apartment.

Polyurethane foam backing is most often used for hotels, offices and residential apartments. This underlay helps level the floor well and serves as sound insulation. Lay it on a dry concrete floor exactly joint to joint. The substrate consists of a base and a top part made of polyethylene. This type The material is distinguished by its popularity in use.

There are also paper-based, felt and polyurethane substrates. They are soft and eliminate visible unevenness from the floor, and serve as thermal insulation.

Substrates made from crumb rubber have greater hardness. They are used only for carpets made of natural pile and base. With this backing, the carpet will serve you for a very long time.

Laying underlay and carpet on a concrete floor

After the concrete floor has been leveled and all irregularities and cracks have been eliminated, the underlayment can begin to be laid. To do this on concrete surface Apply special glue to the floor using a notched trowel and glue the backing. This must be done carefully, rolling out the substrate with a roller so that wrinkles and air bubbles do not form. After the backing dries and sticks, apply the same glue to it and glue the carpet. Let the carpet dry and take its shape, only then can you cut off the excess in the corners and near the walls and install the baseboards. Do not forget to adhere to the basic rules when laying, namely, apply the glue in a small layer and evenly, leave at least five centimeters on the wall, the pile should be placed in the water direction, and when gluing, be sure to roll over it with a heavy roller.

In the video below you can see how carpet is laid and what the features of the underlay are:

Additional Information:

• Many people wonder if it is possible to lay carpet over carpet? Our answer will be no, it’s impossible. Therefore, if you decide to change...
• The substrate is usually understood as special material, which is usually used when installing laminate or parquet boards. The purpose of this building material is...
• Many people purchasing carpet do not know how to lay it correctly if the floor in the apartment is wooden. There are many ways to spread...
• When purchasing a substrate in a store, we rarely think about which type to give preference to - sheet or roll. Meanwhile, the substrate...

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 grounds. 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.

Let's take a closer look.

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 is the substrate from, which is ordered for finishing ships, restaurants, stairs, rooms, and 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 produced framed in polyethylene film and kraft paper treated with 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 are 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 It is rarely used, but is perfect for decorating 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.

The rougher and rougher the floor surface, the harder, thicker and more rigid the underlay should be. For a concrete floor, a thick polyjute-based material is suitable, and for laying over parquet or fiberboard, you can buy a soft polyurethane or polyurethane foam underlay (for example, the Estillon brand). For the “warm floor” system, microporous sponge rubber is used - for example, from Interfloor. A properly selected underlay will provide additional comfort in the rooms where carpeting is installed and will extend its service life.

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 summer garden flowers as well as green backgrounds. Additionally, this theme reflects the sand, pebbles and blue sea in a beach theme.

Autumn colors
Autumn themed warm shades brown and gray cover 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. Blue and gray colors Add a cool atmosphere to marble, slate, grass and bamboo.

When laying roll material it is necessary to take care of the properties and characteristics of the substrate.

Correct selection of the cushioning layer will help to avoid many troubles during operation and significantly increase the service life of the carpet.

The underlay for carpet on concrete is different from the material used on wooden base. Let's look at the main types of layers between the subfloor and carpet and understand their properties.

Rationale for using a gasket

The underlay will extend the life of the carpet

In an attempt to reduce renovation costs, many apartment owners try to do without underlayment.

Of course, laying carpet directly on the base is possible, for example, if the work is carried out in own home on plywood floors the second floor, where sound insulation, thermal insulation is not required and the base is perfectly flat.

But in most cases, the use of an insulating layer is more than justified. Most roll coverings have a small thickness, and friction against the base during operation will significantly reduce the service life of the carpet.

Sufficient thickness of the padding material will provide maximum comfort to bare feet, making the floor smoother and softer.

The underlay will help muffle the sound of footsteps

A high-quality substrate has the properties of heat, sound and waterproofing. A properly installed floor will always be dry and warm and will absorb the sounds of footsteps.

By carefully approaching the selection and purchase of underlay and carpet, you can not only avoid increasing the cost of expenses, but also save money.

A pair of underlay-carpet can be much cheaper than a long-pile covering with a thick base, which is often used to absorb sound and comfortably move with bare feet.

Types and properties of the substrate

There are some main types of carpet underlay, their properties vary depending on the main forming element:

Main element	Technical properties	Advantages	Flaws
Polyethylene foam	Thickness no more than 6 mm, length 25 or 50 m, roll width 1 m.	Budgeting; Easy to install: rolls are rolled out and the seams are secured with tape.	Fragile; If installed incorrectly, it becomes wrinkled; It breaks easily when installed.
Polyurethane	Rolls of various sizes.	They have a protective moisture-proofing layer; in the presence of a felt covering, it is an additional soundproofing material and smoothes out minor surface irregularities.
Polyurethane foam	Mats and rolls of various sizes up to 12 mm thick.	It has excellent sound, heat and waterproofing properties; Used in residential and office premises; It has high level wear resistance: withstands up to 200 thousand loads.	Install only on perfectly dry and clean surfaces.
Rubber crumb	Rolls and tiles of various sizes.	Dense structure; Excellent waterproofing; Heat and sound insulator; Suitable for use with natural carpet.	When installing, use two-component glue
Cork	Available in slabs and rolls of various sizes.	Environmental friendliness; Not subject to rotting or deformation; Hypoallergenic, does not accumulate dust; Excellent heat and sound insulation; Perfectly hides unevenness of the base floor; Suitable for any type of base.	Very high cost.

The use of an interlayer element depends on many factors.

A cork gasket is ideal and suitable in any case, but the high price tag of this material limits its use.

On concrete bases it is better to use a material based on crumb rubber. When laying carpet with an artificial base, use a backing made of polymer materials.

For a natural coating, choose a gasket made from natural ingredients.

The need to lay the substrate

When buying a backing, squeeze it; if after that it does not straighten out, then you should not buy this material

Regardless of which material you choose, when purchasing you should follow the recommended rules for checking the quality of the substrate:

1. It is worth buying a substrate that is durable to the touch, but not hard.
2. Even artificial substrate should not have an unpleasant odor.
3. The backing fabric should straighten quickly after being compressed. If the material remains crumpled, it is better to refrain from purchasing.
4. The polyurethane foam backing should be 5 to 10 mm thick. Do not buy thick and loose material.
5. It is important to use a gasket with a moderate level of porosity. Floors must breathe to prevent a musty and damp smell from appearing in the room. For more information about the substrates for this coating, see this video:

When deciding whether or not to use underlay material between the carpet and the floor, carefully consider the benefits and losses. It may be best not to save now to avoid the expense of re-flooring in the future.

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.

• Increasing the service life of the floor covering. 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 backing flooring 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 the thermal insulation characteristics of the 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 of substrates.

Polyurethane foam

This material is laid using adhesive composition. Manufactured in the form of slabs, it evens out unevenness of the base up to 3 mm.

Polyurethane foam – synthetic material, therefore it is used with synthetic coatings

Lay polyurethane foam only on a thoroughly dried surface, and during installation ensure a reliable connection and adhesion of the slabs to each other.

Polyurethane

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, therefore it is recommended to use it with natural coatings.

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 - suitable solution for a children's room, because it softens falls and does not cause harm 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.

The market offers, in addition to natural and synthetic species materials, also combined. 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. Because in similar situations use polyurethane adhesives.

Most profitable option– use adhesive for the backing that 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.