Which substrate under the laminate is better: coniferous or cork

For high-quality and durable laying of the laminated floor, it is necessary to choose the best substrate for the technical characteristics. To choose between coniferous and cork under the laminate, it is necessary to compare the advantages and features of the materials on the market.

Which is better: cork or coniferous underlay for laminate

A completely natural substrate is made by pressing crumbs from the bark of cork oak. It is ideal for wooden floors.

With all the advantages, the cork substrate still has a significant minus - it can not be used in rooms with high humidity

Table: cork substrate specifications

Parameter / Property	Cork backing performance
Price	High, from 185 to 500 rubles. per m²
Life time	Durable
Features	Density 200–260 kg per m³
Environmental friendliness	All natural environmentally friendly material
Thermal conductivity	Low, λ = 0.042 W / (m * K)
Sound absorption	High, odds. = 16 dB.
Ease of installation	Deforms up to 10% under significant loads, crumbles and breaks during inaccurate installation
Release form	Rolls
Moisture resistance	It is afraid of moisture, requires hydro and steam insulation, impregnation
Underfloor heating system compatibility	Not compatible
Strength, load resistance	Retains original size, cushioned

Coniferous is made from pressed needles and coniferous wood, bonded with natural wood resin, and sold in the form of plates.

The coniferous substrate perfectly serves as an intermediate layer between the laminate and the base

Table: characteristics of coniferous substrate

Parameter / Property	Coniferous substrate indicators
Price	From 80 to 200 rubles. per m²
Life time	Durable, lasts 2 times longer than a laminate.
Features	Density 240 kg per m³, designed for use on wooden substrates, adapted for screeding in Russia
Environmental friendliness	Natural material, not suitable for allergy sufferers
Thermal conductivity	Low, λ = 0.05 W / (m * K) is recommended for use in the northern regions
Sound absorption	It perfectly dampens vibration when walking on a laminate floor, coefficient. = 22dB
Ease of installation	Convenient plate size, some models have a spike-groove connection
Release form	Slabs
Moisture resistance	It is afraid of moisture, accumulates it, marginal swelling of 6%
Underfloor heating system compatibility	Not compatible
Strength, load resistance	Elastic, has a damper effect

For ease of selection, the pros and cons, as well as features of the application are summarized in the table.

Table: advantages and disadvantages of use

	Cork	Coniferous
pros	environmentally friendly, natural; low thermal conductivity; high sound absorption; Depreciates eliminates minor irregularities; keeps shape well; durable Suitable for children and allergy sufferers.	environmentally friendly; excellent heat-insulating qualities; damps noise and vibration; elastic, has a damper effect; additionally levels the floor; maintains size and shape under loads; ease of installation, spike-groove locks; long service life.
Pinus	afraid of moisture, requires additional impregnation and waterproofing; serves as a favorable environment for mold and fungus; the highest price of all types of substrates; roll form requires accuracy during installation; Not suitable for underfloor heating.	accumulates moisture and promotes the formation of mold; not suitable for allergy sufferers; not used for underfloor heating system; not suitable for conditions with high humidity; high price; absorbs odor.
Scope of application	children's rooms; bedrooms; rooms with low humidity; wooden or other natural floors: carpet, parquet, board; Thick plates of 4–10 mm are used as a topcoat for floors, walls and ceilings.	living rooms; rooms with low or normal humidity; suitable for natural substrates and coatings; use on screeds is possible.

Both materials are widely used in the arrangement of the laminate. Each type of substrate has its own advantages and disadvantages. And for the right choice, it is important to consider the features of the room, the cost and convenient installation.

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