home · Installation · Is it possible to lay linoleum on a cork backing? Cork underlay for linoleum flooring: cost and installation technology. Tiled natural linoleum

Is it possible to lay linoleum on a cork backing? Cork underlay for linoleum flooring: cost and installation technology. Tiled natural linoleum

Many people who decide to use it as flooring linoleum, the question is asked: is there a need for a substrate under it? Disputes on this matter continue to this day. Some repairmen are convinced that the substrate is absolutely unnecessary, while other craftsmen claim the opposite. In this article we will try to understand this issue and give an objective assessment of the appropriateness of flooring under a PVC coating.

What is a substrate and why is it needed?


Cork underlay for linoleum on a wooden floor is a damping layer that separates the rough base and the finishing coating. Why is it needed?

  • Compensates for uneven surfaces. Laying PVC coverings requires careful preparation of the base, which first of all must be level. Minor flaws and height differences in this case can be compensated by damping material;
  • Provides additional thermal insulation. The composition of the flooring includes components that prevent heat exchange with the environment, due to which cork material plays the role of insulation;
  • Provides sound insulation. The additional cork layer perfectly absorbs noise, which is essential when laying flooring in a multi-story building.

Benefits of using a substrate

In order to understand whether it is advisable to use an additional insulating layer under the floor or not, let’s evaluate the pros and cons cork backing under linoleum. The advantages of the material include:

  • Durability and wear resistance;
  • The ability to evenly distribute the load on the PVC coating;
  • Moisture resistance and protection of the floor from mold;
  • Keeps the room warm even when severe frosts on the street.

However, it should be taken into account that laying cork underlayment under linoleum also has negative sides:

  • Cork material is quite porous, so long-term mechanical impact may cause dents to form on the coating;
  • The price of the material is quite high, which is due, in principle, to good quality the coating itself.

In what cases is a substrate needed?


Is it possible to put cork underlay under linoleum? Most experienced craftsmen are inclined to believe that an insulating layer under a PVC coating is simply necessary in the following cases:

  • Irregularities. No matter how you level the base, minor differences in height will still remain. Small errors cannot be detected with the naked eye, but linoleum will certainly “feel” them, which may affect its service life;
  • Baseless coverage. Some types of PVC floors come without a base; this refers to homogeneous, i.e. single-layer coatings. They are durable, but are not able to provide sufficient noise and heat insulation;
  • Concrete base. A cold floor is one of the main reasons why it is necessary to use an additional insulating layer.

Main types of cork substrates

Cork sheets are made from granules of oak bark, which are compressed under pressure. However, the material may contain additional components, thanks to which several types of substrate can be distinguished:

  • Classic. It consists exclusively of natural wood-based components without any hint of the presence of synthetics. This damper is considered hypoallergenic and can be safely used in residential areas;
  • Bitumen-cork. Use indoors technical purposes. The material is made from kraft paper, which is additionally impregnated with bitumen. This insulating layer provides a high level of waterproofing;
  • With added rubber. In this case, rubber is used as a binder. This type of flooring is suitable for rooms with sufficient high level humidity. It can be placed on either wood or concrete base.

Cost of underlay for linoleum


How much does cork underlay for linoleum cost? Price for insulating material is largely determined by the type of coating, as well as the thickness of the insulating layer. Naturally, the thicker the damper, the more you will have to pay for it. In addition, roll materials are somewhat cheaper than panel materials, which is due to the difference in their technical characteristics.

The price of cork materials varies in a very wide range: from 60 to 700 rubles per 1 sq. m. m. At the same time, you will have to pay about 300-400 rubles for insulation in a roll, and at least 800-1000 rubles in the form of panels. At the rate of 75 rubles per euro.

To objectively assess the feasibility of using a damper under linoleum, we collected consumer reviews:

  1. A year ago I was renovating the living room and decided to lay linoleum. Since I live in panel house, in winter the additional heaters worked at full capacity, the floor was really very cold. But after I installed the cork flooring, the apartment actually became much warmer;
  2. At first it was a pity to pay money for additional insulation, but my wife insisted on insulating the floor. Of course, dents appeared in the linoleum under the furniture, but, in general, I am satisfied with the heat and sound insulation;
  3. My husband and I bought professional linoleum with normal thermal insulation, but the master foamed at the mouth to prove to us that it also needed a backing. Well, we agreed. I can’t say that it was the substrate that had this effect, but linoleum has been serving us faithfully for 6 years now.

Installation features


The technique of laying cork underlayment under linoleum is quite simple and consists of three stages:

  • Polyethylene should be placed under the flooring as waterproofing;
  • Then the sheets of backing are laid end to end and secured with construction tape;
  • Cork underlay new linoleum it is placed on a wooden floor in a checkerboard pattern so that the seams of the flooring do not separate under the influence of load.

Overview of substrate manufacturers

If you have probably decided to purchase insulation under PVC coating, you should familiarize yourself with the best manufacturers cork flooring:

  • A Portuguese manufacturer whose products are particularly durable. Natural resin is used as a binding component in the coating, which does not contain components harmful to health;
  • Also a Portuguese manufacturer producing decking with improved shock-absorbing characteristics, which are achieved by increasing the thickness of the layer;
  • Egen. The company produces natural and foil substrates. The latter does not have such a disadvantage as deformation under pressure.

Conclusion

Do you need a backing for PVC coating? If you want to provide additional noise and heat insulation, level the base or increase the service life finishing coating, an additional insulating layer will only contribute to this.

When performing repairs, irregularities begin to emerge different surfaces housing. High-quality styling floor covering cannot be carried out without a substrate, which serves as a compensator for unevenness of the base. For linoleum excellent option is its cork version. It will not only smooth out roughness and differences in the surface, but also reduce noise and protect against heat loss through the floor. Due to the elasticity of this material, damage to the linoleum is excluded; when falling on it, breakable objects will spring back and remain intact.

What makes the material unique?

It is made from crushed tree bark, or rather oak. No synthetic components are used in its production process, so it is an environmentally friendly material. Due to its properties, the substrate has high heat-insulating properties, and is also endowed with a water-repellent effect, so not only the floor covering, but also.

Now you can buy three varieties of it:

On the video there is a cork backing for linoleum:

Advantages and disadvantages

The soft material, which can be installed by anyone, is sold in rolls.

Among its significant advantages are:

  • Environmental friendliness. It is often used in wooden and eco-friendly houses.
  • Durability. The declared service life of the material can exceed 180 years. Even if the linoleum layer wears out, the substrate will not need to be changed; it will last for many years with another floor covering.
  • Provides protection for decorative material, since it has high density– 250 kg/m3. Helps maintain the original characteristics of the flooring for as long as possible.
  • Installation. After measuring the floor like this roll material and you can easily cut it into the desired pieces and place them.
  • Light weight. It provides easy delivery and transportation of material to any floor; you can use your personal car rather than resort to the services of special companies.
  • Resists mildew and various harmful microorganisms.
  • Can be used not only as a substrate, but also how decorative material for finishing walls and ceilings.

On the video, the pros and cons of cork substrate:

The disadvantages of cork products include:

  • High cost.
  • It can sag under the weight of massive furniture, which can lead to deformation of the linoleum.
  • The classic version of cork insulation cannot be used on water-heated floors. In this case, you should opt for a backing with foil.

You may also be interested in learning about how to properly lay insulation with foil under linoleum and in what cases it is worth using this lining material. All information is detailed

Carrying out installation

To install a cork footrest you will need the following devices and tools:

  • Drill. It requires an attachment with a mixer if it is necessary to make a cement screed before laying the material.
  • Construction level for checking the base surface.
  • Tape measure for measuring the perimeter of the room.
  • Screwdriver.
  • Jigsaw or hacksaw.
  • Construction knife.
  • Roller or brush.
  • Mallet.

Before installation work you need to prepare the floor surface and clean it of debris and dust. Check its differences; if they are more than 4 mm per 1 m 2, then a screed should be performed.

Laying technique

If the substrate is laid on an old wooden floor, then it can not be dismantled, but can be sheathed with sheets made of chipboard to level the surface. But linoleum behaves best on a concrete base. The backing is attached with glue, so you need to purchase it in the required quantity; PVA glue is best suited. In addition, such questions do not arise, or linoleum, since the material is double-sided.

Step by step guide:


Manufacturers and prices

The cost of cork backing depends on its thickness, type of material: roll or sheet, as well as size. In the first case, the thickness of the material is 2-4 mm, and in the second it reaches 10 mm. These are averages.

Manufacturer

Features of the material Price, rubles
Amorim (Portugal) Leaf view 160
-//- Roll view, 10 meters 1200
Aberhof (Germany) -//- 2050
IZORA (Portugal) Rolled type, price per 1m2 125
ALBERO (Ukraine) -//-, 10 meters, thickness 2mm 975
Corkstyle (Portugal) -//- 1650

When choosing a cork underlay for linoleum, you need to take into account the fact that both materials have a relatively low density, so you should give preference to an option with a large thickness, which would compensate for the subsidence of the main floor covering. With its help, you can reduce the noise coming from neighbors below, increase thermal insulation properties linoleum, especially if it comes without a base. To extend the service life of cork material, it is necessary to level the floor surface.

You may also be interested in learning about and how to choose it, but what is better to use laminate or linoleum in the kitchen and how to make it right choice, indicated

The technology for laying linoleum involves the use of a substrate. But not everyone House master has a clear idea of ​​what this material is used for and whether it is always needed. The need to use a substrate and its type depends on the type of linoleum chosen and the type of base. Today, several types of materials are offered for lining under linoleum or laminate, and the most versatile and popular is cork.

Types of cork substrates

Technical cork substrate is made by pressing cork chips into sheet or roll material. Roll material is produced in thicknesses from 2 to 4 mm, and sheet material thicker - from 4 to 10 mm.

Rolled natural cork lining

There are classic cortical substrates made without adding modifiers. This type of material is used in household repair and construction work. There are materials in which, to improve the qualities and expand the scope of application, corks include additional components:

  • Bitumen-cork. It is craft paper impregnated with bitumen with a layer of cork chips. This material is used for arranging floors in technical rooms for waterproofing the base. This material is flammable and emits odors. Not used in residential premises.
  • Rubber-cork. An expensive material that has high waterproofing performance and does not have the disadvantages of a bitumen lining.

Bitumen-cork roll lining

Advantages and disadvantages of cork

The main advantage of technical cork is its environmental friendliness. Synthetic adhesives are not used for pressing the crumbs, and gluten is released from the material itself when heated. Cork can create a favorable indoor microclimate. It is used as aid to increase the comfort of the room and as an independent finishing material.


Sheet material

Cork has the following positive characteristics:

  • Ease. Due to the fact that 90% of the volume of the material is gas, the density is only 250 kg/m3.
  • It is a porous material with closed cells, so the material does not absorb moisture.
  • Elasticity. After short-term deformation, the material regains its shape.
  • The material is chemically neutral. Does not react with other substances, has no smell or taste.
  • Does not accumulate static energy.
  • Does not support combustion.

But cork also has disadvantages:

  • Like any organic material, balsa wood is more vulnerable to moisture than synthetic materials. To prevent mold, the base must be thoroughly dried and waterproofed before laying the cork. This material is not used in rooms with high or unstable humidity.
  • Cork is not used in underfloor heating systems as it will significantly reduce the efficiency of the heating elements.
  • Cork material is pressed through and does not recover its shape well after prolonged or intense mechanical loads (from heavy furniture, sharp heels). Therefore, it is more often used in residential areas with low load on the floor covering. But the elasticity coefficient of cork and the ability to maintain shape are much higher than that of porous synthetic materials. Materials based on foamed PVC wrinkle and lose valuable properties.

Why use a substrate?

Linoleum is a thin and flexible material, and any unevenness in the surface of the base will appear on front side. Therefore, the main purpose of the substrate is to smooth out small defects in the base. Unlike other materials (jute, linen, foamed PVC), the cork lining effectively compensates for unevenness of the base, as a result of which the linoleum lies perfectly flat surface. A cork underlay under thin linoleum can create a feeling of elastic softness of the floor. Of all materials, it hides surface unevenness most effectively.


Laying technical cork under linoleum

The main disadvantage of linoleum is the poor insulation of the concrete base, which makes the floor cold and uncomfortable. When laying linoleum on a screed, the cork backing performs the function of thermal insulation and sound insulation. It suppresses structural noise in a wide frequency range (16 dB), which is important in multi-storey panel buildings.

When laying single-layer thin linoleum, the backing prevents rapid wear of the material.

Thus, when laying linoleum, be sure to use a substrate if:

  • The base has minor unevenness.
  • Laying is carried out on a concrete base. In this case, cork is used even when laying multilayer linoleum, which has its own backing.
  • Use of baseless (homogeneous) linoleum. Although experts recommend using jute backings for thin linoleums, a thin cork backing can adequately withstand moderate mechanical loads.

Important! Experts recommend using rigid jute or linen substrates on a flat concrete base, and cork on a wooden base. In this case, the soundproofing properties of cork will come in handy, which will make the floor silent when walking.

When to do without a substrate

There are situations when it is not necessary to use a substrate:

  • The new linoleum is laid on top of the old one. If the coating has retained its integrity, new linoleum can be laid without dismantling the old one and without a backing. The material is rolled out and pressed around the perimeter with a plinth.
  • Using multilayer linoleum on a backing. The fiberglass base makes the material durable, and the lining made of felt, jute, PVC performs well the function of compensating for unevenness of the base and thermal insulation.

Installation features

Working with cork is easy: the rolled material rolls out quickly, and sheet backing fits perfectly. The material is easily cut with a stationery knife.

Preparing the base

When laying linoleum on wooden base made of boards, the surface is leveled using gypsum fiber boards, sheet plywood or OSB. The sheets are laid offset, leaving damper gaps of 2-3 mm. For such a base, you can use a thin cork backing – 2-3 mm.


Preparing the plywood base

Important! The thinner the cork, the less noticeable the defects from pressing. Therefore, when using cork, it is necessary to eliminate surface unevenness as much as possible.

If the concrete base has significant unevenness (half the thickness of the substrate), it is leveled using a new screed or a rough base is constructed from plywood on joists. The subfloor on the joists can be additionally insulated with mineral wool.

Small tubercles on concrete floor polished, the holes are leveled using putty mixtures.

If a rough plywood base is being constructed, waterproofing film laid under sheets of plywood or OSB, and when leveling the floor with a new screed, the film spreads in front of the substrate.

If the new screed takes a long time to dry and does not gain acceptable moisture, use a latex-cork backing. This material is also recommended for first-floor apartments, where the floor will “pull” dampness from the basement.

You can determine whether moisture is evaporating from the concrete or whether the base is already dry using plastic film. The screed is covered in one piece plastic film. Along the edges, the film is pressed with slats or secured with tape. If no condensation has formed on the film within 12 hours, the screed has dried.

Installation of cork backing

The rolled lining is rolled out without gluing to the base, the joints between the strips are fastened with tape.


Rolling out rolled cork backing

The sheet cork backing is placed with a shift so that there are no cross-shaped joints. Sheet cork is more expensive than rolled cork, but it is easier to install over large areas.

To prevent the cork from swelling and detaching from the base, expensive and high-quality cork adhesives are used for gluing. The glue is applied to the base or substrate, spreading evenly with a spatula. In general, experts do not recommend gluing the substrate, since over time it will still swell due to changes in humidity. It is better to make a floating substrate without fixing it to the base. Wherein Special attention pay attention to joining the material with tape.

The work of laying the plug is carried out at air temperatures above 18 0 C and relative humidity less than 60%.

Linoleum can be laid on a substrate using double-sided tape glued with a mesh. Used at joints cold welding, coating the edges with glue.

Operation of linoleum on a cork lining

The cork underlay will last a long time and the floor surface will remain smooth if you do not allow excessive load on the coating.

It is necessary to avoid walking in heels and do not install heavy furniture. To distribute the load on the floor from the cabinet legs, use wide plywood pads.

If in the place where linoleum is laid on the cork there is a route of constant movement in the room, then the substrate must be taken as thin as possible. Due to constant pressure, it is pressed through, and over time, dents will become noticeable.

Video of laying cork backing:

The cork backing is universal material, which will allow you to get high-quality coating using any type of linoleum and laying it on any base.

Have you bought linoleum, but don’t know what underlay to use? Let's figure out what types of substrates exist and what would be better suited for your conditions. And then we’ll find out how to properly lay the linoleum underlay on a concrete floor to create an ideal base for the coating.

Types of substrate

Let's look at 5 main options:

  • Cork material;
  • Jute base;
  • Linen lining;
  • Combined option;
  • Foamed polyethylene material.

The question often arises: is a linoleum underlay necessary at all? If you have a perfectly flat, well-insulated and soundproofed roof, then it is not necessary to use a lining.

But such bases are very rare, so in most cases, before laying the floor covering, you need to lay the underlay.

Cork material

Cork lining for linoleum on a concrete floor has the following advantages:

  • Convenient packaging. Cork underlay for linoleum floors is available in rolls 1 meter wide and 10 meters long. They are easy to carry and lay;

  • Many thickness options. You can purchase bedding with a thickness of 2 to 10 mm. The thicker the material, the softer the surface, but its strength decreases.

As for the minuses, there are only two of them:

  • Softness. In places where heavy furniture stands, depressions form over time. If you decide to make a rearrangement, then be prepared for the fact that unevenness will remain on the surface;
  • High price. The price of a 2 mm thick roll is 1400-1500 rubles, the 4 mm version will cost 3500 rubles, and if you need the thickest 10 mm substrate, then you will pay about 8000 rubles per roll. Often the lining is more expensive than the linoleum itself.

To improve the thermal insulation of the floor, you can put cork material with a foil coating. It is about 10% more expensive, but it creates a reflective effect and allows you to retain heat in the room.

Jute backing

Jute underlay for linoleum on a concrete floor has the following advantages:

  • Rigidity. The material holds its shape well, does not wrinkle or sag over time. The lining is excellent for rooms with high floor loads;

  • Durability. The service life of a jute base is 75 years or more. That is, it lasts many times longer than the linoleum itself, and when replacing a worn-out coating, the base does not need to be changed;

  • Hygroscopicity. Jute is not afraid of moisture, so it does not rot over time. And special treatment also gives the material resistance to combustion;
  • Several density options. On sale you can find options with a density from 450 to 750 grams per square meter. The denser the material, the better it resists deformation;

  • Several thickness options. I've seen 2, 3, 4 and 5mm materials. This range is sufficient for any type of coating.
  • Reasonable cost. The price for a roll 1 meter wide and 10 meters long ranges from 1000 to 1300 rubles. This is cheaper than cork, but this option is in no way inferior in terms of characteristics.

This solution has one drawback: due to the high rigidity, large irregularities can be pressed through and depressions will appear on the surface of the linoleum.

Linen backing

This type of substrate is in many ways reminiscent of jute, but has its own characteristics:

  • Environmental friendliness. This is completely natural material, made by felting on special equipment without adding glue. For reliability, the mats are additionally stitched;
  • Good insulation properties. This option is not as rigid as jute, but its heat and sound insulation properties are no worse;

  • Breathability. The material perfectly allows air to pass through and does not prevent the evaporation of moisture from the base. Thanks to this, the risk of mold is much lower;
  • Different thickness options. You can purchase a base with a thickness of 3 to 7 mm. I recommend using the 5 mm thick option, it is suitable for most substrates and levels out small unevenness well;

  • Affordable price. A square meter of such a substrate costs about 100 rubles. In my opinion, this option is the best in terms of price-quality ratio.

There are no downsides as such. The only one significant drawback– such a substrate cannot be found everywhere; flax is not widespread as an agricultural crop in our time, so the volume of production of substrates from it is small.

Combined option

The combined backing for linoleum is made from jute, flax and wool. This combination of components provides a number of advantages:

  • High thermal insulation performance. Natural wool gives this type of product the highest heat-retaining characteristics of all options. If you have cold floors, then I advise you to use this option;

  • Strength. Jute gives the mats rigidity, and they do not sag over time;
  • Wear resistance. Life time combined option is 50 years or more. The structure made of wool, linen and jute holds its shape very well even under high loads;
  • Low price. The cost per square meter is 150-200 rubles. The material is usually 5 mm thick and comes in large rolls. You can buy it in stores by the meter.

Main disadvantage– presence of low-quality product options on the market. It is impossible to determine reliability by eye; all shortcomings are revealed only during the operation of the floor.

Polyethylene foam backing

This modern version, which has the following features:

  • Low price. This is the cheapest type of product of all; per square meter you will pay from 10 to 50 rubles, depending on the type and thickness;

  • Availability. This option can be found in almost any hardware store;
  • A large assortment. The material is sold both in rolls and in the form of rigid slabs. The thickness also varies, it ranges from 2 to 10 mm;

When choosing, be sure to check the elasticity of the material. This is done very simply: the substrate is compressed with your fingers. If it gives in very easily and after pressing, dents remain on the surface, then you have a low-quality option.

This option has the following disadvantages:

  • Fragility. The service life of such a foundation does not exceed 5-10 years. The material inevitably sags over time and all the irregularities appear on the surface of the linoleum;
  • Airtightness. Polyethylene does not allow air or moisture to pass through, so mold can form underneath it if the surface is damp.

How to lay the underlay

Doing the work yourself is not difficult. The instructions for carrying out the work are almost the same for all types of materials:

Illustration Description of the stage

The surface is being prepared.
  • First, everything unnecessary is removed from the room so that the floor is completely free;
  • Then you need to thoroughly sweep or vacuum the surface to remove dust and debris.

All significant irregularities are eliminated. If you have mortar build-ups on the floor, they need to be knocked off with a chisel or sanded.

Potholes and cracks are covered cement mortar and leveled with a spatula.

Level differences should not exceed 2-3 mm.


The substrate is spread. The material is carefully straightened and laid along one of the walls.

When laying the underlay under linoleum on a concrete floor, it is important to straighten it out immediately so that there are no folds on the surface and the material does not warp.


The lining is glued.
  • First it sticks to the floor Double-sided tape along the edges of the spread roll;
  • Next, it is gradually removed from the adhesive tape. protective layer and the substrate is pressed against the surface.

Cutting is done on site. There is no need to measure and cut pieces in advance, since the geometry of the room may not be ideal.

It is best to cut with a regular construction knife along the line where the floor and wall meet.


Linoleum is being laid. It should be placed with a small margin, as shown in the photo, and allowed to rest for about a day.

After this, the coating is fixed using the method you have chosen.

Conclusion

Now you can easily select a backing for linoleum and can lay it on your own. The video in this article will help you understand the topic even better, and if you don’t understand something, ask in the comments.

You can eliminate noise discomfort and solve all problems with surface defects ahead of time by purchasing and laying. By placing the substrate on the rough base, you simultaneously provide sound insulation and level the “working” surface.

Today, the use of various linings, which are placed between the base and the final finishing material, has already become the rule. At the same time, one of the most popular types of shock-absorbing pads is cork, which, among other things, also acts as a moisture, dust and sound filter. It also significantly extends the service life of linoleum, due to the fact that it takes on all dynamic and static loads.

Characteristics of cork substrate

The substrate is usually considered as one of the types building materials. Cork models are made from granules of cork tree bark using the pressing method. In this technological process do not use any glue, no resins. All granules adhere to each other due to natural binders. The result is dense finishing material, high-quality and natural, with low thermal conductivity and a high level of sound absorption.

The cork does not emit hazardous substances, has antistatic properties, is not subject to combustion. In addition, it hides minor unevenness in the base and has hypoallergenic properties.

Created by modern technologies The pressed granule lining has the following characteristics:

Also read materials:

  • fire resistance class M3 - the material does not emit toxic gases when heated and does not support combustion;
  • it is difficult to tear;
  • thermal conductivity 0.042 W/(m*K);
  • material humidity – 7%;
  • the density of the material ranges from 200-250 kg/m3;
  • excellent shock-absorbing properties. The material compresses by up to 10% at a pressure of 7 kg/cm2; within an hour after removing the load, it can restore its previous shape by eight percent;
  • noise reduction – up to 4000Hz not lower than 16 dB;
  • no more than 0.5 mm deviation in linear dimensions in length and width, as well as 0.2 mm in thickness.

Cork products are sold with various shapes, but the above characteristics apply to each of the cork materials.

The rolled material has a thickness of two to four millimeters. The overall flat dimensions of the sheet plates are 915/610 mm with a thickness of four to ten millimeters. Perhaps the main advantage of type-setting panels is their versatility. Tiles can be used both as a substrate and as a finishing material for roofs, ceilings and walls.

Laying cork flooring (video)

Preparatory work

Does not require increased requirements for the base, effectively hiding its defects. Still, it is better to take some preparatory steps before installation. For example, first of all it is necessary to level. For these purposes, you can use chipboards. The main thing is to lay them out in a checkerboard pattern. In addition, it is important to follow the rule: the seams of the backing and the rough base should not match.

If the floor is concrete, then first of all determine its differences and slopes of the floor.

The cork backing will easily hide defects and irregularities comparable to fifty percent of the thickness. Larger defects should be eliminated. To do this, first of all, assess the suitability of the surface using a linear building level, then knock down the hills, fill the depressions with a special leveling mixture. If the differences are more than five millimeters per adjusted meter, then make a floor screed. Please note that you cannot limit yourself to just leveling the base.


Who will think about waterproofing? It is known that concrete covering releases drops of moisture. To prevent the released liquid from saturating the cork substrate, use a polyethylene film to ensure decoupling of the layers. To do this, you need to roll out rolls of the polymer product over the entire surface of the floor, allocating at least twenty centimeters to the floors between the tapes.

The joints between the strips are usually sealed with tape that is indifferent to moisture.

Installation of linoleum on a cork backing

As a rule, the cork backing is not rigidly attached to the base. Why? There are two reasons for this:

  1. Extra financial costs for purchasing special construction adhesive (cork will interact poorly with other substrates).
  2. Mismatch between the thermal deformation coefficients of the substrate and glue mixture. As a result, the latter will certainly swell.

The above problems will allow you to avoid "". With this method, copra panels or sheets are laid on the base, directly adjacent to each other. The seams between adjacent elements are sealed with construction tape.


It is important to remember one principle: all work must be carried out under special conditions. microclimatic conditions: the air temperature should be no lower than eighteen degrees, its humidity should not be more than sixty percent.

So, knowing how to properly lay a cork backing, you can not only create a beautiful and high-quality repairs in the room or throughout the apartment, but also save a lot.