Cork underlayment for flooring

Cork underlayment is mostly made of cork, making it incredibly lightweight. It is designed exclusively for floating floors, including vinyl and wood panels. Cork-rubber underlay, on the other hand, is a blend of cork and rubber, which provides greater durability. The rubber component enhances elasticity and wear resistance, while cork contributes to its lightness, thermal insulation, and soundproofing. A cork-rubber underlay offers more versatility—it can be installed under floating floors, glued-down floors, solid wood planks, ceramic tiles, and flexible coverings like PVC or linoleum.

Choose a cork underlay if you’re looking for a lightweight and fully eco-friendly option for a floating floor that will make it quieter and warmer. Cork-rubber underlay is a better choice when higher durability is needed, especially in high-traffic areas or spaces prone to moisture exposure.

1. Let the cork underlayment acclimate to the room where it will be installed, ideally for at least 72 hours. This prevents issues such as shrinking, expanding, or warping, which could cause floor irregularities or installation difficulties. Remove the underlay from its packaging 24 hours before installation.


2. Before laying the underlay, cover the subfloor with a vapor barrier, overlapping the seams by 4 inches and extending a few inches up the walls. Secure the joints with tape for added stability.


3. Cut the cork underlay to fit the room. Ensure the strips are the correct length, leaving a 1-inch gap along the walls to allow for expansion and contraction due to temperature and humidity changes.


4. Unroll the cork underlay onto the vapor barrier, smoothing it to remove trapped air. Use a roller or a paint roller to evenly distribute the material and ensure a snug fit with the subfloor.


5. While laying cork strips, make sure their edges align precisely to cover the entire floor seamlessly. Use standard mounting tape to join the edges securely.

Yes, installing a cork-rubber underlay involves slight differences—for example, adhesive, such as parquet glue or Wakol D 3540, is typically used. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the chosen adhesive.

1. Just like cork underlayment, allow the cork-rubber underlay to acclimate in the room for at least 72 hours. Unpack the material 24 hours before installation.


2. Measure and adjust the length of each strip to fit the room, leaving a 1-inch gap from the walls. Roll the strips back up to keep the area organized.


3. Apply adhesive to the subfloor using a notched trowel, such as a B1 or B2 type.


4. As you unroll each strip onto the adhesive, press it firmly to eliminate trapped air. A roller can help ensure even application and better adherence.


5. Align the edges of the cork-rubber strips precisely for full floor coverage, ensuring consistent soundproofing and insulation. Secure the edges with standard mounting tape if needed.