What is Cork Underlayment?

Cork underlayment is flooring under pad that is used in place of “foam” products. Cork underlayment offers increased temperature control as well as acoustic properties that are well documented. Cork underlay offers a simple “floor lift” for those projects where the owner is attempting to achieve a “height match”. Because cork is solid it is a very easy, cost effective solution to floors that do not match in height.

Cork underlay is very effective when used underneath a cork floating floor. The benefits of a cork floor come from the amount of cork used to make up that floor. By adding 3mm cork underlay to their cork floor, the owner almost doubles the amount of cork on their floor. This means the benefits of the floor are doubled as well with twice the amount of thermal insulation and twice the amount of acoustic ratings. Adding in a 6mm cork underlay, a home owner increases the amount of cork by 2.5 times to 10mm of cork. This is where the benefits of cork insulation properties really gain momentum.

Many cork flooring producers have attempted to increase their floor’s technical aspects by adding cork to the underside of the plank. They will add in an extra 0.5mm – 1.0mm to the floating floor plank. This is an expensive addition – often increase the cost of the floor by $2-$6 per square foot (depending on the producer). At the same time, these manufacturers will also increase the thickness of the High Density Fibreboard (HDF) core – thereby making their planks look thicker, more luxurious. Yet the benefit of the thickness comes only from the cork. An HDF layer offers very little when it comes to insulation or acoustic values. The amount of cork is key.

A 15mm cork floating plank will often sell for a premium price tag ($8-$13/sf), yet the amount of cork in the floor is only worth 5mm. This is only 1mm more than a cork floor that is 11mm thick. And the 11mm thick cork floor sells for as little as $2.30/sf. If cork underlay is added, the total cost of the floor can increase by as little as $0.35/sf. Certainly nowhere near as expensive as the 15mm. And the owner achieves a warmer, quieter floor because they have added more cork – for less money.

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