Cork Underlayment Installation

Cork is a sound dampening underlayment for tile, stone and wood flooring as well as a finished flooring option. Cork is growing quickly in popularity for its environmental sustainability, softness under foot and ease of installation and maintenance.

Foundation and Subfloor

As will all flooring installations, the product will only perform as well as its foundation has been prepared. The sub floor must be clean, sanded or smooth, residue free, dry and with no holes, sizable cracks, protrusions or chipping. The subfloor must be level and any differentiations in the surface should be filled, patched or leveled with a cement product.

Underlayment Options

If you are installing a cork underlayment simply as a sound dampening feature under a stone, wood or tile floor, you have several choices as to the thickness between 1/8 inch and 1/2 inch depending on your needs and budget. Typically, thicker cork underlayments are used under heavier stone and tile applications. Once the cork underlayment has been applied, allow the adhesive to cure according to its specific directions before laying down your finish floor.

Adhesive Options

There are many adhesives that are compatible with laying either a cork underlayment or finish floor and the most effective include those that are made of urethane, natural latex (rubber) or acrylic. Apply any of these adhesives with a V-notch trowel in a thin layer over the entire surface of the sub floor on which the cork underlayment will come into contact.

Cork Application and Maintenance

Cork tiles or rolled cork flooring is a relatively low maintenance surface that is warm and soft underfoot. Cork floors are sealed after installation and are kept in good condition by sweeping, vacuuming and damp mopping. Annual or bi-annual resealing. The manufacturer of your particular cork flooring will provide guidance on sealants they recommend for their product. The main thing to avoid is using harsh or abrasive cleansers on cork because they can really damage the finished surface.

Cost

Underlayment quality cork can be purchased starting at $1.40 per square foot and finished floor-quality cork tiles can be purchased for upwards of $5.00 per square foot.