Cork Underlayment: Pros and Cons You Need to Know

Cork is one of the most popular types of underlayment, and for good reason: this natural material is known, among other things, for its impressive capacity for sound absorption, and is used beneath many different floor types to enhance comfort, insulation, and durability.

“But how can I know if it’s the right choice for my home?”, you may ask, and that’s a question that deserves a detailed and - so we hope - useful answer. In this guide, we’ll give you a good grounding - pun unintended - of the key advantages and disadvantages of cork underlayment.

What Is cork underlayment?

Cork is made from the bark of the cork oak tree, a completely renewable material that regrows after being harvested. It's installed as a cushion-like layer between the subfloor and the flooring - it’s often used beneath laminate, engineered hardwood, bamboo, and even some types of tile.

Since it’s so effective at absorbing shock and dampening sound, cork is a go-to option in multi-story buildings, home offices, and other spaces where comfort and acoustic and thermal insulation are on the priority list.

Cork underlayment pros

Let’s start with the benefits:

✅ Excellent Sound Insulation

Cork naturally absorbs sound, so it’s perfect for apartments, condos, or any upper-floor room, reducing both impact noise (like footsteps) and airborne noise (like voices and music).

✅ Temperature Insulation

Cork is also a good insulator for heat, helping to keep the floor at a pleasant temperature: a great bonus in terms of energy efficiency and comfort.

✅ Eco-Friendly

The harvest of cork, in the form of bark, doesn’t require cutting down the tree, making it a renewable resource, as well as a biodegradable and recyclable one.

✅ Mould & Mildew Resistant

Suberin, an organic substance present in cork, is a natural enemy of mould, mildew, and insects - which may be especially helpful in humid environments.

✅ Comfortable

Cork acts like a soft, cushioned layer under hard flooring, making it easier on joints and more pleasant to walk or stand on, especially for long periods.

✅ Helps Smooth Minor Subfloor Imperfections

While it won’t fix major issues, cork’s elasticity can compensate for slight irregularities in the subfloor, creating a more level surface for the flooring.

Cork underlayment cons

Nothing in life is without its drawbacks, and these are the most common concerns:

❌ Not Fully Waterproof

Cork repels water to some extent - thanks to the waxy consistency of suberin - but it's not fully waterproof, so if left too wet for too long, it may swell or deteriorate. It’s not recommended, unless paired with a vapor barrier, for laundry rooms or areas with a lot of humidity.

❌ Can Be Prone to Damage

Heavy furniture or prolonged pressure can cause cork to compress or crumble, especially if the underlayment isn’t dense enough.

❌ Higher Cost Than Basic Foam

Compared to foam or felt underlayment, cork tends to cost more - both the materials and, in some cases, installation.

Best use cases for cork underlayment

Cork underlayment shines in the following scenarios:

• Apartments & multi-family homes: reduces the noise that passes between floors
• Home offices or studios: improves acoustics and comfort
• Floating floors: especially suitable under laminate or engineered hardwood

On the other hand, you should avoid it in very humid areas, unless combined with waterproofing materials or a proper vapor barrier.

Cork vs other underlayment options

 

Installation tips for cork underlayment

• Surface prep: the subfloor should be clean, level, and dry
• Floating vs adhesive: the underlayment can be glued down for stability or loose-laid for a floating floor
• Use a vapor barrier: this is important where there’s humidity
• Stagger the seams: offset the cork sheets or rolls for better support and soundproofing

If you’re hesitant about doing it yourself, hiring a professional will ensure optimal performance from the underlayment and won’t void your floor’s warranty.

Conclusion: Is cork underlayment right for you?

In perspective, and weighing all the pros and cons of cork underlayment, it represents an impressive balance of comfort, acoustic performance, and sustainability. So if your project prioritises creating a peaceful, cosy environment and respect for the planet, cork could be the perfect fit.

Portuguese Treasures offers cork underlayment solutions designed to enhance acoustic comfort and thermal insulation, along with accessories that help improve your flooring's performance, longevity, and stability.

*Images on this blog have been AI generated.