Boost Hardwood Floor Durability with Cork Underlayment
Hardwood floors are a popular choice for homes due to their natural beauty, durability, and value. However, hardwood can be susceptible to dents, scratches, and moisture damage over time. Using a high-quality cork underlayment beneath your hardwood offers protection and can significantly extend the life of your flooring.
Cork underlayment serves as a cushioned base layer that prevents damage from impact and moisture. It also provides insulation against temperature changes, absorbs sound for noise reduction, and helps smooth over minor subfloor imperfections. Read on to learn all about the benefits of cork underlayment and how to properly install it under your new hardwood floors.
What is Cork Underlayment?
Cork underlayment is a thin layer of cork that is installed underneath hardwood flooring and other types of flooring. It is typically available in rolls or sheets that are 2 to 3 mm thick when compressed. Underlayment made from cork is naturally moisture-resistant, sound absorbent, and has insulating properties.
Cork underlayment is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree, which regenerates its outer bark over time. It is an environmentally sustainable resource. Sheets and rolls of cork underlayment consist of granulated cork mixed with a binder that is then pressed and baked into solid sheets.
Benefits of Using Cork Underlayment
There are several key reasons to use cork underlayment when installing a new hardwood floor:
Provides a Cushioned Base Layer
One of the main benefits of cork underlayment is that it creates a cushioned base that absorbs impacts and prevents dents or damage to the hardwood flooring. Cork naturally compresses slightly under pressure. This cushioning allows the floor to have some give when weight or heavy objects are on it, preventing cracks or imprints.
Cork also enables the hardwood floor to move subtly without creaking or damage. This flexibility prevents gaps from forming due to natural expansion and contraction from humidity and temperature changes. Underlayment helps minimize floor noise from creaks.
In addition, cork provides a comfortable, padded feel when walking across the floor in bare feet. This soft surface feels pleasant underfoot compared to walking directly on a hard subfloor.
Insulates Against Temperature Changes
Cork is naturally an excellent thermal insulator, meaning it prevents the transfer of heat or cold. Using cork underlayment helps regulate temperature, keeping hardwood floors warmer in the winter. It creates a thermal barrier between the floor and cold concrete basement slabs or crawlspaces.
During summer, the underlayment prevents heat from being conducted into the space above. This insulation helps maintain comfortable ambient temperatures year-round.
Blocks Moisture
Cork resists the absorption of water and moisture. Placing cork underlayment beneath hardwood creates a protective moisture barrier. This prevents moisture from seeping into the flooring from below, which can cause warping, cracking, and cupping.
In areas prone to higher moisture like basements or bathrooms, a vapor barrier should also be installed below the cork underlayment. The vapor barrier blocks diffusion of moisture up through the concrete while the cork blocks any moisture that gets through.
Using an underlayment like cork is important, as any moisture trapped against the bottom of the flooring can cause mold, mildew, and decay over time. Keeping the wood flooring completely dry with underlayment preserves its beauty and structural integrity.
Noise and Sound Reduction
One of cork's most useful properties is its ability to absorb sound vibrations and impact noise. Cork underlayment offers acoustic insulation, blocking noises like footsteps or dropped items from transmitting to rooms below.
Hard surfaces like hardwood floors provide no barrier to the transmission of noise through to the ceiling below. The sound-absorbing nature of cork underlayment significantly reduces footfall noise and other impacts.
Cork also dampens vibrations and resonance within the floor itself. This minimizes creaks and squeaks for peace and quiet. With its noise-blocking abilities, cork underlayment is great for multi-level homes and apartments.
Helps Level Uneven Surfaces
Although the subfloor should be flattened and smoothed as much as possible, cork can help compensate for minor dips, bumps, and inconsistencies in the subfloor. Cork underlayment creates an even, uniform base for installing hardwood flooring.
The forgiving, flexible nature of cork underlayment enables it to conform to irregularities better than rigid underlayments. This allows the wood flooring to be installed over a flatter, smoother substrate for cleaner results.
Proper Installation of Cork Underlayment
Installing cork underlayment is relatively fast and easy. However, proper techniques should be followed to ensure your hardwood flooring performs its best.
Subfloor Preparation
The subfloor must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt, debris, staples, or adhesive residue. Address any existing moisture or structural issues prior to installing the underlayment.
A level subfloor is key for even flooring results. Grind down any raised areas and fill significant depressions with floor leveling compound. It is recommended to achieve a flatness variance of no more than 3mm over 3 meters.
Laying the Underlayment
Rolls of cork underlayment can simply be unrolled over the flooring area in the desired direction. Cut the underlayment as needed to fit the exact dimensions of the room using a utility knife. Make sure seams between strips or sheets overlap by at least 2 inches.
Some types of cork underlayment have an attached adhesive strip to securely join the seams. If not, double-sided carpet tape can be used to safely hold the underlayment pieces together.
Secure the Underlayment
Most cork underlays do not require the use of additional adhesives or fasteners. The underlayment relies on its own grip against the subfloor to stay in place. In some cases, manufacturers may recommend a light spray adhesive to securely bond the underlayment.
Be sure to follow the underlayment installation guidelines for proper application of adhesives and method of securing the material. Cork underlayment is not typically nailed or stapled down.
Vapor Barriers
For flooring going into rooms prone to moisture, first install a vapor barrier directly over the subfloor before laying the cork underlayment. This provides an added measure of moisture protection.
Look for vapor barriers made of cross woven polyethylene film with taped seams. The vapor barrier creates a complete moisture seal against the subfloor.
Hardwood Floor Installation
Once the cork underlayment is fully installed, the hardwood flooring can be placed directly over top. Be sure to follow the wood flooring manufacturer's instructions for proper fastening and spacing.
Most floating click-together floors will simply click into place over the underlayment. Nailed hardwood floors will be securely fastened through the underlayment and into the subfloor.
Any adhesives used for the wood flooring need to be compatible with the cork underlayment material to prevent chemical interactions.
Cork Underlayment vs. Alternatives
There are several options when it comes to underlayment materials, including cork, foam, felt, and rubber. Each has pros and cons.
Foam
Foam underlayment, typically made from recycled materials, is affordable and provides basic cushioning. However, it tends to compress down over time and does not offer moisture or sound proofing abilities. Durability is limited.
Felt
Felt composed of wood or synthetic fibers is a traditional choice known for smoothing out subfloor imperfections. It lacks significant insulation or acoustic properties though. Sensitive to moisture damage.
Rubber
Rubber underlayments made from recycled tires provide cushioning and durability. Not as effective for insulation or sound absorption. Dense rubber can hinder hardwood floor movement.
Cork
Cork excels in all categories important for hardwood flooring. Its resilient cushioning prevents dents while insulating. Cork resists moisture and dampens sound well. An eco-friendly choice.
Cork underlayment is a smart investment when installing new hardwood flooring. Its cushioning softens impacts that dent floors while facilitating subtle floor movement. Thermo-regulating properties maintain comfortable temperatures.
The moisture resistance and sound dampening of cork also preserve the flooring by keeping it dry and quiet. By boosting durability and performance, cork underlayment allows you to enjoy beautiful hardwood floors for many years to come.