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Eco friendly cork underlayment for flooring

Are you fed up with a floor that squeaks every time you walk on it? Or perhaps it’s so chilly that you end up wearing thick socks all day long? Don’t worry, we’ve got the ideal solution: a premium cork underlay. Before you opt for common foam or felt options, which are often less durable, poorly insulate, and may have questionable recycling benefits, why not try a smarter and more comfortable alternative: cork? Yes, cork underlay for panels is environmentally friendly and makes your flooring long-lasting, stable, quiet, and cosy. Now you can enjoy walking barefoot in the comfort of your home!

We’re sure you’ve got some questions, so let us address them for you.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CORK UNDERLAY AND A CORK-RUBBER UNDERLAY?

Cork underlay consists predominantly of cork, making it incredibly lightweight. It’s best suited for floating floors, including vinyl and wooden panels. Cork-rubber underlay, a combination of cork and rubber, is more robust. The rubber element enhances flexibility and durability, while cork provides lightness, thermal insulation, and soundproofing. Cork-rubber underlay offers greater versatility, suitable for installation under floating floors, glued floors, solid wood planks, ceramic tiles, and flexible coverings such as PVC or linoleum.


Opt for a cork underlay if you want a lightweight, eco-friendly solution for floating floors that enhances warmth and reduces noise. For areas with heavy foot traffic or potential moisture exposure, cork-rubber underlay is the more practical choice, offering greater resilience.

HOW DO YOU INSTALL A CORK UNDERLAY BENEATH FLOOR PANELS?

  1. Allow the cork underlay to acclimatise to the room where it will be used for at least 72 hours. This prevents issues such as shrinking or warping, which can lead to floor unevenness or installation problems. Unwrap the underlay 24 hours before installation.

  2. Before laying the underlay, cover the subfloor with a vapour barrier, ensuring the seams overlap by 10 cm and extend a few centimetres up the walls. Secure the overlaps with tape for stability.

  3. Cut the cork underlay to fit the room’s dimensions. Leave a gap of 2-3 cm around the walls to allow for expansion and contraction caused by temperature or humidity changes.

  4. Roll out the cork underlay onto the vapour barrier, smoothing it as you go to eliminate air pockets. Use a roller or similar tool to ensure the material adheres evenly to the subfloor.

  5. When joining cork strips, make sure the edges align perfectly for a seamless finish. Use standard adhesive tape to keep the edges secure and maintain consistent coverage.

IS THE INSTALLATION OF A CORK-RUBBER UNDERLAY DIFFERENT FROM A CORK UNDERLAY?

Yes, there are slight differences when installing cork-rubber underlay. For instance, adhesive, such as parquet glue or Wakol D 3540, is often required. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for the adhesive you choose.

  1. Like cork underlay, cork-rubber underlay also needs to acclimatise in the room for at least 72 hours. Remove it from its packaging 24 hours before starting the installation process.

  2. Measure and adjust the lengths of the strips to suit the room, leaving a 2-3 cm gap from the walls. Roll the strips back up for easier handling and organisation.

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

  4. When unrolling the underlay onto the adhesive, press it firmly to eliminate air pockets. A roller is ideal for distributing the material evenly and ensuring a secure bond with the subfloor.

  5. Align the edges of the strips precisely to cover the entire floor seamlessly. This ensures effective insulation and soundproofing. Use standard mounting tape to secure the edges if needed.

With a cork underlay, you don’t have to compromise between retaining floor warmth and reducing noise—cork does both efficiently!


Cork underlay and cork-rubber underlay effectively block unwanted noise, creating a quieter environment. Furthermore, cork is an excellent thermal insulator, making floors feel cosier and warmer, while also helping to reduce heating bills significantly.


Cork underlay is completely safe—it doesn’t absorb moisture, develop mould, or release harmful substances. Unlike other materials, such as polyurethane foam or felt, which can deform over time, cork maintains its integrity. This ensures your floor remains level, improving both its appearance and safety. Uneven flooring can pose trip hazards, particularly for children and the elderly.

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