Cork vs. Rubber Underlayment: Which One Should I Choose?

It can be confusing to know what to choose if you’re searching for the right underlayment for your flooring. The most popular underlayment options are cork and rubber.

Even though both materials have advantages, there are important differences between them that you should consider before making your choice.

A comparison of cork vs. rubber underlayment is presented in this article, and we will analyze their differences in durability, eco-friendliness, cost, soundproofing, moisture resistance, and other aspects.

Understanding the pros and cons between rubber and cork underlayment will enable you to make an informed choice when improving the comfort and quality of your home or office.

You Might Also Like:

• Cork vs. Foam Underlayment: Which is Right for Me?
• Can Mold Grow Under Vinyl Plank Flooring? (Answered)

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing Cork or Rubber Underlayment

1. What type of room is it, and how will it be used?

When choosing between cork and rubber underlayment, consider where and how it will install. The following are some factors to consider:

• Room type: Underlayment requirements may differ by room type. A bedroom or living room may prioritize comfort and soundproofing, while a kitchen or bathroom may prioritize moisture resistance.
• Flooring type: Underlayment selection is also influenced by the flooring installed. A carpet, for example, may not require as much soundproofing as a laminate or hardwood floor.
• Traffic: How much foot traffic a room receives will affect underlayment durability. High-traffic areas, such as hallways and entryways, require a more durable underlayment.
• Comfort: When it comes to comfort, cork underlayment may be a better choice since it has more cushioning than rubber.

Considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision about whether rubber or cork underlayment is best for your specific needs.

2. What is the compression rate of underlayment?

Underlayment should be chosen depending on how much compression will occur over time, whether it is cork or rubber. Check the material density before deciding since this can make it more likely to compress over time.

Moreover, the installation’s quality also contributes to your underlayment’s longevity. Depending on how well the underlayment will install, it can affect the resistance of the underlayment to compression. Proper installation can prevent underlayment compression, like gluing it down completely.

3. Which underlayment absorbs the most sound?

When choosing cork or rubber, it is important to consider which underlayment can absorb sound the best. Here are a few things to consider:

• Material thickness: Underlayment thickness influences the underlayment’s sound absorption capacity. The thickness of rubber and cork underlayment varies, but thicker underlayment absorbs more sound. The porous nature of cork makes it more effective at absorbing sound.
• STC Rating: Sound Transmission Class (STC) measures how much sound is transmitted through a material. A high STC rating is important when selecting underlayment. When installed correctly, cork and rubber underlayment can have high STC ratings.

4. What is the ease of installing underlayment?

Easy installation is a key consideration when choosing cork or rubber underlayment. Underlayment can be installed by glue-down, nail-down, or floating methods. You may choose a method based on your skill level, the tools you have, and your flooring requirements.

Another factor that affects the ease of installation is the subfloor’s condition. Before installing the underlayment, you may need to prepare your subfloor if it is uneven or in poor condition.

5. Budget.

Budget is the most important factor when choosing an underlayment, but it is not the only one. Cork and rubber underlayment are both more expensive than foam or felt underlayment.

However, they can be worthwhile investments thanks to unique features such as improved sound insulation and durability. The higher the quality of the material, the better the sound insulation, durability, and longevity it provides.

Cork Underlayment

Cork underlayment is a sublayer under carpets, hardwoods, laminates, or tiles. It is made from the bark of the cork oak tree. It provides natural insulation, moisture resistance, and sound dampening. The cork underlayment provides both comfort and protection for the flooring above.

As a sublayer for flooring, cork underlayment has many advantages, making it a popular choice. This material is derived from the bark of the cork oak tree, which naturally regrows after harvest, making it sustainable and environmentally friendly.

As a natural insulator and noise reducer, cork is a great choice for homes, apartments, and other living spaces. Cork underlayment also has moisture-resistant properties that prevent warping, swelling, or other damage to the flooring above.

Furthermore, it provides a cushioning layer that enhances the flooring’s comfort and durability. Ultimately, cork underlayment is an eco-friendly, durable, and versatile sublayer for flooring that offers protection and comfort.

Why to use Cork for Underlayment?

Cork is popular as an underlayment material for several reasons:

• Durability: Cork is a durable material that can hold the weight of furniture and other heavy items for a long time without breaking or damaging.
• Moisture resistance: Cork is naturally moisture-resistant, so it helps prevent the flooring above it from warping or swelling due to moisture.
• Insulation: The natural insulation properties of cork reduce noise levels and regulate indoor temperatures.
• Comfort: Cork provides a cushioned layer that greatly enhances the comfort and feel of the flooring above.
• Eco-friendly: Cork is made from the bark of the cork oak tree, which naturally regrows after being harvested, making it both sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Pros and Cons of Cork Underlayment

Pros

• Unlike other materials, cork is durable and resistant to breakages and damage.
• It prevents warping or swelling caused by moisture from warping or swelling above it.
• The cork’s natural insulation properties can regulate noise and temperature.
• A cork layer provides comfort and feels to the flooring above.
• Carpet, hardwood, laminate, and tile all work well with cork underlayment, making it a versatile option.

Cons

• It can be more expensive to use cork underlayment than other materials.
• Cork underlayment may be harder to find than other types of underlayment.
• Underlayments made of cork may require regular maintenance, such as sealing or refinishing.

Rubber Underlayment

Rubber underlayment is a sublayer under the carpet, hardwood, laminate, and tile flooring. Rubber is an excellent insulator, moisture-resistant, and durable material made primarily from recycled rubber.

As well as providing a strong and stable base for flooring, rubber underlayment reduces noise levels. Due to its recycled material composition, it is also an eco-friendly option. Further, rubber underlayment is a durable and practical sublayer for affordable flooring and is easy to install.

Also, rubber underlayment protects the flooring above it against warping and swelling due to moisture exposure. It is especially important in areas of the home or building prone to moisture, such as basements or bathrooms.

Rubber underlayment provides protection, comfort, and sound insulation for flooring through its strong, durable, and eco-friendly nature.

Why to use Rubber for Underlayment?

Underlayment made from rubber has several benefits, including:

• Durability: Rubber is a durable and strong material that can withstand heavy weights and foot traffic, making it the perfect sublayer for flooring.
• Moisture resistance: Rubber resists moisture, protecting flooring above it from warping and swelling.
• Sound insulation: Rubber reduces noise levels in apartments, homes, and other living spaces because it has sound insulation properties.
• Stability: Underlayments with rubber provide a stable base for flooring, reducing movement and protecting the floor from damage.
• Easy installation: Rubber underlayment is easy to install, which makes it convenient for those who want to complete a flooring project quickly.
• Affordability: When compared to other types of underlayment, rubber underlayment is less expensive, making it more accessible to a wide variety of customers.

Pros and Cons of Rubber Underlayment

Pros

• Rubber is strong and durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic.
• Rubber’s sound insulation properties reduce noise levels.
• Rubber underlayment reduces movement and prevents damage to flooring.
• Rubber underlayment is made from recycled rubber, making it environmentally friendly.
• Easy installation makes rubber underlayment a convenient option for quick flooring projects.

Cons

• Due to off-gassing, rubber underlayment emits solid odors and can harm pets.
• Rubber underlayment will trap moisture and lead to mold growth when not correctly installed and maintained.
• Heat is retained by rubber underlayment, making it unsuitable for exposed areas.
• Rubber underlayment may cause allergic reactions in some people.

What Are the Differences Between Cork and Rubber Underlayment?

Rubber and cork are popular materials used as underlayment for flooring, but they differ in a few important ways that can impact their suitability. Here are some major differences between cork and rubber underlayment:

• Material: Rubber underlayment is made from recycled rubber, whereas cork underlayment is made from the bark of cork oak trees.
• Thickness: Cork underlayment typically measures around 6 mm, thinner than rubber underlayment. Rubber underlayment is usually thicker, with a maximum thickness of 12mm.
• Soundproofing: Rubber and cork underlayment can provide good soundproofing for floors, but rubber tends to be more effective at absorbing impact noise, while cork is better at absorbing airborne noise.
• Moisture resistance: Cork underlayment is naturally moisture resistant but can be damaged by prolonged exposure to standing water. Underlayments made of rubber are more resistant to water damage and are better suited for humid environments.
• Installation: Underlayments made of cork are easy to install and usually available in interlocking panels or rolls. As rubber underlayment is heavier and may require adhesive to hold, it is generally more difficult to install.

Ultimately, the choice between cork and rubber underlayment will depend on your flooring project’s specific requirements, such as the type of flooring you are using, the soundproofing needs, and the moisture levels.

FAQs: Cork vs. Rubber Underlayment

Check Out More Articles Related to Flooring

• Cork vs. Foam Underlayment: Which is Right for Me?
• 7 Best Flooring Knee Pads for Floor Installers and Homeowners
• How to Move Your Fridge without Scratching the Floor? (Tried & Tested)
• Do You Put Vinyl Flooring Under Appliances? (Answered & Explained)
• 5 Best Ways to Protect Vinyl Flooring From Heavy Furniture (Must-Try!)