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Cork underlay for wooden floors and parquet is a popular solution used as an insulating layer between the substrate (e.g. concrete) and the wooden floor. Here is the key information about such an underlay:
Cork underlay for wooden floors and parquet is a popular solution used as an insulating layer between the substrate (e.g. concrete) and the wooden floor. Here is the key information about such an underlay:
What is a cork underlay?
It is a natural material made of compressed oak cork. It is most often sold in rolls or slabs of various thicknesses (usually from 2 mm to 10 mm).
Advantages of cork underlay:
Acoustic insulation: It dampens the sound of footsteps and other noises well.
Thermal insulation: It retains heat, increases walking comfort.
Durability: Cork is resistant to crushing and does not deform.
Natural and ecological: Hypoallergenic, biodegradable.
Levels out minor unevenness of the substrate.
Where to use?
Under wooden floors glued to the substrate - cork is most often laid loosely or glued to the floor.
Under parquet - especially if you care about noise dampening and thermal insulation.
Under floor panels – cork can be used as an alternative to foam or XPS.
Disadvantages:
Price – it is more expensive than artificial underlays (e.g. PE foam or XPS).
Sensitive to moisture – it is not recommended for use in humid rooms without additional vapor barrier foil.
Thickness of cork underlay – which one to choose?
2–3 mm – most often used under floating floors.
4–6 mm – for greater need for acoustic insulation.
>6 mm – less frequently, only on very uneven surfaces, where there is no risk of instability.
Do you need to glue?
Under panels – usually not.
Under glued parquet – cork should be glued to the screed with appropriate glue, and parquet – to cork.
Using a cork underlay in the kitchen under cork panels is possible, but requires several important considerations, especially due to moisture and the specifics of kitchen use.
Using a cork underlay in the kitchen under cork panels is possible, but requires several important considerations, especially due to moisture and the specifics of kitchen use.
Can a cork underlay be used in the kitchen?
Yes, but with a few rules in mind:
Advantages of a cork underlay under cork panels in the kitchen:
Excellent acoustic insulation - especially with cork panels, which are also quiet themselves.
Thermal insulation - comfort of walking barefoot, especially on floors without heating.
Flexibility - additional cushioning, improves the comfort of standing and walking.
Naturalness and ecology - goes well with cork as a finishing material.
What to watch out for in the kitchen?
1. Moisture and flooding
The kitchen is a place exposed to water and steam. Cork does not like moisture - it can swell and lose its properties.
Solution:
A vapor barrier film (PE 0.2 mm) under the underlay – a must!
Use moisture-resistant glue if anything is glued.
Make sure there is no leakage around the dishwasher, sink and fridge with ice maker.
2. Type of installation of cork panels
Floating cork panels (click) – then cork works well as an underlay, but a vapor barrier underneath is necessary.
Glued panels – in this case, no additional underlay is used, because cork is an integral part of the floor layer (glued directly to the screed).
Which cork underlay should I choose?
Thickness: 2–3 mm under floating panels – sufficient for acoustic and thermal insulation.
Form: roll or board – depending on installation preferences.
Additional PE layer (insulating film) – if it is not built-in, it must be laid separately.
Kitchen layering scheme (for floating panels):
Concrete screed/screed
Vapour barrier foil (PE 0.2 mm)
Cork underlay 2–3 mm
Cork panels (click)
If you want, I can help you choose a specific product (e.g. Wicanders, Quick-Step, Granorte) or help you choose glue and vapour barrier foil.
If you are looking for a cheaper cork underlay with a lower density than the classic cork roll, you have a few options - but each has its pros and cons. Below I present specific alternatives and what to look out for.
If you are looking for a cheaper cork underlay with a lower density than the classic cork roll, you have a few options - but each has its pros and cons. Below I present specific alternatives and what to look out for.
1. Aglo-korek (low density)
This is the cheapest type of cork underlay - made of finely ground cork, often with a lower density and a lower degree of compression.
Advantages:
Much cheaper than high-quality technical cork in a roll.
Still provides basic acoustic and thermal insulation.
Disadvantages:
More susceptible to crushing and deformation.
Less durable - may crumble over time under the weight of furniture.
Poorer quality of workmanship - uneven structure.
Where to buy:
Often available as a board underlay (e.g. 50x50 cm) or in rolls with a lower density (80-120 kg/m³).
The price can be even 30–50% lower than classic cork rolls with a density of 180–220 kg/m³.
2. Cork-rubber (composite) backing – cheaper versions
Some products contain a cheaper mixture of cork and SBR rubber, but in smaller proportions of cork.
Advantages:
Cheaper than pure high-class cork.
Better moisture resistance and durability.
Disadvantages:
Less “natural” – contains plastics.
May have a rubber smell for some time.
3. Synthetic “cork-like” backings
There are backings made of polyurethane and cork granulate (PU+Ag) on the market, e.g. Arbiton Secura Vinyl Click or similar. They are cheaper, but they are not pure cork.
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