Compare thickness and pack coverage. Check the complete floor assembly. Plan the layer beneath your finished floor.
Thickness is one decision. Floor compatibility, finished height and installation matter too.
Start here when a thin cork layer fits the specified floor assembly. Choose between the available pack sizes.
Before you chooseA thinner layer does not remove the need to check substrate moisture, flatness and the floor’s underlayment requirements.
A thicker cork layer to consider where the finished floor and overall assembly allow it. Account for doors and transitions.
Before you chooseDo not add underlayment beneath a cork-backed or floating floor unless the manufacturer approves the complete assembly.
Compare the thickest option with your project’s specified assembly, acoustic requirements and available finished height.
Before you chooseMore thickness alone does not guarantee a required acoustic rating. Condo and strata approval depends on the tested complete assembly.
Compare the system first. Then check the selected product.
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| Option | Thickness | Pack coverage | Before choosing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3mm · larger pack | 3mm | 300 sq. ft. | Floor-system approval |
| 3mm · smaller pack | 3mm | 150 sq. ft. | Floor-system approval |
| 6mm | 6mm | 150 sq. ft. | Finished height & compatibility |
| 12mm | 12mm | 102 sq. ft. | Specified assembly & approval |
Acoustic ratings describe tested assemblies. A cork layer is not a substitute for a specified moisture barrier or an approved installation system.
Use the instructions for your chosen material and assembly.
Installation guide
Use this guide to match cork underlayment thickness, finished floor type, acoustic goals, substrate conditions, and installation method.
Compare thicknesses and project fit.
Ask for help matching underlayment to a finished floor.
Review the finished floor installation guide too.
Cork underlayment does not have one universal installation method. The finished floor, underlayment product, adhesive, substrate, moisture conditions, and project specification must all allow the same assembly. When those documents disagree, pause and request written project guidance before installation.
The plank floor itself must remain floating. Use separate cork underlayment only when the plank instructions and project requirements approve the added thickness. When separate cork underlayment is approved, lay the sheets loose, butt the seams without overlap, and stagger seams from the finished floor. Temporary low-tack paper or painter’s tape may be used across underlayment seams if it is compatible with the product; do not tape or glue the underlayment to the substrate and do not fasten through it.
For the company-supported glue-down cork-tile system, bond the tiles directly to the approved, prepared substrate with the adhesive specified for that tile. Do not add a cork-underlayment layer unless a qualified designer and every affected manufacturer provide written approval for the complete assembly.
Hardwood, laminate, resilient flooring, ceramic tile, and stone systems may have different loose-lay or bonded requirements. Follow the written instructions from the finished-floor, cork-underlayment, adhesive, and substrate manufacturers for the exact product combination. Do not use a blanket “any water-based adhesive” rule: use only an adhesive explicitly approved for the cork product, finished floor, substrate, moisture condition, and application method.
Review the finished-floor installation guide as well as the underlayment product instructions. If the assembly is not covered, request project help before ordering adhesive or starting installation.
Start with coverage. Confirm the final quantity before you order.
Enter your area to estimate packs.
An estimate, not an installation specification. Confirm actual pack coverage, layout and waste. Without JavaScript, divide your area plus cut allowance by the pack coverage above and round up.
Acoustic performance depends on the finished floor, substrate, underlayment, ceiling and other assembly details. Use the report for the assembly relevant to your project.
No. Check the floor manufacturer’s moisture-protection requirements and the condition of the substrate. Use the specified barrier where required.
Confirm the manufacturer permits the extra layer and the chosen thickness. Some floors already have a backing or specific support requirements.
Use the pack estimate above, then confirm pack coverage, cut allowance, layout and your installer’s requirements on the product page.
Get the building’s requirements first. Compare the tested assembly and submit the relevant documents for approval before ordering.
Delivery depends on products and destination. Free shipping may be available on $2,500+ eligible orders; items and delivery location are confirmed at checkout.
Read shipping & deliveryTell us about the space, substrate and material you have in mind.
For a US condo or multifamily project, confirm the complete tested assembly with your HOA or project professional before choosing thickness. Cork thickness by itself does not guarantee an IIC or STC result, and an additional layer is not suitable beneath every floating floor.
Prices are shown in US dollars. Delivery options and charges depend on your products and destination; enter your address at checkout before committing to an order. Our Normandy Park office is a mailing address and does not accept walk-ins or returns.
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