How to Install Cork Flooring Underlayment

Installing cork flooring underlayment is essential to the process of proper cork floor installation. The underlayment provides a sound barrier as well as protection against joint breakage for the new floor. Therefore, installing it properly is essential. Here are the basics of how to install cork flooring underlayment.

Step 1 - Measure the Room

The first thing that you need to do is measure the length and the width of the room. Multiply the two numbers together to get the square footage.

Step 2 - Purchase the Underlayment

Once you have determined the square footage of the room that you are covering, you will need to purchase the appropriate underlayment. Consult with a flooring store representative to find out what is best for the type of cork flooring that you have. When deciding which type to buy, do not skimp on the quality. If anything, you want to purchase the best pad that they have available for cork. The pad or underlayment that you buy will make a big difference in how the floor performs overall.

When you purchase, buy a little more than the exact square footage so that you will make sure that you have enough with waste.

Step 3 - Unroll the Underlayment

Once you get the underlayment home, unwrap and unroll it so that it can be installed. Most of the time, this type of underlayment will come in some sort of a protective wrapper. You can cut the wrapper with a utility knife and get the pad out. Unroll the pad across the length of the room. It is best to start on one side of the room and go down the length of the wall. Tape the pad to the floor so that you can make sure that it stays in place.

Step 4 - Cut the Underlayment

When you get to the end of a row where you run into a wall, you will need to cut the underlayment to fit. This is a very simple process that involves the utility knife. Run the pad up the wall a few inches so that you can make sure that you cut enough. Then take the utility knife and press it down into the corner of the wall and floor. Run the utility knife across the width of the roll with a fair amount of pressure. This should cut off the excess pad.

Step 5 - Install the Next Row

Start a new row of pad right next to the previous one. Unroll a roll of pad and press it right up against the first row. Tape the two rows together with your tape and continue to do this until the entire floor is covered.