Cork Underlayment: How Thick Does It Need to Be for Soundproofing?

When choosing flooring, sound control is often just as important as comfort and durability. Whether you’re trying to reduce footsteps in an upstairs room or limit sound transfer between floors, cork underlayment is one of the most effective natural solutions available. A common question homeowners ask is how thick should cork underlayment be for soundproofing? 

The answer depends on your flooring type, noise concerns, and installation requirements. 

Why Cork Underlayment Works for Sound Reduction 

Cork is naturally effective for sound control because of its unique cellular structure. Millions of microscopic air pockets within cork absorb vibration instead of transmitting it through the subfloor. This makes cork underlayment for acoustic insulation especially effective beneath hard surface flooring. 

Cork underlayment sound reduction is most noticeable with impact noise such as footsteps, furniture movement, and dropped objects. 

How Thick Should Cork Underlayment Be? 

3 mm (≈ 1/8 inch): Light Sound Reduction 

A 3 mm (approximately 1/8 inch) cork flooring underlayment thickness provides light sound dampening. It helps reduce minor footfall noise and is best suited for spaces with minimal sound concerns or tight height restrictions. 

6 mm (≈ 1/4 inch): Best All-Around Option 

A 6 mm (approximately 1/4 inch) cork underlayment is widely considered the best cork underlayment for soundproofing in most residential spaces. It offers strong cork underlayment sound reduction while maintaining floor stability and compatibility with most flooring systems. 

8 mm (≈ 5/16 inch): Enhanced Acoustic Performance 

An 8 mm (approximately 5/16 inch) cork soundproofing underlayment provides an extra layer of vibration absorption and is ideal when additional sound reduction is needed without jumping to maximum thickness. 

12 mm (≈ 1/2 inch): Maximum Acoustic Insulation 

A 12 mm (approximately 1/2 inch) cork underlayment for acoustic insulation delivers the highest level of impact noise reduction. This thickness is best suited for multi-story homes, upstairs rooms, condos, and shared living spaces where sound control is a top priority. 

Soundproofing vs. Sound Reduction 

Cork underlayment for acoustic insulation excels at reducing impact noise, but it does not fully block airborne sound such as voices or music. For full soundproofing, cork works best as part of a layered flooring system that includes additional acoustic or structural materials. 

Choosing the Right Cork Underlayment Thickness 

When selecting cork underlayment thickness for soundproofing, consider: 

Frequently Asked Questions About Cork Underlayment & Soundproofing 

How thick should cork underlayment be for soundproofing?

Most homes benefit from 6 mm (1/4 inch) cork underlayment, which offers effective cork underlayment sound reduction. For higher noise levels, 8 mm (5/16 inch) or 12 mm (1/2 inch) provides enhanced acoustic insulation. 

What is the best cork underlayment for soundproofing?

The best cork underlayment for soundproofing typically falls between 6 mm and 12 mm (1/4 to 1/2 inch), depending on your flooring system and noise concerns. Thicker cork absorbs vibration more effectively. 

Does cork underlayment reduce noise?

Yes. Cork underlayment sound reduction works by absorbing vibration from footsteps and movement, improving overall acoustic comfort under hard flooring. 

Is thicker cork underlayment always better?

Not always. While thicker cork underlayment improves sound reduction, it must be compatible with your flooring system and height limitations. 

Does cork underlayment block airborne noise?

Cork soundproofing underlayment primarily reduces impact noise rather than airborne sound. Additional acoustic materials are needed for full soundproofing. 

Final Thoughts 

So, how thick should cork underlayment be?

For light noise reduction, 3 mm (1/8 inch) may be sufficient. For most residential applications, 6 mm (1/4 inch) offers the best balance of sound reduction and compatibility. When sound control is critical, 8 mm (5/16 inch) or 12 mm (1/2 inch) cork underlayment delivers the strongest performance. 

Cork remains one of the most sustainable and effective materials for improving comfort and acoustics underfoot, making it a smart choice for sound-conscious flooring projects.