FAQ
| 1. We purchased luxury vinyl tile (LVT) for a family room. Which product will give you the most bang for your buck?
The EZ Floor LVT, which is a 2mm dense foam, recycled with a built-in moisture barrier. This is a glue down application, as well, peel and stick vinyl tiles will adhere well to this product. Shipping is free, except to AK & HI.
|
| 2. Our Los Angeles, California apartment would like to purchase rubber sub floor for our 95 unit apartment complex. The wood frame building is 3 stories. Tenants complain that the floor squeaks and the noise level is high from the tenants above each unit. We must minimize the noise level. Please help.
Without our flooring an expert being physically at the location it’s difficult to determine your needs. However, the wood joists may be squeaking. An underlayment will not solve the squeaking but will lessen the noise level. Perhaps a carpenter can re-nail / re-screw the wood joists, plywood, etc. Concerning the noise produced by the tenants above each unit; if a ¼” or ½” rubber underlayment will not upset the threshold then we can recommend the ½” thick rubber underlayment in roll format. Rubber underlayment will abate noise more than cork underlayment. |
| 3. Our structural engineers have recommended a rubber-cork blend underlayment. Can you provide information, please?
The rubber-cork blend subfloor RC500 and RC1000 is available in 5mm and 10mm thick. |
| 4. We are a flooring contractor located in New York City. Our client is adamant in using your AcoustiCork products versus the generic cork. What’s the difference?
AcoustiCork cork underlayment products are tested for noise abatement. AcoustiCork is determined & rated by analysis for each lot of cork. Each production lot of underlayment is certified with a seal of approval if and only if meets the Sound Transmission Class (STC). Generic cork is not certified or tested. |
| 5. Do you offer free shipping for rubber underlayment rolls?
No, sorry. Due to its heavy weight it must ship via truck freight. It’s too heavy to ship UPS/FedEx Ground. Only the 4x50x1/4" cork underlayment rolls ship via UPS Ground. Shipping is free. If you have a large order we suggest you fill out the estimate request form. Large orders ship by the pallet. The manager will pass the saving on shipping to the customer if we ship by the pallet. |
| 6. My flooring contractor in Chicago told my husband that gluing the rubber underlayment is not required. Is this true or is my contractor getting lazy?
It is not required to glue it down, but it is recommended. Using adhesive will add an additional moisture barrier; reduce slight movement between the bare floor & underlayment which will also abate noise. |
| 7. We live in Houston, Texas and looking to buy rubber underlayment for our 2 story house. We purchased wood laminate flooring with a thin 2mm thick white foam underlayment sheet that is already attached, rather, already glued to the floor plank. Can we use your 2mm rubber foam underlayment under the laminate flooring we purchased?
Yes, an extra 2mm of underlayment under 2mm foam underlay will reduce noise further. It also may add some anti-fatigue features to the flooring. |
| 8. Our carpet installer gave us two options for an underlayment, a 3/8” thick foam padding or a 3/8” rubber underlayment. The rubber was more expensive than the foam. Which should we use?
Foam is an open cell material which can attract mold and mildew. Due to its lack of denseness it’s also susceptible to degrade/compress over a short time. Rubber underlayment is a closed-cell material, will not absorb moisture and is less susceptible to degrade over time. Rubber underlayment is better than foam padding-underlayment. The extra expensive is worth the quality. |
| 9. Can you supply us with technical information on the recommended applications for rubber subfloor?
Yes, cork and rubber subfloor instructions and performed tests are available for contractors and DIY people. |
| 10. We are a flooring contractor in Los Angeles, CA and need 4300 sq. ft. of rubber underlayment next week. Can you deliver this quantity in 7 days?
Our rubber subfloor and rubber underlayment is available in Los Angeles, CA. We can meet your deadline. |
| 11. Our apartment want to install carpet tiles in the hallway. Do we need a rubber underlayment for this?
It is recommended because the extra underlayment will abate noise, especially, pedestrians and vocal noise. |
| 12. I purchased 1200 sq ft of luxury vinyl tile (LVT) It already has a thin underlay adhered onto the plank tile. The question is, do I really need a underlayment for this plank tile?
If this is for your home residence and not a condominium, then I would suggest that addition underlayment is not needed. If it's for a condo, then since HOA rules are strict, I suggest acquiring addition rubber underlayment or cork underlay to provide additional noise abatement. California Building Codes (CBC) requires an IIC rating of at least 45 for floor coverings between units if field-tested. Check with your HOA and local building codes for guidance. |
| 13. We need five rolls of 5mm rubber underlayment at 25ft. long. That's 100 sq ft. per roll. The question is: Do we need a truck to pick up the rubber underlayment in Los Angeles, California?
No, you don't need a truck. The underlayment rolls are only 4ft. wide. A regular sedan, or even a Honda Fit can accommodate the load. We have the staff to help you with the load. |
| 14. ¡Hola! ¿Tienes las instrucciones de instalación de la base de caucho en español?
Sí, tenemos las instrucciones de instalación de la base de caucho en: Instrucciones-de-instalacion-de-la-base-de-caucho.pdf |
| 15. Are we required to glue down the underlay or can we just float it? And what type of glue to you recommend.
No, using adhesive for the rubber underlayment is not required. Other options include floating it-not using adhesive- or using double side tape. It depends if you own the property. If you own the property, we recommend gluing it down. We recommend Eagle Grip, a urethane adhesive for rubber and rubber underlayment. |
| 16. We are install the 2.05mm Shaw Luxury Vinyl Plank on a concrete floor. What thickness underlayment do you recommend for this Shaw LVT??
We recommend the 2mm rubber underlayment. Double check with Shaw's installation instructions before proceeding.
In addition, the 8.2mm Max Core by Provenza, 8.2mm Max Core by Provenza, 3.93mm Shaw Luxury Vinyl Plank and 7.98mm Daltile Ceramic Tile can use the 3mm rubber underlayment. Check the installations instructions before installing.
In addition the below types of LVT and wood flooring can use the 5mm thick rubber underlayment.
4mm UA Floors Parisian Collection
6.77mm Quick Step Wood Plank
8.05mm Armstrong Luxe Plank LVT
8.05mm Armstrong Luxe Plank LVT
8.18mm Max Core by Provenza LVT
8.2mm Max Core by Provenza LVT
8mm Daltile Ceramic Tile
For other flooring brands please view our Rubber Underlayment Brochure
|
| 17. What are the advantages of rubber underlayment versus the advantages for cork underlayment?
A. Superior Moisture Resistance
Rubber is inherently waterproof and resists mold, mildew, and water damage far better than cork, which can swell or degrade when exposed to moisture. Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
B. Better Sound Insulation (Higher IIC Ratings)
Dense rubber underlayment typically achieves IIC ratings of 70+, outperforming cork (often 50–65 IIC). It excels at blocking impact noise like footsteps in multi-story buildings.
C. Greater Durability and Compression Resistance
Rubber maintains its shape and cushioning under heavy loads (e.g., furniture, gym equipment) without compressing permanently, while cork can dent or crumble over time.
D. Enhanced Thermal Insulation in Cold Climates
While cork is a good insulator, recycled rubber provides comparable or better R-values in dense formats and does not absorb cold like cork can in humid environments.
E. Pest and Allergy Resistance
Rubber is non-organic and resists insects, rodents, and dust mites. Cork, being natural, can harbor pests or allergens if not properly sealed.
F. Easier Installation with Adhesive or Floating Systems
Rubber rolls or tiles often come with peel-and-stick backing or are designed for loose-lay, while cork usually requires glue and more surface prep.
G. Recycled and Eco-Friendly Options
Many rubber underlayments are made from 100% recycled tires, diverting waste from landfills—often with higher post-consumer content than cork, which is harvested from trees (though renewable, harvesting impacts ecosystems).
H. Better Performance Under Heavy Traffic
In commercial settings (gyms, offices, retail), rubber withstands constant foot traffic and rolling loads without breaking down, whereas cork wears faster.
I. Lower Long-Term Maintenance
Rubber does not require sealing or re-treatment like cork, which may need periodic waxing or polyurethane coating to prevent drying and cracking.
J. Wider Temperature Tolerance
Rubber performs consistently in extreme heat or cold (e.g., radiant floor heating up to 140°F), while cork can become brittle in low humidity or warp under high heat.
Note: Cork shines in eco-conscious builds prioritizing natural materials and breath ability, but rubber dominates in moisture-prone, high-traffic, or noise-critical environments.
|
18. We purchased some luxury vinyl tiles from Home Depot. After we purchased it we realized that the LVT needs an underlayment....
Yes, the 'Traffic Master Lakeshore Pecan Stone 7 mm T x 7.6 in. W Laminate Wood Flooring' Store SKU # 1004864720 needs an underlayment. The common thicknesses for LVT is 2mm-5mm. Some LVT comes with factory adhered underlayment; however the quality may is poor. Foam underlay is less expensive than rubber subfloor. |
| 15. Are we required to glue down the underlay or can we just float it? And what type of glue to you recommend.
No, using adhesive for the rubber underlayment is not required. Other options include floating it-not using adhesive- or using double side tape. It depends if you own the property. If you own the property, we recommend gluing it down. We recommend Eagle Grip, a urethane adhesive for rubber and rubber underlayment. |
| 16. Can CWF's rubber underlay be used outdoors under artificial grass turf?
No, however we have a US made product designed specificially for padding under artificial grass. It's produced with a lower density rubber and a foam composite, a shock pad engineered for outdoor and indoor baseball, soccer, football and even volleyball. |