Can wood floors be installed over cork flooring?
On One Hand: Cork Is a Common UnderlaymentCork is commonly used as an underlayment for hardwood floors. It is especially favored as an underlayment for multi-unit buildings, where its sound-muffling qualities are highly valued. Wood floors are often glued onto the cork or laid “floating” above the cork.On the Other: Cork Is ExpensiveIf sound proofing is not an issue, such as in single family dwellings or first floor units, cork flooring underlayments are still a possible, but expensive, alternative to other underlayments, such as foam.Bottom LineFor pre-existing cork floors or apartment units on the second floor or higher, installing wood floors directly over cork is a viable option with no risk to the wood floors.
