Is Cork Tile Good for Soundproofing?

Identification

• Jelinek Cork Group, a cork product manufacturer, explains on its website that cork comes from cork oak trees. The cork is made from the outer layer or bark, which can be removed from the tree for up to 200 years. This means that cork is a renewable, environmentally friendly material. What makes cork ideal for soundproofing is its low conductivity. The structure of cork consists of small compartments that are insulated from each other. This reduces sound transmission, which is what you want if you are seeking to soundproof a room.

Types

• Jelinek Cork Group notes that acoustical cork tiles can be used to cover walls or ceilings. They insulate for temperature, as well as sound. Acoustical cork tiles are 13-millimeters thick, and the tiles are treated with wax to enhance their appearance and keep them free of dust and grime. You can purchase cork tiles with or without a self-adhesive backing.

Considerations

• GreenFloors notes that, in addition to being sound-absorbent, cork tiles are hypoallergenic, making them an ideal choice for use in kitchens. Cork is a material that is comfortable to stand on for long periods of time, and is low-maintenance. For soundproofing purposes, an alternative to tiles is cork underlayment, which is a layer of cork that can be installed beneath an existing tile, hardwood or ceramic floor, or a carpet. If you opt to use an underlayment, a 6-millimeter thickness is recommended, according to GreenFloors.

Warning

• GreenFloors notes on its website that it is not ideal to install cork tiles over vinyl tiles. This is because the residue that builds up on the surface of the vinyl affects the adhesive bond and can result in delamination. If you want to install cork parquet tiles, either apply a plywood sub-floor or remove the existing vinyl flooring before installing the cork tiles. However, GreenFloors cautions that sub-floor applications can be "costly and time-consuming."