The Cork Oak (Quercus Suber) is the only tree from which cork is harvested.
Cork is the outer bark of the tree, which is stripped and later used in everything from flooring to wine bottles. It has been used for thousands of years in many different cultures around the world.
Trees approximately 200-300 years old are cut down to be made into wine bottle stoppers, automobile and boat parts, insulation, and bulletin boards.
In the case of cork underlayment, only the bark is needed therefore no trees are damaged in the process. The cork grows back as it is a very hearty tree that can live up to 500 years.
There are two different types of cork harvesting: "Folical" and "Recto". Folical harvesting involves stripping the bark off the tree much like you would peel a banana; however, this method results in more than half of the leaves dying due to lack of nutrients.
Recto harvesting includes stripping off only a small portion of the bark, allowing the nutrients to flow down to the other layers of bark that have not been removed. This method leads to a healthier tree where most if not all leaves survive.
What’s The Deal With Cork Underlay?
Cork underlayment is a protective layer of cork. It can be used as a flooring material or as an underlayment for tile or laminate flooring. Cork underlayment rolls have the added advantage of being able to be cut to custom lengths, which can save you the expense of having to purchase large rolls.

Cork Underlayment Rolls and Sheets
Cork underlayment rolls have several advantages over other types of underlayment. They are not considered a moisture barrier but do offer some resistance. The rolls are easy to work with and are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of underlayment. Cork rolls are also lightweight, making it easier to handle than other underlayments on the market that are sold in full 4 x 8-foot sheets.
Cork underlayment sheets are specially designed to make the installation process easier. Cork sheets are thinner, usually a square piece of cork that has been pre-cut for easy installation. You simply place the sheet directly on top of your concrete subfloor or plywood and then place your hardwood flooring on top of it.

Cork Underlayment vs Other Underlays
When deciding between cork underlayment and other types cork is a very good underlayment for any floor. This is especially true if you live in a hot and/or humid area. Since it is made of natural fibers it breathes, allowing moisture to escape, keeping your wood or tile floor dry.

The best part about using cork underlayment is that it does not absorb moisture in the same way as hardwood or laminate does and therefore does not need a moisture barrier.

Cork Can Come Different Varieties
Cork comes in three varieties: solid, composite and sheets. Solid cork is made from the bark of a tree native to Spain and Portugal; it is used primarily as flooring, with an average density of 1 pound per cubic foot.
Cork tiles are made from bits and pieces of cork glued together; they are often used for flooring, but also for bulletin boards, insulation and paneling, where the pebbled surface helps to hide imperfections in the wall or ceiling behind them.
Composite cork is made by gluing bits and pieces of cork together with vinyl, plastics or adhesives; it usually has a density between 2-3 pounds per cubic foot. The sheet variety -- which can be glued over a subfloor or installed as floating floors -- is also usually 2-3 pounds per cubic foot. All three are excellent sound absorbers, but not all of them should be installed directly on concrete.*
Want Learn More About out Cork Sheets and Rolls?
To learn more about cork, the benefits, and how you get cork in your home… visit https://corkdirect.com
Cork Direct is a division of Special Hardwood Products Inc. Special Hardwood recently celebrated its 30th year in the hardwood industry. The company specializes in the nationwide distribution of environmentally friendly and pet friendly products. Cork Direct distributes cork underlayment throughout the U.S. Our office and is located in Oxford, GA. A suburb in the Greater Atlanta area.
Cork Direct has a very friendly staff, that’s knowledgeable and here to aid you in buying decision. Our office hours are Monday – Friday, 8am to 4pm. So, feel free to email us at [email protected] for questions and concerns.