APC Cork Flooring

Q: I am a little confused about what type of underlayment I should purchase for the APC Athene Cork flooring I am purchasing. The floor I am installing the cork planks over is cement, about 3 feet above grade. I don’t think moisture will be an issue. Will a standard thin vapor barrier work fine? Are there any benefits to using the 3 in 1 stuff? Does the 3 in 1 also provide a vapor barrier? Thanks!
Sean
A: Any time you are installing over concrete moisture is technically an issue because concrete is a moisture based product by nature, but keep in mind that this moisture issue is easily resolved with a moisture barrier. In this case a 6mil polyethylene (standard thin moisture barrier for floating floors) will work fine. 3-in-1 underlayments include a moisture barrier by nature (moisture barrier, seam tape and underlayment are what make an underlayment 3-in-1), but keep in mind the only benefit to this type of underlayment is price. The foam padding itself is lower grade, typically breaking down much faster than other underlays and tends to leave a floor a bit more “springy.”
With cork, I personally prefer using a further 3mm cork underlayment, this way you maintain cork’s great density and still get all the necessary padding and some great sound deadening for your floating floor. Top this off with a 6mil poly vapor barrier and you should have the winning formula for a great floor.