Couldn't agree more about prep work—seen too many floors ruined by shortcuts. Cork is great, but one thing to consider is moisture. I've come across instances where cork underlayment didn't hold up well in basements or humid climates, causing mold or deterioration over time. Foam tends to handle moisture a bit better, especially if you pick one with a built-in vapor barrier. Just something extra to think about depending on your home's location and conditions...
Good points about cork and foam, but honestly I've had better luck with cork even in humid spots. Foam sometimes feels a bit too squishy underfoot for my taste, and I've seen it compress over time. Guess it comes down to personal preference and specific product quality...
Interesting take—I actually found foam pretty decent, but you're right, it does compress after a while. Ever tried rubber underlayment? Heard it's solid for humid areas and holds up better long-term... might be worth checking out.
We went with foam underlayment when we first moved in, and yeah, it was okay at first... but after a year or two, it felt noticeably flatter in high-traffic spots. Rubber sounds interesting—does it have any weird smell at first?
"Rubber sounds interesting—does it have any weird smell at first?"
Yeah, rubber underlayment usually has a noticeable smell right after installation, but it fades pretty quickly—usually within a week or two. Just keep the area ventilated, and you'll hardly notice it after that. Definitely holds up better long-term than foam.