I've been following this thread and gotta say, I'm still a bit skeptical about rubber underlayment. Cork has always seemed reliable enough to me, but then again, maybe I've just dodged the moisture bullet so far?
"Rubber does sound like a solid alternative, especially if it's holding up well long-term."
Yeah, durability's appealing, but does anyone know if rubber has any downsides we're overlooking? Like noise dampening—is it as good as cork? And what about comfort underfoot? I manage a few properties, and tenants definitely notice these things. Plus, is the installation hassle really worth it if you're not prone to dishwasher disasters...? (knocking on wood here too, just in case.)
I'm open to being convinced, but for now I'll stick with cork until there's a stronger case for switching. Maybe I'm just overly cautious...
I've installed both cork and rubber underlayments, and honestly, rubber isn't bad at all. Noise dampening-wise, cork might have a slight edge, but rubber's pretty close—tenants probably wouldn't notice much difference. Comfort underfoot is subjective; rubber feels a bit firmer, but not uncomfortable. Installation-wise, rubber can be heavier and trickier to cut neatly, so factor in extra time. If moisture isn't a big concern for you, cork's probably fine, but rubber's durability is definitely worth considering long-term.
We went with rubber underlayment when we redid our basement floor last year, and honestly, it's been great so far. It was definitely a workout cutting it to size (those rolls are heavier than they look!), but the durability is holding up well with kids and pets running around. Noise-wise, can't complain either...no regrets here.
Interesting you mention rubber underlayment—I've considered it but always questioned if it's worth the hassle. Did you notice any smell or off-gassing issues after installation? I've heard mixed things about that. Also curious, how's the insulation factor holding up in colder months? We went with cork a few years back, and while it's quieter than before, durability-wise...I'm not totally convinced yet.
"Did you notice any smell or off-gassing issues after installation?"
We went with rubber underlayment last spring, and honestly, the smell was noticeable for maybe a week tops, then totally gone. Insulation-wise, it's been solid even through winter—definitely warmer than before. Cork sounds interesting though, shame about durability...
