@KSM thinking of recarpeting and converting a dressing room/bathroom "lobby" to vinyl planking... Since it is on a third floor, it tends to be a little noisier. I was thinking about putting a cork underlayment. I've looked at everything from the real thin rolled sheets to actually getting flat panels at something like 2'x3'.
Thoughts? Installation tips?
Since the flooring contractors I have talked to all seem ignorant about the product, I am not going to rely on them. I have learned that a contactor's knowledge about a product will not get any better if I ask them to lay it. The guy will not go out and learn how to do it right the pros and cons of different products, etc. They don't know because there's not enough demand for it. Makes learning about it a waste of time.
My game plan might be that I will take the old carpet out and clean, prep and install the cork myself. Then I can have a contractor (who doesn't get his panties in a wad for taking away some of his work and money) come in and lay the padding and carpet and put down the vinyl plank.
@sean92008 Yeah, "contractors" are weird fuckers. I hate that word.
You have a few things to consider here. Theoretically was you propose is a sound idea but you'd better look at the density of the cork underlayment. Any give - and your plank seams are going to be compromised and will not hold up in the long or not so long run. Especially if the product is a floating click-lock system
like laminate but at least because
it is a floating floor you'll be able to take it up with ease whereas a glue down plank will adhere to whatever it sits on. <Huge mess if things go wrong. If you're going with one I guess I would go with the cork that has the least amount of seams - the roll out. Normally you would staple down a subfloor of any kind but in this case staples may not work so gluing may be the only option.
One other thing; are your floor surfaces going to be even with adjacent connecting rooms.
Again, it comes down to the density of the cork or whatever you use as a barrier. I haven't installed anything cork since 2014. Vinyl plank is supposed to go down on a smooth subfloor.
..if successful there is no guarantee that it will make that much of a difference with limiting sound.
Admittingly - I had to edit this post twice. I really don't feel like I was any help. Alot of things here and I would like to do a walk through. Spare room, and what's for dinner?
