5mm Rubber Underlayment

5mm Rubber Underlayment — Better Sound Performance Than 12mm Cork or Foam, at a Lower Cost

Not all underlayments perform equally, and thickness alone doesn’t determine sound insulation performance. Our 5mm rubber underlayment is proven to outperform thicker alternatives — including 12mm cork and 12mm foam — for sound reduction. That’s the case for rubber: dense, non-porous, and dimensionally stable, it dampens impact sound more effectively than softer materials that compress and lose performance over time.

If sound insulation is your primary reason for adding underlayment, the 5mm is the right choice. You get top-tier acoustic performance in a manageable 5mm profile, without paying for a thick commercial underlayment you don’t need. Made in the USA, backed by a 5-year warranty.

Why 5mm Rubber Outperforms Thicker Cork and Foam Alternatives

• Proven sound performance advantage — dense rubber at 5mm delivers superior impact sound insulation (IIC) compared to 12mm cork or foam; rubber’s non-porous density is what drives acoustic performance, not thickness alone
• Doesn’t compress out of performance — foam and cork compress under furniture and foot traffic over time, losing their acoustic properties; rubber maintains its density and performance for the life of the floor
• Mold and mildew resistant — rubber doesn’t hold water or create the conditions mold needs to grow; the 5mm performs in basements, below-grade spaces, and areas with humidity variation without degrading
• Water-resistant without a vapor barrier — in most above-grade and at-grade installations, the 5mm eliminates the need for a separate vapor barrier (verify with your flooring manufacturer’s warranty requirements)
• Installs over concrete or wood — no adhesive, no special subfloor prep; unroll, butt seams, and install flooring on top; also works in free-floating assemblies
• Competitively priced vs. alternatives — at $0.74/sqft, the 5mm delivers the highest acoustic performance per dollar in our underlayment lineup

Where 5mm Rubber Underlayment Gets Used

• Apartments and condos with IIC sound requirements — the 5mm’s sound performance helps meet building codes and HOA requirements for impact insulation in multi-story residential buildings
• Under laminate and LVP flooring where reducing walking noise to rooms below is the top priority
• Under engineered and solid hardwood in second-story rooms where sound transmission to the floor below is a concern
• Home theaters and media rooms where impact sound isolation is critical for the listening environment
• Basement gyms and exercise rooms over concrete where the combination of sound dampening, anti-fatigue cushion, and moisture resistance all matter
• Any installation where cork or foam underlayment has underperformed — if you’ve tried thicker foam or cork and still have noise issues, the 5mm rubber is the upgrade path

Specifications

• Thickness: 5mm
• Color: Confetti
• Sizes: 4’ x 25’ (100 sqft)  |  4’ x 50’ (200 sqft)
• Weight: 0.80 lbs/sqft
• Material: Recycled rubber
• Origin: Made in the USA
• Warranty: 5 years
• Installation: Loose-lay over concrete or wood subfloor; free-floating assembly compatible
• Best Use Height: At or above grade (suitable for at-grade with moisture precautions)

Compare Underlayment Thicknesses

Frequently Asked Questions

How does 5mm rubber outperform thicker cork or foam?

Sound insulation in underlayment is driven by the material’s density and resilience, not just its thickness. Dense rubber transmits less impact energy through its structure than porous materials like cork or foam. A 5mm rubber pad maintains consistent density under load; cork and foam compress over time and lose IIC performance. The result is that our 5mm rubber consistently outperforms 12mm alternatives in real-world impact sound testing.

Do I need a vapor barrier with the 5mm underlayment?

In most at-grade and above-grade installations, no — rubber doesn’t absorb water, so it inherently manages minor moisture at the subfloor level. For below-grade basement installations or flooring over slabs with known moisture issues, a 6-mil poly vapor barrier under the underlayment is still the safest approach. Always verify your flooring manufacturer’s specific warranty requirements before omitting a vapor barrier.

Can I use the 5mm under rubber gym flooring?

Yes, particularly in basement gyms over concrete where you want sound isolation from the room below and anti-fatigue cushion at the subfloor level. The 5mm adds a meaningful layer of cushion and sound dampening under rubber rolls or mats. Note that for rubber gym flooring, the underlayment is supplemental — your rubber gym floor itself provides the primary cushion and protection.

Is the 5mm suitable for commercial installations?

For commercial spaces with high foot traffic and strict sound requirements, the 5mm handles light-to-moderate commercial use. For heavy commercial environments with large equipment, substantial foot traffic, and maximum acoustic demands, the 12mm is the commercial-grade choice.