What’s the Best Type of Cork for Soundproofing Walls?

When it comes to deciding which material to use for soundproofing, cork is an excellent choice. It has natural soundproofing qualities as its structure is extremely lightweight and tightly filled with air.

Cork has a high Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) score of 0.7, which rates how effective an acoustic item is when absorbing sound. This score means 70% is absorbed and 30% is reflected.

If someone walks on it or it’s impacted by a soundwave, the air acts like a cushion that absorbs the sound. This makes it the perfect insulation material, as it helps to reduce the noise moving through your walls and floor.

Of course, not all types of cork are equal. Read on and find out about the different types of cork for soundproofing walls – and which is right for you.

Types of cork application

There are three main choices when it comes to soundproofing with cork.

1. Boards – Applied to the inside of walls using adhesive, insulated boards are a straightforward, practical choice. Once fixed to the wall, they need to be plastered over before decorating can happen. A negative to using boards is that they tend to take space from the room, as they need to be fairly thick to give proper soundproofing and insulation benefits.
2. Rolls – Cork rolls are another way to soundproof your walls, adding insulation that supports noise reduction. Similar to boards, they are applied by using a layer of adhesive and pressing down to ensure every piece is smoothly fixed to the wall. As they are light-duty, they can be left without plastering over them, giving a natural look to your walls – though this light-duty nature does impact their efficacy.
3. Sprayed – Using a natural, sprayed cork coating, your walls are covered evenly and smoothly for maximum soundproofing properties. Application should be carried out by an approved and experienced applicator, to ensure that you receive only a high-quality finish. These coatings are super-adhesive and durable, so you can rely on them for several years once applied.

Which is best for you?

So, you’ve definitely decided to use cork for your soundproofing. But what type is right for you? Think about what your priorities are. Is cost or efficacy more important?

Do you want a quick DIY solution to your soundproofing problem? In this case, applying insulative roll yourself might be what you’re after. Or if you’re not concerned about space, insulative boards could be the answer.

However, if you’re looking for the simplest and most effective method of application, using a sprayed cork coating is the way to go. Without worrying about fixing bulky boards or fine-rolled cork to your walls, using a spray ensures that all areas are covered with precision. CorkSol  SprayCork coatings are also able to absorb up to 38dB of noise, giving you a much more peaceful environment.

Your walls are left with a smooth surface and as only a small layer of plaster needs to be applied afterward, your soundproofed room will be ready for use before you know it. Sprayed cork coatings are also suitable for outside walls, giving you a hassle-free exterior, as no maintenance or repainting is needed.

Sprayed cork for soundproofing walls

At CorkSol, we have developed SprayCork – a natural, cork-sprayed coating that provides soundproofing in a simple, yet highly effective way.

If a sprayed cork coating sounds good to you, simply get in touch with our experienced team at CorkSol on 01484 442 420 or email us at [email protected] to find out more or arrange a quote.