As a cork flooring expert, I prefer cork. There is no reason why you can't use cork on both levels. The vapour barrier is required for the basement but the main floor does not need it. The cork sheets are staggered with their edges butted together. No tape. No glue. No fuss. No muss. You lay it down, you leave the expansion gap at the edge of room (same as the laminate) and off you go.

You are welcome to look at more expensive options but the cork will out perform everything but the TOP GRADE QuietWalk.

Be aware that Atroguard is a laminate-like product. It is, in essence, a duplicate of AquaGuard (see the similarity in name?).

These types of products are very rigid...and the click-edge can be FRAGILE. That means there can be NO BOUNCE because of squishy underlay....and QuietWalk can get squishy at the 3mm thickness. As good as QuietWalk is (it pains me to say it, as a cork expert, the QuietWalk is a great product) it should NOT be used under your floor.

Cork is rigid. It does not compress. It does not cause deflection when walked on. That is the BIGGEST difference between 3mm cork and 3mm ANYTHING.

Stick with the cork. You will have NO problem. I don't care what Atroguard says, the bounce/compression of anything else with 3mm thickness, is going to cause issues...more than you care to imagine.

@SJ McCarthy thank you so much for the info. Do you happen to know which suppliers I can get the cork panels from in the South East US? I've been looking and most seem to have the rolls.

www.icorkfloor.com

They have cork underlayment in sheets in 3mm and thicker (you can't use thicker...because the product doesn't allow for it).

Sheets of cork are easier to work with, easier to ship and all around cheaper to use. I don't know why companies don't carry it.

Do NOT get fooled by Eco Cork in a roll. It is foam (beige) with tiny particles of cork in it. You are paying for the 'name' of cork...but not cork...it is less than 10% content.

Thank you again!! Just one more question before i place an order. Atroguard suggests a 3mm underlayment, is that what you would suggest, or should we opt for 6mm cork?

You are not ALLOWED to go with 6mm cork. Not....allowed. You void the warranty immediately. Atroguard is NOT a normal laminate. It cannot handle anything thicker. Cannot.

The click edges crack and snap off with the SLIGHTEST deflection. Slightest. You MUST work with what the manufacturer states. There is no 'wiggle' room here.

The other thing you MUST KNOW: does the plank you want have the underlay ALREADY ATTACHED????? If it does (you never mentioned the line you want or the colour) you are NOT ALLOWED any more underpad. NONE.

Do you live in a situation where acoustic underlay is REQUIRED? Like a condo apartment? If you do, you will need to check with the HOA for the acoustic ratings AND you have to purchase a floor that allows underpad that achieves the requirements.

Follow the guidelines of the manufacturer. If you don't, you lose warranty and you will have issues in the future.

The line we have chosen does not have an attached pad. We are a detached home, so no acoustic requirements. Thank you so much!!!