Best Cork Flooring

The installation of cork flooring in your home is not as difficult as it may appear. If you are a moderately experienced handyperson, the job should be straightforward. It is advisable to follow the manufacturer guidelines when installing your Cork flooring to avoid any install product conflicts. You will find that installing cork flooring is similar to laying other flooring that requires adhesives or tongue and groove with some small but important differences.

Cork flooring can certainly be installed in your kitchen or bathroom but because of the moisture, some precautions need to be taken. If there is moisture in the subfloor, this will affect the adhesive when installing cork tiles. Special moisture meters are available and should be used along with instructions for calculating levels of dampness and how to proceed. If there is moisture present, you need to install a moisture barrier. Cork flooring is suitable for basements but again moisture must be checked and it’s recommended that only a floating cork floor should be installed.

When installing cork tiles it is prudent to caulk along the edges of the floor along the base of walls before any moldings are put into place. Some installers also like to seal the flanking joints between the tiles as if using grout but instead a waterproof resin, specifically if water poses a potential threat. Two coats minimum of sealant should also be applied overall after grouting dries. Use a compatible polyurethane finish [up to four coats] to maximize protection against scratching and dents. This step is only necessary if the cork flooring requires finishing since it may come pre-finished.

It is recommended that you install the floors from wall to wall but take your dimensions starting from the middle of the floor to make certain your floors are lined up when they reach the walls.
Properly prepared and installed cork flooring will stand firm against heavy furniture and all types of foot traffic. The heavy finish will withstand damage but also make it easier to refinish if scratching occurs.

Points to Remember
• Be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions to avoid poor or conflicting DIY ideas
• Cork flooring adhesives are tricky so follow the recommended procedures carefully
• Do not use adhesive floor tiles where radiant heat is being used
• Always use the proper flooring tools for either type of cork flooring, i.e. adhesive trowel, tape measure and pencil, circular saw or reliable cutting tools, some type of mineral spirit, hammer and small pry bar for molding, medium size paint brush, cleaning rags, level, roller, nail gun. Use the appropriate tool floor the type of cork flooring you are installing.
• Compress the cork flooring firmly into the adhesive, regularly inspecting to be sure it is level.
• Do not walk on or place anything on adhesive based cork flooring for at least 48 hours to allow the adhesive to cure and to keep the drying cork floor level.

Your choice of installing cork flooring is a sound and ‘green’ choice that will be a conversation piece in your home for years to come. Its popularity is only now beginning to take hold.