Cork flooring can be purchased in a glue-down tile form or in snap-lock cork planks. This is a “floating floor,” meaning that is it not attached to the subflooring. if the area is more than 30 feet in length you will need and expansion joint but most homes have smaller rooms. It can be put down on most hard surfaces but if it is being laid down over concrete or ceramic tile there should be a vapor barrier put down to keep out the dampness.
1. Acclimatize: Always place the cork in the room where it will be installed for a minimum of 2-3 days. This means opening up the packages so that the cork can breathe.
2. Floor Preparation: Since cork is a soft material you have the choice of putting a thin foam sheeting underneath. Either way make sure the subfloor clear of voids and peaks. And never put it directly on carpet. You have the choice of removing moldings or using a quarter-round strip to hold the plank down on the edges afterward.
3. Starting: Using 1/2″ spacers on 2 edges start in the corner of the room. Putting the planks in short-end to short-end make a line down to the far wall. Tap the planks with a small hammer and wood block to get them tight. Just before you reach the wall you will see that you will have to cut the last piece. Make sure the cut is 1/2″ away from the wall for expansion.
4. Rows: If the cut piece is more than half the length of a new piece cut this to half the length of the original plank and use it to start the next row. This way the planks are offset. Now continue with the long planks until the far wall again. Repeat until you reach the target wall. In this case the tiles may have to be “ripped” or cut lengthwise. Make sure you leave the 1/2″ gap.
5. Primer Coat: Apply floor primer with a lamb’s wool applicator. This will seal the floor and the seams.
6. Urethane Top Coat: Also apply this with the lamb’s wool applicator.
When finished the cork floor will provide a warm, soft surface for years.
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