Installing Cork Flooring Tiles


Installing cork tiles requires similar prep work as vinyl flooring as they are glued direct to the subfloor. This is the most vital part of any successful square tile cork flooring installation.Rolling contact cement before cork floor Why? Cork is resilient and not rigid. Failure to prepare a flat, defect free subfloor and your final appearance will telegraph every irregularity the subfloor has.

If an irregular subfloor is causing concern, some manufacturers recommend the use of medium density fiberboard. Installation calls for screwing and gluing over the existing subfloor. It may be pricey and you may be thinking; "why not luan or some cheap particleboard?" These products along with OSB, flake board, or masonite should not be used.

Once a new subfloor is installed prep work does not stop there. Let's not forget the telegraphing effect that will occur. Fasteners must be set below the new subfloor surface, seams should be filled with a cementious patching such as Ardex Feather finish products. Once the compound is dry, joints should be sanded to a smooth flat appearance.

Layouts should be performed prior to any other work. Check for square in the room to be installed. If there is a wide imbalance you can separate the difference, or simply allow the out of square area to fall on an opposing wall that may be hidden or less noticeable on final completion. Starting areas should be examined. With contact cement you want to start in an area that is accessible and not become trapped.

Cork tile installations perform best with the use of a contact cement. Types should be found with individual manufacturer specifications. Once you have a dust free subfloor to work with, begin to apply the contact cement to perimeter areas with the use of a brush, later to be followed with an ordinary paint roller with a medium size nap. Primers are also recommended before the contact procedure.

Begin installing tiles when the contact cement is dry. This is usually when it becomes tacky to the touch. Care and attention should be used when installing tiles as contact cement is not very forgiving. Start your installation off your preplanned snapped chalk line that should be done during the job layout. Tiles can be cut with a sharp bladed utility knife and straight edge. During the installation cork tiles should be rolled (flooring roller) to insure adhesion with product and subfloor in all areas.

For areas near moisture sources an additional coat of finish is suggested for added protection after installation of prefinished cork flooring. These water based eco friendly finishes are simple to apply providing directions are followed closely. Bona Kemi floor finishes are most often recommended and dry within a few hours under normal conditions.

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Related Pages:

• Cork Flooring Introduction
• Cork Installation Review
• Installing Glue Down Cork Tiles