Acclimate Cork
Store cork in installation room for 48-72 hours at 65-75°F and 45-65% humidity.
Prepare Subfloor
Subfloor must be perfectly smooth. Cork shows every imperfection. Fill cracks and level bumps.
Plan Layout
Snap chalk lines at room center. Plan layout to minimize waste and avoid narrow pieces.
Apply Adhesive (Glue-Down)
Spread cork adhesive with notched trowel. Work in small sections to respect open time.
Place Cork Tiles
Press tiles firmly into adhesive. Roll with 100 lb roller to ensure full contact.
Install Floating Cork
For click-lock cork, install underlayment first. Click planks together like laminate.
Cut Cork
Score with utility knife along straightedge. Snap and cut backing. Cork cuts easily.
Maintain Expansion Gaps
Leave 1/4-inch gap at walls for floating floors. Cork expands with humidity.
Allow Adhesive to Cure
Wait 24 hours before walking on glue-down cork. 72 hours before heavy furniture.
Apply Cork Sealer
Apply 2-3 coats of polyurethane cork sealer. This is essential for durability and water resistance.
Shop Materials & Tools
Shop Materials
Shop Materials- •Cork is naturally antimicrobial and hypoallergenic
- •Reapply sealer every 2-3 years to maintain water resistance
- •Cork is warm underfoot and provides excellent sound dampening
- •Avoid cork in full bathrooms unless properly sealed
- ▸Utility knife
- ▸Notched trowel (glue-down)
- ▸Roller
- ▸Tapping block (floating)
- ▸Measuring tape
- ▸Straightedge
- ▸Cork tiles or planks
- ▸Cork adhesive (glue-down)
- ▸Underlayment (floating)
- ▸Cork sealer
- ▸Transition strips