Installing Cork Flooring
It is possible to install cork flooring as a weekend project, but there are several things to keep in mind. The first is to carefully read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the cork flooring.
Installing cork flooring is an easy and rewarding task if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions correctly. Cork floor tiles require a glue, nail, or staple installation, while cork flooring planks are installed with a tongue and groove interlocking system. With a plank flooring installation, you should not hammer too hard as it may damage the edges. Care must also be taken to use only the recommended type of glue.
Allow a full day or two for the cork flooring to adapt to the new climate before installing it. Keep the boxes of tiles or planks open in the middle of the room and make no special effort to warm up or ventilate the room. Just let the cork come to terms with the conditions that it is going to experience. Leaving the flooring material in the room for a day gets the cork used to the conditions to which it will be subjected. This is an important step in installing cork flooring.
Another important aspect of installing cork flooring is preparing the sub-floor. Keep the floor even without depressions or swellings. Installing cork flooring is possible on any type of hard flooring including concrete and hardwood. You can pick cork floor tiles that can be glued, nailed, or stapled down, or cork floor planks that can be floated. With a cork floating floor, you can add to the acoustics by putting a 2mm cork underlay over the concrete. This deadens echoes and noise produced in the room.
There should be a very little gap between the walls and the tiles. You should also leave a gap after installing cork flooring in 30 feet in any one direction. This reduces the effects of expansion and contraction due to humidity and temperature changes. Also, make sure that you leave the same gap in areas like permanent dividers and pillars.
When installing cork flooring tiles in bathrooms, make sure that you calk the entire perimeter of the room with the right type of sealant. Installing cork flooring is possible over any type of sub-floor which is hard, dust-free and level. Remove any fibers and loose remains of the previous flooring. This will prepare your floor for the cork flooring installation.
If you are installing cork flooring in radiant heated rooms, check with the manufacturers about the aspects of temperature control. In most cases, installing cork flooring in radiant heated rooms is not a problem as there is already a barrier in the form of a sub-floor. It is wise to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations when installing cork flooring over a radiant heating mechanism.
After laying the floor, you may need to apply a coat of polyurethane or wax. Apply it fine and fast. Wipe off any excess wax immediately with a moist cloth.
Installing cork flooring is an easy task that you can take on as a weekend project. However, make sure that you stick to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.