How to Install Cork Tile Floors

Cork flooring comes in two options, tile or plank. In this article we’ll cover tile installation. We’ll cover cork plank installation in another article.

Tools & materials needed:

• Cork Tiles (acclimated to room for 48 hours prior to installation)
• Contact Cement or Mastic (whicever is recommended by the tile manufacturer)
• Hand saw
• Utility Knife
• Level
• Concrete patching material (if installing directly over concrete subfloor)
• Roller or Trowel (depending on adhesive used)
• Chalk Line
• Floor Roller (100 to 150, per manufacturer’s instructions)

1. Room Preparation: Remove all furniture and other obstacles. Remove any shoe molding. Measure clearance needed under doors and frames and trim bottoms of door frames and doors as needed. If installing plywood subfloor, measure after plywood is installed.


2. Prepare subfloor: Cork flooring tiles can be installed over concrete or plywood wood subfloors. The surface must be dry, smooth and sound before installation can begin. Keep in mind that any imperfections in the subfloor will telegraph through the tiles and can damage the tiles as well. Patch and or sand the subfloor as needed until surface is smooth. Then clean the area thoroughly. If installing over wood plank floors, laminate or vinyl, plywood must be installed to provide an adequate subfloor.


3. Moisture Protection (if applicable): If installing on or below grade or if your subfloor has too much moisture content, a moisture barrier must be installed. We recommend 6 mil polyurethane sheeting for over the subfloor followed by plywood before installation of the tiles.


4. Tile Placement: Measure the center of each opposing wall and snap a chalk line between each. Where the chalk lines intersect is your room’s center point and where you should begin installation of your tiles. It is important to do a “dry run” installation of your tiles before applying any adhesive. This way you can get a feel for how the floor will look and measure any cuts that need to be made. Trim tiles as needed with utility knife. Allow for expansion space around room border and any other fixed objects as recommended by your cork tile manufacturer.


5. Adhesive Installation: Follow the instructions on the label for the type of adhesive recommended by your cork tile manufacturer. Remember that contact cement cannot be adjusted once the tile is placed. On the flip side, mastic allows for adjustments, but can also be easily bumped out of place.


6. Tile Installation: Starting from your center point install tiles with manufacturer’s recommended adhesive. Apply equal pressure across the surface of each tile as it is laid. Once all the tiles are installed, roll the floor with the floor roller to assure a nice even installation.


7. Floor Sealing If your cork flooring tiles are not pre-finished it needs to be sealed. First, clean your new floor thoroughly with a polyurethane cleaner. Next apply a urethane sealer or wax, whichever is recommended by your cork tile manufacturer.


8. Enjoy Sit back, relax and enjoy the warmth and comfort of your new cork tile floor!