DIY Network

Installing a Cork Floor From "DIY Weekend" episode DIYW-214

Cork flooring is attractive, eco-friendly and easy to install.

Cork flooring was popular years ago and is now making a big comeback. It is natural, easy to install and very durable. Check out how it was installed in this kitchen remodel.

Make sure the subfloor is completely level.

To start the installation, plywood is used to built a new subfloor. Cork is very soft, any imperfections in the subfloor could transfer through. So, skim-coat mortar is applied over the gaps in the subfloor then sanded smoothed with medium-grit sandpaper. An orbital sander works great for this task. Use a level to make sure the floor is smooth and even.

Roll out an even layer of glue.

The next step is to put the glue down on the subfloor. The glue is specially formulated to work with the adhesive on the cork tiles. A foam roller is used to apply the glue and a paint brush helps get into the tight corners and underneath the cabinets. The glue is applied in a nice even coat and allowed to dry for one hour.

Rent a laser to get perfect 90-degree angles.

Before laying the cork tiles, the most important thing is to determine where the starting tile will be and which direction the tile will lay. Make sure the first tile is square, so all the rest will be square too. A laser is used to get a perfect 90-degree angle. It costs about $40 a day to rent the laser.

Lay out a grid before laying down the tiles.

The main objective in this installation is to have as many full tiles as possible – the fewer cuts, the better. A measuring tape and laser are used to create a grid outlining exactly where the tiles will be placed. Once the adhesive on the back of the tile comes in contact with glue on the floor, it will immediately bond and it is nearly impossible to peel the tile back up. Thus, it is important to have the layout determined before the cork tiles are laid down.

Stagger the tiles for a professional look.

The second tile overlaps the seam of the first tile. Staggering the tile in a brick pattern gives a more professional look.

Cork tile can easily be cut with a utility knife.

Cork tiles are easy to cut. All that is needed is a utility knife and a straightedge.

Apply sealer slowly in one direction to avoid streaks and bubbles.

Now that the cork floor is installed, it needs to be sealed. A urethane-based sealer came with the cork tiles. Four coats of sealer is required for a durable finish. A synthetic fleece applicator is used to apply the sealer. To avoid streaks, the sealer is pushed in one direction like a snowplow, not back and forth. Slow, smooth strokes help avoid bubbles. The first coat is allowed to dry for at least two hours. After the third coat, the floor is hand sanded with fine-grit sandpaper to get rid of any imperfections.