DIY Network

Soft Contemporary (3 of 4): All About the Cork From "Kitchen Renovations" episode DKTN-112

	In this week 's episode of Kitchen Renovations, host Paul Ryan starts a four-part project that involves converting this old, outdated kitchen ...
	into this beautiful new soft contemporary kitchen ...
	that's a perfect place for a young couple to entertain!
	The "pink" countertops definitely had to go according to the homeowners.
	Here's the old layout, and when designer Lisa Loushin-Crocker was through working her magic ...
	she suggested this new light, spacious and airy layout!
	There's a wide variety of cork flooring from which to choose, including a large selection of colors. Note that cork is a renewable resource since it comes from bark, which regenerates every eight to 10 years.

In this segment host Paul Ryan checks the underlayment for imperfections, and they are smoothed over with skimcoat and sanding. A flooring expert helps out with the first step, laying down the adhesive.

Materials and Tools:

Glue Application for Cork Floor --

Respirator
Fan for ventilation
Rubber gloves
Adhesive
Paint tray and liners
Painter's tape
Brush
Roller with extension pole
Foam roller
Small bucket

Cork Tile Installation --

Cork tiles
Tape measure
Pencil
LG2 laser line generator
Painter's tape
Framing square
Utility knife

Application of Sealer to Cork Floor --

Respirator
Fan for ventilation
Gloves
Polyurethane sealer
Catalyst
Stir stick
Synthetic fleece applicator on swivel extension pole
Fine sanding pad

Trim and Shoe --

Base and shoe (plastic foam product) as much as needed
Toe kick (provided by cab manufacturer)
Safety glasses
Compound miter saw
Coping saw
Tape measure
Impulse finish nailer
1-1/2" nails

Veneering Toe Kick Edge --

Roll of wood veneer (self-adhesive/iron on)
Iron
Utility knife
Spray on clear poly

Lighting --

Selected new fixtures
Safety glasses
Ladder
Screwdriver
Wire cutter
Cordless drill
Appropriate screw bit
Wire nuts

advertisement

Cork Flooring Installation

The homeowners chose cork flooring (figure A) for a few reasons:

• The two tones match the light-and-dark colors in the new kitchen.
  
• Durability was very important to the homeowners, and they were surprised to find out that cork is definitely one of the more durable materials you can use for flooring.
  
• It's soft and feels great on your feet.
  
• Cork accepts stains well.

1. Prepping the cork flooring is usually easy because any imperfections in the underlayment will show through. Apply skim mortar (figure B) over the cracks in the floor and any other bumps.

   Figure A

   Figure B

   
   
2. After the mortar dries, go over the flooring with a fine- to medium-grit sandpaper with an orbital sander.

3. Put dab of thinset in random spots that you can sand within 30 minutes.

4. Clean up all the dust when you're done.

   Note: Applying cork flooring is a two-step process: 1) Applying the adhesive and 2) laying down the cork tiles.
   

   Figure C

   Applying Adhesive

   Safety Tip: Be sure to wear a respirator and gloves and open the windows for ventilation when applying the glue.

5. Protect the finished surfaces with masking tape first.

6. Put the water-based adhesive in a roller pan.

7. Start in the corners with a paintbrush (figure C), and be sure to use a cheap, disposable brush. Lay on a nice even coat, not too thick and cover the entire floor with a thin coat of glue.

8. Use a foamed roller for large areas.

   Tip: Work toward an open doorway so you don't get stuck in a corner

9. Wait from 30 minutes to an hour for the glue to dry.

In the next segment the cork flooring is installed.

RESOURCES :

Skil
Robert Bosch Tool Corp.
Website: www.skiltools.com

Stanley Tools Information
Stanley Tools/Works
Website: www.stanleyworks.com

Fiskars (Bucket Boss Division)
Fiskars Bucket Boss Division
Website: www.bucketboss.com

Makita Products
Makita USA Inc.
Website: www.makita.com

Paslode Nail Guns
Paslode
Website: www.paslode.com

Wolfcraft Products

Wolfcraft Inc.
Itasca, IL 60143
Phone: 630-773-4777
Fax: 630-773-4805
Website: www.wolfcraft.com

3M Painter's Masking Tape and Sanding Pad
The 3M Company
Website: www.3m.com

Cork Flooring (The Morales Group)

Brand name: Duro Design
Model #: Cleopatra Negra
Color: Natural
Where available: See manufacturer information, below

The Morales Group, Inc.
Website: www.durodesign.com

Laser (Trimble Navigation, LTD)

Brand name: Spectra Precision Laser
Model #: LG2
Type: Line generator
Where available: See manufacturer information, below

Trimble Navigation, LTD
Website: www.trimble.com

Low-Voltage Monorail and Accessories (LBL Lighting)

Dome S-II Coax Pendent
Brand name: Fusion
Model #: HS244BU1B35MRL
Color: Blue

Mini-Dome 1, Swivel 2 Rail Head
Brand name: Fusion
Model #: HB325BU011A35MRL
Color: Blue

Soft Curve Fusion Kit
Brand name: Fusion
Model #: FUSIONKIT8CV
Type: 2 rails, connector and transformer

Mini-Dome 1 Pendent
Brand name: Fusion
Model #: HS325BU1A35MPT
Color: Blue

Where available: See LBL Lighting information, below

LBL Lighting
We apologize no contact information is available.

GUESTS :

Dan Azar
Flooring Expert
CDM of Minnesota, Inc.
5304 Ayrshire Blvd.
Edina, MN 55436
Phone: 612-210-1502

Joan Clemens
Website: www.durodesign.com