Cork Flooring - Easy to Install and Care For!

Cork flooring is fast emerging as a style statement in most urban homes. Its popularity can be attributed to various factors like durability, comfort, and look. It is also eco-friendly and works well with colorful rugs and other floor accessories. In addition, it has a shock absorbent quality which makes it very comfortable to walk on. It is also great at muffling noises and has excellent insulating properties.

Installation process of cork flooring

The installation of cork flooring is relatively easy. In fact, even amateurs can install cork floors themselves. There are 2 methods of installation:

  1. Floating cork flooring installation is the preferred installation method. Since the flooring has a special edge that is designed to interlock with adjacent pieces, the cork floor can be installed over hard surfaces like ceramic tile, vinyl flooring, and wood flooring. It is advisable to use this form of installation if your subfloor is cracked, dirty, or unstable, since floating cork floors can be removed easily should you need to repair or replace your subfloor.
  2. Glue-down installation refers to the process of gluing the flooring to the subfloor. This should be done only in cases where the subfloor is clean, even, dry, and stable. A paint roller should be used to spread adhesive evenly over the floor, and once the flooring is laid in place, it should be run over by a 100 pound floor roller. The glue-down method of installation is relatively expensive and time consuming, but can be more stable in comparison to floating type.
There are a few things you should keep in mind while installing this kind of flooring.
  • Since it is essentially natural, it will have color variations. If you are considering using it over a large space, you should complete the installation at one go. This way, you can make sure that all the flooring pieces are of the same hue and consistency is maintained.
  • Though this type of flooring is perfectly suitable for bathrooms and kitchens, you should use a sealant before installing the cork floor. This will make your flooring resistant to damage from water spills, and hence more durable.
  • If you plan to use this kind of flooring in your basement, it is advisable to adopt the floating method of installation. This is because the moisture content is relatively high in basements and this can damage your flooring if you don't use a moisture barrier.
Cork flooring can have a very special depth and richness. With vibrant colors and patterns, it can completely change the look of your rooms. So go ahead and install your cork floors and enjoy all the attention it draws!

Los Angeles Cork Flooring - At Contempo Floor Coverings, our mission is to provide flooring products that inspire, amaze, and satisfy your desire for self-expression.

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