Corking Flooring Installation
Installing cork flooring takes about the same amount of effort installing a hardwood or bamboo floor. However, cork at about the same cost is a natural fire-retardant, an insect repellent, a great sound buffer, and is easier on the feet and back because it gives. Not to mention that it is a green product because cork trees don't have to be felled for their cork.
To install a cork floor the following preparations steps are required:
1 Thoroughly clean the subfloor with first a broom and then a mop. Any lumps or heavily waxed areas should be leveled as much as possible. For every lump piece of foreign matter that is on or part of the subfloor is likely to make the surface layer uneven. One way to even such things out is to use leveling compound to render irregularities less drastic. For the sake money spent, if nothing else, don't consider this step optional.
2. The shoes and base moldings have to be removed. If you are not familiar with these terms, you basically have to remove any thin strips of material that lie where the wall meets the floor as well as at the threshold of most doorways. It is usually made of wood. This is important for two reasons. First, you want your moldings in place on top of your new floor for practical reasons. Old moldings may get partially wedged underneath the new cork, making it crooked. Also, if you ever wish or need to change out the base moldings you would have to take up several cork planks to do so. By removing it first this problem can be obviated. Second, during the installation process there is an increased likelihood that the moldings will be damaged, requiring replacements, or leaving dents on the walls right around your new floor. This is not an appealing sight. The best way to remove the moldings without breaking them is to use a box cutter to score their edges and bit and then use a screwdriver or crow bar to peel it away from the wall and floor. Take your time and do this slowly. Moldings can break very easily.
3. Measure the floor to make sure that you have enough flooring plus a good 5-10% extra for mistakes and mis-measurements. Is it always better to have and not need, than to need and not have.
4. Moisture can become a nightmare for new floor owners. So to circumvent this issue, experts suggest that you get a piece of plastic and leave it on the base floor for a day or two and see if moisture builds up on it. This should not happen, and in most doesn't. However, in the few cases that do, it is best to contact the manufacturer of your flooring. The can tell you if any special precautions are truly needed, such as placing a layer of absorbent insulation between the subfloor and your cork.
5. Once you cork flooring comes in the mail, or you go pick it up, inspect it assiduously. There is nothing worse then getting a crucial piece in and realizing it has a split down the center. Make sure there is not cracking or splintering easily observable.
6. Give the flooring at least two days to acclimate itself to the room or rooms where it is going to be placed. This way any minor contraction or expansion that results from temperature and pressure differences does not happen to an already installed floor causing costly complications.
Once all of these preparations are taken, you are ready to follow these steps for a proper installation:
1. Perform a test layout with all of your flooring to see if everything seems to fit and nothing significant needs to be addressed, such as the flooring blocking the movement of a door due to its height off the subfloor.
2. Employ either a roller or a conventional paint brush and seal the old floor with a premier as an essential measure to keep moisture away from your nice new cork floor.
3. As you approach each section, apply a water-based adhesive to the cork tiles or planks and let it dry partially so, it is still sticky but not real wet either.
4. Then place the cork flooring as you see fit throughout the room or rooms.
5. Use whatever tools you find best to tailor your cork materials as needed so that they fit snugly into the structure of your room(s).
6. Employ a 100lbs. (about 45 kg) roller to cement the cork to the floor.
7. Enjoy your gorgeous new cork floor!
(Two important things to remember: (1) leave about 1/4 on an inch between the walls and the flooring to allow for natural expansion/contraction, (2) do not walk on the floor for about 72 hours after the roller has secured your floor, otherwise some of it may come up enough to allow air and moisture to slowly seep in and loosen your floor.)
