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How to Install Cork Tiles:
How durable and beautiful your cork tile flooring will be, depends on their proper
installation. Problems with cork flooring are not due to the product itself but
instead because of improper installation, such as using inferior adhesives or polyurethanes,
poorly prepared subfloor or, unfortunately, the most common cause of cork flooring
problems is due installers not following the manufacturer's instructions. Cutting
corners to save a few pennies on installation will only cost you more money later
when problems arise. Never install cork tiles in any areas that have excessive subfloor moisture. This
would include below grade basements, freshly poured concrete, or leveling compounds
until they have completely cured. When installing cork tiles, you have to ensure
that you test the area for excessive moisture. Many leveling compounds have drying
times of only a few hours, however to ensure that the compounds have completely
cured they should be allowed to dry 24 hours or more. This is one reason why it
is vital to completely read and understand the manufacturer's instructions. Color Variations: Cork flooring tiles and planking are constructed of high quality, natural materials.
As with all natural materials, there will be some variation in shade, which is an
attractive characteristic of cork tiles. With prolong exposures to sunlight natural
materials such as cork flooring will tend to fade while other woods have a tendency
to darken/mellow. However, this does not take way from the beauty of the cork flooring.
It should also be pointed out that with under normal wear and with proper installation
and maintenance, cork flooring could last well beyond 30 years or use. In fact,
there are cork floors, which were installed over 100 years ago and are still in
use today in the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. Adhesives: Water-based contact cement that has been specially formulated for use with cork
flooring has proven to be the best adhesive for installing Cork floor tiles. The
reason is cork's unique porous material allows the water in the adhesive to evaporate,
thus creating a stronger bond than other adhesives. Do not attempt to cut corners
by trying to use regular household contact cement as some have tried. This will
hold the tiles in place, however over time the tiles loosen. There are several
brands of water-based contact cement, which are available through your tile supplier
and retailer as well as through the Internet. Subfloor Preparation: 1.Proper subfloor preparation is the key to any successful cork flooring installation.
This includes removing all old paint, wax, adhesives, and any substance including
dirt, debris, and grease, which will prevent the cork tiles from properly adhering
to the subfloor. The subfloors must be level, completely dry, and clean. When
installing cork over an existing wood floor, use paint or varnish remover to remove
all of the polyurethanes and floor polish, and then scrub the floors with tri-sodium
phosphate, or use a machine sander on the floor. Once the polyurethane has been
stripped away and the floor sanded, wash and rinse the floor then allow it to completely
dry for at least 24 hours. 2.The next step is to make sure the floor is leveled and all cracks have been filled
in with wood filler, followed by sanding the floor again to ensure uniformity.
If the floors are too uneven or if the existing subfloor is in too poor condition,
you can use 3/8' or ' plywood to cover the floor. However, both sides of the plywood
must be finished, and then the plywood has to be anchored securely to the subfloor. 3.When installing cork flooring over concrete, the concrete must first be leveled
and all cracks filled in using latex filler. Once the latex filler has completely
cured according to its manufacture's instructions, the concrete then has to be coated
with a standard concrete primer. NOTE: Even though cork is water proof, it is not
recommend to install cork flooring on or below grade, unless however, the concrete
has first been guaranteed to have a moisture barrier in place and that moisture
will not penetrate through to the subfloor. 4.Do not install cork tiles over existing vinyl or other smooth surfaces. These
coverings should be removed and the subfloor prepared according to whether it is
concrete or wood. Many individuals will cut corners and install cork tiles over
existing vinyl. The problem here is when the old vinyl begins to peel away from
the subfloor; this will create problems for the cork tiles. Installation: 1.Prior to installation, you want to remove the cork tiles or planking from their
packaging and place them in the room where they will be installed for approximately
48 hours prior to installation. This will allow them to adjust to the temperature
and humidity levels in the room. When installing cork the temperature should be
between 60F and 80F. 2.Always read and follow the manufacturer's laying and installation. Make
sure that you fully understand their instructions for applying the adhesives. If
the adhesive requires a trowel for application, ensure that you have purchased and
use the proper size trowel size to guarantee the correct amount of adhesive is applied. 3.Using a chalk line, find the center of the room and work your way out from the
center when installing the tiles. This will ensure uniformity of your pattern.
For installing tiles around doorframes, and for trimming corners, the tiles can
be cut using a sharp linoleum or utility knife. 4.Tiles should be rolled carefully with a standard 100 or 150 pound roller a minimum
of four times in each direction. Ensure that you clean all excess adhesive from
the tiles after installations. If the adhesive is wet, you want to use a damp cloth
if the adhesive is dry then use mineral spirits, unless the manufacturer's instructions
call for another cleaner to be used. 5.Once you have installed the tiles, restrict all heavy traffic for a minimal of
24 hours, or more depending on the recommended time stated on the adhesive you used. 6.For unfinished cork tiles and planks, immediately coat them using urethane or
flooring wax. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions. These directions are a general outline for installing cork flooring and not the
complete instructions required for the project. When installing cork flooring,
schedule enough time for the project, allowing a manual of 3 to 4 days depending
on the size of the area and the condition of the subfloor. To ensure that your
cork floors will last for many decades, always follow the manufacturer's instructions
and use the appropriate tools, and adhesives. In addition, it is vital that you
allow the proper drying and cure times based on the environmental conditions (temperature
and humidity) at the time of installation according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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