Cork flooring has gained popularity due to its eco-friendliness, sustainability, durability, and resistance to water and moisture. Homeowners are leaning towards it due to its diverse styles and varied colors, which lend a luxurious look to the living space. The installation of cork floors is the same as hardwood flooring. Let us be clear that fitting of this flooring over concrete or existing floors can be tricky.
In this blog post we will explain how to install cork flooring over the concrete or existing floors in detail. Read it carefully so that you can do it very easily without hiring a professional.
Steps to Install Cork Flooring Over Concrete
Here is the step-by-step guide to installing the cork tiles over concrete or the existing floors.
1. Gather the Tools and Materials
Gather all the necessary tools and materials before installation. They may include:
- Cork planks
- Moisture barrier( to prevent the planks from absorbing moisture)
- Measuring tape (to measure the space)
- Glasses( for safety)
- Jigsaw or circular saw(to cut the edges of tiles)
- Hammer(to tap or nail the planks)
- Dust mask( for safety)
- Pencil or chalk line
- Adhesive tape
- Pull bar(to remove the concrete tiles)
- Knee pads( to protect your knees from injuries)
- Spacers(to maintain the expansion gaps between tiles)
- Underlayment
2. Prepare the Subfloor
Vacuum or mop the surface thoroughly to clean all the debris. If the floor is not leveled, then do it by using any leveling compound. Fill the cracks or holes with any suitable filler and add mortar in the low areas. Install a moisture barrier over concrete, which will protect the cork flooring from water damage and humidity. The subfloor should be dry, clean, and level.
3. Plan the Layout
After preparing the subfloor, lay out the cork tiles. Align them according to the direction of the longest wall of your living space. Take a chalk line, mark the center with it, and arrange the tiles adjacent to it. You can also place them according to the direction of light. Fixing of tiles should not be done at this point; just arrange them. Check the edges and obstacles of planks, and cut them if needed.
4. Install the Underlay
To install the tiles over concrete, use polythene sheets as a vapor barrier. The sheets should cover the entire surface and overlap 8”; use adhesive tape to join them. The underlayment will protect the cork tiles from expanding or contracting due to seasonal changes.
5. Start Installation
Cork planks can be installed in two ways:
- Glue-down installation
- Click-lock installation
If you want to install by the glue-down method, use a non-toxic adhesive between the planks. In the click-lock method, you don’t need to use any adhesive; interlock the planks, which will be floating over the subfloor.
6. Install First Row and Continue Flooring
Install the first row of planks parallel to the longest wall of your room. Use the tapping block to tighten them. Trim the borders or edges of tiles if necessary. Click the planks together. Once you have properly installed the first row, continue installing all the planks to all the rooms. Ensure the expansion gaps between the tiles.
7. Final Touches
After installing all the planks properly, add the final touches to your flooring.
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Trim the Borders:
Trim the borders of planks along the wall and the door using a jigsaw or a cutting knife. Use a ply bar to fix all the planks.
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Remove Spacers
Remove spacers and install baseboards or molding to ensure the expansion gaps between the tiles.
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Apply a Protective Finish
Mostly, cork flooring comes with proper finishing. You can apply polyurethane as an extra finish, which is water-resistant and protects it from scratches, but you must follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
Considerations Before Fitting the Cork Flooring
Before installing the floor, you must consider the following things:
1. Measure the Space
Measure the space where the cork flooring has to be installed to ensure that you have enough material for it. Add 10% extra for waste and cutting of planks.
2. Acclimation
The cork planks can contract and expand with environmental changes such as temperature, humidity, etc. To protect the tiles from moisture and expansion, acclimate them in the living space for at least 48-72 hours before installation.
3. Adjust Room Temperature and Humidity
Adjust the room temperature and humidity level before installing the flooring. The room temperature should be 18-25 °C, and the humidity level must not exceed 65% and less than 35%.
4. Alkali Testing of Concrete
Before laying out the cork planks over concrete, go for alkali testing. Test the alkali content of concrete using a PH testing kit. If the PH is 10 or higher, it can damage the adhesives that lead to expansion gaps between the cork tiles. To overcome this, neutralize the PH of concrete by consulting with a professional manufacturer.
Conclusion
The installation of cork flooring can transform your living space and give it a luxurious and vibrant look. It is DIY-friendly, but you have to be careful while installing them over the concrete or existing floors. By following each step and guideline mentioned above, you can easily do it like a professional. If you find any problem during installation, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional.
