Custom Search

Floating Cork Floor - A Pleasing Choice

Floating cork floor panels are available in a variety of attractive grains and color hues, so you have a huge choice to pick from.

When it is installed, a half-inch space is maintained from the walls and other fixed items in the room where the flooring is to be fixed. If the room is larger than 900 square feet in size, then you will need expansion gaps. Any damp areas like crawlspaces, concrete, ceramic floors etc. must be covered with waterproof sheeting. Any carpeting on the sub floor must be removed. These sub floors must be flat, level and dry.

As soon as the cork planks are received, they must be acclimatized to the temperature of the room where you plan to install them. The plastic wrapping around them must be removed so that the planks get to 'breathe' for a couple of days at least, helping them adjust to the environment. The plank itself must be stored without opening the box.

Most people feel that the best way to install cork flooring is the 'floating' type. The planks come ready to install and just need to be clicked together with the unique interlocking system. There is no mess with glue.

Here's what the installation of a floating cork floor involves:

Preparing The Sub-Floor

The sub floor must be completely dry, flat and clean. Any uneven portions will show up on the cork floor so this preparation must be done carefully. As mentioned earlier, if there is any possibility of damp, such sub floors must be covered with a waterproof sheet. Any carpeting shall be removed. The cork floors can be installed on your existing vinyl, lino or hardwood floor.

Installing The Floating Cork Floor

When you open the box before installing the cork floor, check them for defects. You will find variations in color, which you can match according to the way you want it to look. Lengthwise installation is advisable to align with the direction in which the light falls into the room.

The planks can be clicked together, row by row along the wall. You might need to saw the extra length off some planks to fit the room size. When the floor is complete, it should look level and straight. Any skirting that is necessary must be fixed to the wall, not the cork floor. It is better to use the cork floor at least 24 hours after installation to allow it to set.

Cork floating floors are also suitable if you use floor heating. You must follow the special instructions from the manufacturer to ensure that the installation is done properly. Floating floors can be easily maintained after a coat of varnish is applied.

Floating Cork Floors to Cork Kitchen Flooring

Custom Search