Cork flooring installation

Cork flooring is a wooden product and should be handled with care and consideration. There are some shade variations from tile to tile and therefore, the shade of a sample may not always be identical to that of delivered tiles.

To obtain a pleasant random effect, we recommend working out of two or three boxes, and inspecting the tiles before installation. Cork floors will lighten with exposure to sun and high intensity lamp. Cork tiles should be allowed to acclimate 72 hours prior to installation. Remove tiles from cartons and maintain temperature between 60 and 85 degrees with relative humidity between 50 and 70 percent.

Tools for the job: moisture meter, carpenter's square, chalk line, appropriate adhesive and trowel, sponges, gloves, portable table saw, and a 75-100lb roller.

1. Prepare Floor: The subfloor must be dry, even and clean. Test an existing concrete floor for dampness by placing a two floor square plastic sheet, taped at the edges for 24 hours. If the floor becomes discolored or darkened, DO NOT install tiles. A new concrete floor should be tested for moisture, which should not exceed 5%. Apply a primer or thin coat of adhesive on porous and absorbent subfloors to prevent adhesive from "disappearing" into the surface. Fill any cracks with a latex floor filler.

Wood subfloors should be at least 18" above the ground. Cover a plank wood floor or existing "old" floor coverings with 1/4" DPA underlayment grade plywood to be nailed down at 6" intervals throughout the field and 4" around the perimeter using 1 1/4" ring-grooved or resin-coated nails.

2. Adhesive: Cork tiles should never be set using a "Wet-Lay" method. Be certain that the adhesive you select is recommended for use with cork flooring before installation. Remove adhesive spots immediately by using a damp sponge.

3. The Flooring: Be sure to inspect the tiles for defects, shade and dimension. Complaints cannot be accepted after faulty tiles have been installed. Because cork is a natural product, slight shade variations are inherent.

4. Installing the tile: a) Mark center point of the room, divide into four sections by using a carpenter's square (for right angles) and chalk line (to mark lines) b) spread the adhesive on in one of the sections (follow adhesive manufacture's directions carefully) c) install the first tile with one corner on the center point, install adjoining tiles, sliding each tile into final position to eliminate air bubbles and obtain tightly butted joints. Be sure to clean up adhesive on the floor immediately d) roll over flooring with a 70-100lb. roller frequently during and after installation.