How To Install Cork Floor Planks: Step By Step Process Of Installing Cork Tile Floor Planks

Step By Step Process Of Installing Cork Tile Floor Planks

Cork flooring is regarded as a renewable resource that is available in a huge range of colors. Cork flooring is composed of cork fragments secured together and cut to different sizes, thicknesses, as well as shapes. The majority of the floors in every home is having natural unfinished cork, however, you can purchase prefinished cork with a urethane top coating, vinyl-clad cork having a tough vinyl coating on top as well as the bottom, or floating cork floors that either glue or click together and float throughout a thin cork underlayment.

Step 1: Apply The Skim Mortar & Sand The Floor

In order to remove any fault, blemish, or undesirable feature in the underlayment, first of all, you need to apply skim mortar on the cracks in the floor as well as any other bumps. After the mortar dries, go over the flooring using a fine- to medium-grit sandpaper with the help of an orbital sander.

Step 2: Add A Dab Of Thinset & Apply The Adhesive

Now, apply a dab of thin-set in irregular spots that you can sand inside 30 minutes. When you are done applying thin-set & sanding, clean up all the dust. Cover the finished surfaces with the help of masking tape first. Transfer the water-based adhesive to a roller pan. Start in the corners using a paintbrush, and make sure to use a cheap, disposable brush. Put on a nice even coat, not too thick, and protect the entire floor with the help of a thin coat of glue. For large areas, it is better to use a foamed roller. Wait from 30 minutes to an hour when it comes to drying the glue completely.

Step 3: Set The Laser Beam & Lay The First Tile

Find a starting point, and the main aim is to have the majority of the full tiles in a visible area. As soon as the first tile is down, all the other tiles will take shape or come into existence accordingly. Use a laser beam when it comes to making putting down cork tiles accurately, due to the reason that it shoots perfect 45-degree angles from the floor. Put the laser beam at the starting point, where the edge of the first full row of tiles is required to go. Check your work by calculating from the walls to the laser line. If the walls are off, you need to make adjustments to the starting line. Put down the first tile in the corner, smoothly pressing it into place.

Step 4: Overlap The Seams & Cut And Lay The Tiles

Conjoin or intersect the second piece at the seam of the first tile in order to stagger seams for a more professional appearance. You can move in a new direction by making a visible impression or stain on a tile at the midway point and setting the tile so that it overlaps the seam equally in both directions. Calculate and transfer it to the cork. Make the cut with the help of a utility knife and straightedge. Don't worry about fitting tiles accurately under any cabinets. A toe kick underneath the cabinets will protect the edges as will the baseboard through the wall. Continue as long as the cork flooring is down.

Step 5: Apply The Catalyst & Hand Sand The Floor

Add a predetermined amount of catalyst to the urethane before stirring for 3 minutes to activate the chemical. Pour an insignificant amount on the floor. Use a synthetic fleece applicator, and go in one direction in order to avoid streaks. Allow it to dry for nearly two hours before applying a second coat. After applying the third coat of sealer, hand sand the floor with the help of a fine-grit before you apply a fourth and final coat.

Step 6: Install The Baseboard & Cut Angled Corners

First, take a measurement, and with the help of a power miter saw, cut the baseboard so that it fits into the corner. Nail the baseboard into the stud with the help of a finish nailer. After that, putty the nail holes. To trim the angled corners, trim a piece at a reverse 45-degree angle. With the help of a coping saw, trim away the inside of the board, however, leave the contour of the molding.

Step 7: Install A Toekick & Create A Finished Edge

Calculate & estimate the length of each cabinet before cutting the toe kick to size. For an unfinished edge, use strips of wood veneer and calculate a piece that's a little longer. Cut it with the help of a utility knife and align the edge with the finished grain of the wood. Set iron on medium heat in order to activate the hot-melt adhesive, and set the piece upside down. Trim off the excess with the help of a utility knife.

Step 8: Apply The Shoe Molding

When nailing in the toe kick, press it up in opposition to the cabinet as the shoe will hide any gaps against the floor. Apply the shoe.