Installing floating cork flooring is the perfect choice for those who wish to have a floor similar to wood but would rather not have the expense. Although looking like cork, they are strong and durable which is perfect for households with a lot of traffic. They are also very easy to install as they are designed to fit together like a puzzle and can sit on any flooring other than carpet.
What You'll Need
What You'll Need
- Cork floor planks (minimum density of 28 pounds per cubic foot)
- Polyethylene sheet
- Hammer
- Tape
- Hand saw
- Polyurethane seal
- Vacuum
- Spacers
- Floorboards or moulding
- Levelling compound
- 3/4 foam roller
- Tapping block
Step One - Preparation
Clean the floor with a vacuum to remove any dirt and dust, then check to see if you need to use any floor levelling compound to fix any levelling issues you may have; remember to wait for the compound to dry before continuing with your project. When you begin you should work from the longest wall without a door. Gather all your tools and you are ready to begin.
Step Two - Fit Polyethylene Cover
Fitting a polyethylene cover will act as a moisture barrier between the sub-floor and the new cork flooring and will also prevent a squeaky floor. Lay down the cover and make sure it covers the whole floor. You should overlap each seam by 6 inches and have 3 inches going up the wall base; all edges should be secured using tape. If your sub-floor is wooden you will not need to cover with a polyethylene cover.
Step Three - Install the First Row
Begin fitting your first row of planks on the floor with the tongue side facing the wall, insert spacers between each plank and the wall to allow the planks room to expand; these will be covered by the floor trim later. When installing each plank, hold the ends at an angle to each other, line up the tongue and groove fittings and click into place.
Step Four - Install the Second Row
For your second row, hold each plank at an angle to the first row and line up the tongue and groove edges on each plank, then firmly press the pieces together to fix. Use a tapping block and hammer to make sure the connections between the planks are tight. Repeat the process for each row until you have completed your floor.
Step Five - Prepare Last Row
Insert spacers between the wall and the last row of planks to make room for expansion. Use different sized planks to stagger the joints in a row; this is to make sure that the ends of each plank do not line up along adjoining rows. Use a hand saw to cut the end pieces where necessary, and place the plank face down when cutting to protect the surface.
Step Six - Finish
Clear the floor of any dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner and then apply a sealant over the flooring. Apply the polyurethane seal over the cork using a 3/8 inch roller to evenly cover the floor. Leave to dry overnight before use. To cover the expansion gap, you could use a trim nailer to install a floor trim along the bottom of the walls; alternatively you could install moulding. Trim any visible excess polyethylene using a utility knife.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
