Do you know all the advantages of cork flooring? Thinking of installing this type of flooring in your home but you don't really know how to do it? What are the steps to install cork flooring with professional results in a short time?
Among the advantages of a cork floor is its great ability to transmit heat when you wake up in the morning and step on the floor for the first time. If you hate that your feet freeze every time you walk around your house, then the cork floor is your solution.
Cork flooring is natural, strong and durable, but it is also elegant and stylish. Cork is capable of making any room much more pleasant and welcoming. In addition, it is also very easy to install!
Innovation has also reached cork floors, and many manufacturers now offer cork panels that can be installed without the need for nails or glue. These innovative systems can be installed on other floors, or directly on the surface.
If you are interested in learning more about how to install cork floors… just keep reading.
Choose the right areas
Installing a cork floor is a simple process, but it is important to keep a few points in mind. First of all, although cork is a material that is compatible with almost all spaces in a house, poorly glued edges could absorb water, causing them to swell and potentially deform individual parts. This means that it is not recommended for humid places, such as bathrooms.
In addition, being a natural material, cork expands and contracts depending on weather changes, so you will have to take this into consideration when choosing the measurements of your floor.
Choose the correct system
With the right installation system, you will be able to install your cork floor in just a short time. This is when you have to know if you will include an underfloor heating system, since then it would be a better idea to have the idea of a professional installer.
Preparing everything
To enjoy improved floors, cork flooring is a challenge that even simple DIYers can master: the boards are easy to install and you don't need to firmly connect them to the floor or other structural elements.
They say preparation is everything. When you install a cork floor you also need to make sure that everything is completely even. The goal is for the ground to remain firm and quiet when you walk on it.
The best way to level out unevenness is by using a self-leveling compound. You can then place the moisture protection sheets to begin the installation.
It is important that you read the installation instructions carefully before proceeding.
Installation begins!
The installation process is not a mystery. Glueless systems are generally used, but everything will depend on the detailed step-by-step instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Bottom line, it's all about cut to size, plugging in… and voila!
Just be careful to leave enough expansion space to avoid bending later. Help yourself with some spacers to maintain the distance between the floor and the wall that you can remove when you finish.
Finishing the job
After installation, your new floor will be ready for you to use. You just have to touch up the skirting board and you will be in a position to enjoy the results of the work for years.
