What Do You Need to Know While Using Cork
Underlayment or Tiles for Your Floor?

1. Why Should You Use Cork Underlayment and Tiles?

Using cork as a flooring material had become very popular as cork offers several advantages its competition doesn’t. Cork tiles, as well as cork underlayment, offers several benefits to a home or commercial space than can't be ignored. These benefits are:

- Safe. Floors made from cork are safer than other materials. A cork surface is non-slippery even with liquid spilled on it. Cork also has the ability to absorb impact shock and disperse it away from the body. This is very useful if you have small kids because while they play, there will be moments when they fall. The ‘cushion’ offered by a cork floor will result in less serious injuries, making your house a safer environment for your kids.

- Insulator. Do you hate a cold floor during winter? Then go with a cork floor. With its ability to insulate you and natural warmth, you will not have to suffer a cold floor again. The temperature of your floor will reflect the ambient temperature of the room and you will be able to walk barefoot around the house without worries.

- Healthy. A floor made from cork tiles also offers certain health benefits to your family. Firstly, the material repels most boring insects so your problems with them will be reduced. Secondly, cork is a hypoallergenic material so you do not need to worry that the members of your family would be allergic to it. Lastly, it is an antimicrobial material that fights mold and mildew so your house becomes a healthier environment.

- Eco-friendly. Cork is made from the bark of a tree and it is a regenerable material. No trees need to be cut down for its manufacture. Wood is one of the most used materials but it is also a resource obtained from a limited number of trees that ensure oxygen. This is why methods that can reduce the need for wood are very welcomed everywhere.

2. How to Properly Install the Underlayment of Your Floor!

There are two methods that you can use to install cork underlayment. The first one is the floating method while the second one is the glued-down method. The rule of thumb is that the underlayment be installed with the same method as your surface floor. So if you are installing a floating floor, then your cork underlayment should be a floating installation as well. If you are installing a glue-down floor, the cork underlayment should be glued down as well.

If you want to properly install the underlayment then there are two important pieces of advice that you need to keep in mind before and during the process:

- Adhesive. For all glue-down installations, use an adhesive correct to the cork flooring you are putting in. For example, Forna cork floors only use a water-based adhesive. You should know that this is the best type of adhesive that you can use in conjunction with cork underlayment. Moreover, if you use other types of adhesive that are not water-based, then there is a high chance that they will damage the underlayment. And this will reduce the lifespan of your floor by a lot.

- No nails. You should never use any tool, like metal screws or nails, to keep the underlayment in place. These tools in prolonged contact with the underlayment will negatively affect it. Some of the proprieties of the boards, like the acoustic ones, will be lost and degradation of the underlayment is sure to happen. There are several options that can help you to keep the underlayment in place. But the best one amongst them is to use tape. This method will make sure that nothing is damaged during the process.

The steps that you need to follow are similar to those used to install cork tiles. Make sure to follow the rules and recommendations of the company from which you acquired the products. When in doubt speak to a sales agent or customer service representative. Otherwise, the warranty may be nullified.

3. What Tools Do You Need to Install the Cork Tiles Floor!

The same two methods mentioned above can be used to install cork tiles in your house. Below you will find a brief guide to the tools you may need to help you finish the job successfully. Make sure to check the warranty and the recommendation of the manufacturer before using the guides.

1. Tape measure and pencil. To get the best fit, accurate measurements must be performed. You need to measure your floor and plan the arrangement of the tiles.

2. Rubber mallet. For both methods mentioned above, you will need a rubber mallet. For a floating floor, you will need it to properly fit each tile. As for the glued-down floor, you will need it to evenly spread/pat down the adhesive after placing the tiles.

3. Pull bar. This tool is also a mandatory one. You will not be able to use the hammer for the last tiles that will be near the walls. In such a situation you will need a pull bar or a cat's paw to do the job properly.

4. Tapping block. Even if you use rubber mallet it is highly recommended to use a tapping block to protect the tiles from getting damaged when tapped into place. This process will also make it easier for you to combine the tails perfectly.

5. Circular saw. You need to be aware that not every tile will fit perfectly and some of them will need to be cut. The best tool for that is a circular saw because it will help you make clean cuts, making sure that everything will be perfectly fitted together.

6. Cleaning tools, broom, dust pan, vacuum etc. Before you even start the work make sure to thoroughly clean the floor. This is a very important step because without it, a glue-down tiles will not adhere correctly and floating floors will not sit cleanly. This can cause your new cork floor to damage quickly.