Adding Cork Floors to a Bedroom

Cork floors are one of the newer options to choose from when installing a new floor in your home. Cork is a natural product, and as such can provide a surface that has an interesting overall texture and coloration, making it often preferred over manufactured synthetic flooring products. Cork is comfortable to walk on, has a nice natural feel underfoot, and can be a popular choice when adding a new floor to the bedroom. Cork floors are considered to be a high-end stylish floor product, which could also add to the overall value of your home. While most people probably don't have much experience installing a cork floor, the process is certainly within the skill set of most do-it-yourself homeowners. However, there are some factors and installation techniques that are unique to cork flooring materials that should be taken into consideration before installing a new cork floor in the bedroom.

All text copyright Shanel. Photo from Flikr - "Joel Sammet House (1952) - interior" courtesy of chicagogeek.

Preparations for Installing a Cork Floor

Cork, being a natural product, is somewhat susceptible to climate changes caused by temperature and humidity fluctuations. Before installing a cork floor, you should bring the cork flooring material into the home, and remove it from the box and let it set for about 72 hours before installing it, so that it can become acclimated to the indoor temperature and humidity levels, to insure a better installation. The subfloor should also be level and smooth, to provide good support to the cork flooring. When installing a cork floor over concrete, such as would be the case in a slab constructed home, care should be taken to repair any cracks or indentations with Portland cement patching compound before installing the cork. This is because of the fact that cork is somewhat flexible, and depressions in the concrete underlayment could cause dips in the finished cork floor surface after installation. Use an appropriate subfloor primer prior to installation. In the case of a basement bedroom, check the humidity level and use a moisture barrier if necessary.

All text copyright Shanel. Photo from Flikr - "Fasten Cork" courtesy of simone riccardi.

Installing Cork Tile

Once the subfloor surface is prepared, you can begin to install the cork tiles. Use the same types of measuring techniques used whenever laying floor tiles, such as marking straight markings at a 90 degree angle near the center of the room as a guideline for straight installation of the tiles. Use an adhesive that is designed to be used with cork, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for both the cork tiles and the adhesive. Make sure to use the proper amount of adhesive, and do a test first with one tile to make sure you have good adhesion before proceeding with the entire floor.

Finishing Touches

Once the floor is down, you will want to rent a floor roller to make sure everything is level and properly adhered to the floor. After rolling, do not walk on the floor for at least 24 hours. Then, install the molding and floor trim, and you are ready to enjoy the beauty of your new cork bedroom floor. You may be so inspired by your new floor that you decide to add new candle holder wall sconces and carved wood art to enhance the natural ambiance of your renovated bedroom.

All text copyright Shanel. Photo from Flikr - "Front Bedroom: 3034 East Cornell Circle" courtesy of JoeBehrSoCal.