Cork floors, popular in the West, are not yet very common in our country. And in vain, because cork is a natural material that perfectly absorbs sounds and retains heat. In addition, it is believed that cork covering is essentially an orthopedic covering that helps reduce stress on our spine. As you can see, there are quite a lot of advantages.
If you decide to do the installation of this wonderful coating yourself, then you should carefully study the instructions.
Preparing the base
To prevent your cork floor from suddenly swelling or becoming loose, you should lay it on a perfectly flat surface. There are several alignment methods.
Plywood base. Sheets of moisture-resistant plywood are attached to a concrete screed and then sanded. If the covering installed on plywood has a ready-made cork base layer, then there is no need for an underlay.
Linoleum. Installation on linoleum is possible only if the floor underneath is perfectly flat. There is no need to lay a backing on linoleum.
Screed. The most common method of preparing the base before installing the floor. After drying, the concrete screed is leveled grinder, cover plastic film and only then the substrate.
Laying methods
There are two known options for laying cork flooring:
- castle;
- adhesive.
Provides faster installation castle method , but it can only be used for ideal level base. Minus this option is that floors of this type (due to the “floating” technology) can only be connected through thresholds, even when the same type of cork is installed in all rooms.
By glue method You can put the cork on any surface, including uneven ones, but after installation the floor must be varnished on top. Lakovoe finishing coat perfectly protects the coating from moisture and makes its surface monolithic. Adhesive floors are laid without a single threshold throughout the apartment, and they can also be combined with other floor coverings, for example, parquet or porcelain stoneware.
We propose to consider both installation methods in a little more detail.
Adhesive cork floor
It is necessary to leave a gap of 3-4 mm between the coating and the wall. If there is a door in the room, the bottom of the door must be cut to the height of the covering.
Glueless cork floor
- Cork boards with a wooden or plywood core are laid using the “floating” method using locks (without the use of glue). This type of flooring usually comes with an underlay and a protective layer. The slabs are carefully connected by clicking the lock in the same way as when laying laminate.
- Glueless slabs should be laid sequentially from the edge of the wall to the opposite. In this case, the slabs should be joined using the “ brickwork", preventing four slabs from joining at the same time.
- Make sure that the smaller side of the slab is parallel to the wall with the door - in this way the room will appear visually elongated.
- Coat the cork with varnish to protect it from water. You can also use special gel sealants to seal the joints between the plates. Before covering the entire surface with a roller, apply the varnish with a brush along the edges, near the walls.
Cork flooring is easy to maintain and can be washed with a damp sponge.
Cork flooring is chosen by connoisseurs of natural materials. There are two ways to install it: glue and tongue and groove.
The glue method is used when using natural cork, produced in the form of thick sheets. The tongue and groove is used when installing cork laminate, which top layer cork acts as a base, and NDF boards are used as a base, similar to laminate.
Preparation before installation work
Have you decided how to install your cork floor? In fact, at the preparation stage it doesn’t matter; the preparation of the base is carried out the same way. The base must be perfectly flat and smooth. The better the floor is prepared, the longer the service life will be. cork covering. Leveling the floor is carried out using beacons. The base is leveled using self-leveling mixtures. This process should be approached with full responsibility.
Note! A varnished cork floor will subsequently reveal the slightest irregularities.
The leveling mixture must dry completely. Otherwise, mold will appear under the floor covering. Based on this, to preparatory work It is worth starting in advance, about 3 weeks before the start of laying the cork.
Adhesive installation method
To install cork with glue, you will need the following tools:
- roulette;
- square ruler;
- pencil;
- notched spatula;
- rubber mallet;
- roller and container for applying varnish.
Stages of work
- Dust and prime the floor.
- After waiting for the primer layer to dry, apply markings.
- Draw one line in the middle parallel to the wall and mark the center on it.
- Start laying from a wall along which there is no furniture. In this case, there should be a gap of 5-10 mm between the cork and the wall.
- A couple of days before installation work It is necessary to remove the cork from the packaging and leave it in the room where installation is planned for acclimatization.
Laying the cork in a run-up
- Move the slabs halfway, imitating brickwork.
- Start laying the material from the wall and insert a piece of slab at the end, and start the next row with the remaining piece. In this case, the amount of waste is minimized.
Laying tiles using the adhesive method
Apply adhesive to the base in an even layer and place the first tile, pressing it firmly. The area of the applied adhesive should exceed the size of one tile, so that when laying the next one, you will not stain the already laid one. Then apply adhesive to the next section and secure the second tile.
If there is no chamfer on the edges, difficulties may arise at the joints. To fix this, take rubber mallet and hammer in the protruding edge. The entire surface is covered in the same way.
Final row
Note! When laying the last row, you will most likely have to trim the material using sharp knife and rulers. Do not break the material, but run the knife several times.
Laying technology may vary depending on the adhesive chosen. For example, polymer-based adhesive is applied directly to the material rather than the floor. To avoid unforeseen situations, carefully read the instructions before use.
Final stage
As soon as the cork coating has dried, a layer of varnish is applied to it.
Note! Particularly good in combination with cork acrylic lacquer on water based, which is odorless and harmless.
Before work, the floor is dust-free and all window and door openings are covered. Each speck will be very noticeable under a layer of varnish. If you have an unvarnished cork from the manufacturer, you will need to apply at least three coats of varnish.
Video
Installation using the tongue-and-groove method
This method is much easier and for it you need the following tools:
- Electric jigsaw.
- Roulette.
- Square ruler.
- Pencil.
- Backing cutter.
Cork laminated coating Installed in the same way as conventional laminate. The base is cleaned of dust and then laid cork backing, the joints of which are treated with tape, and the installation process begins.
Laying rules
The first row is laid from whole planks. The missing part is cut off with a jigsaw. When laying, it is necessary to leave a distance of 1 cm between the material and the wall.
The second row begins with the trim that remains from the first. The row is assembled separately, and then moves to the previously laid one. The tenon is inserted into the groove at an angle, and then the row is lowered and compacted by tapping the hand. At long length premises, it is advisable to perform this work with a partner.
Note! Installation of cork laminate is carried out in the direction of the sun's rays.
The final row is cut one at a time, you will need to measure them separately. The entire trimmed row is also completed and snapped into place. Cork laminate does not require a protective varnish layer, as this is provided by the manufacturer.
The work is completed and you can enjoy your new, environmentally friendly flooring.
Video
Considering that buying natural material costs a pretty penny, laying a cork floor with your own hands will help reduce repair costs. Moreover, there is nothing complicated in the process if you follow the instructions. How to do it correctly - our article will help
Considering that buying natural material costs a pretty penny, laying a cork floor with your own hands will help reduce repair costs. Moreover, there is nothing complicated in the process if you follow the instructions. Our article will help you on how to do this correctly.
Types of cork floor installation
Before laying a cork floor yourself, familiarize yourself with the installation methods depending on the format of the covering. They are varied:
1. Large solid fabric. Used in living rooms and halls. Thanks to its flexibility, solid cork veneer is easy to lay and secure. It is considered the most premium class, hence the price. Installed with glue.
2. Boards or floorboards with locking joints. 
They use the “floating floor” technology. The base is not tightly attached to the bottom layer, which is why this option has good maintainability - even after dismantling most of the floor, the damaged floorboard is replaced and the covering is reassembled.
3. Tiles. 
This form is placed on glue and can be used for any surface - floors, walls, ceilings. Small form Convenient for DIY installation. This is the most cheap coating due to its small thickness. Installation should take place in rooms with guaranteed low activity.
Depending on the characteristics of the room and your own budget, you choose the shape of the cork floor and the method of its installation. If you have no hope of relying on yourself, the services of professionals are always offered. This is a guarantee of quality.
Requirements for the rough foundation
To flooring material served the owners for the stated period, it is necessary to comply with the requirements for the floor under cork covering. More details:
1. The rough base must be perfectly level. A difference is allowed for each square. m no more than 2 mm.
2. It is important to waterproof the cork floor underneath with a special material with perforations to drain condensate.
3. Do not lay cork on unpolished concrete base. Due to the pressure from above, the screed will rub the cork from below like sandpaper. A substrate is required.
Leveling the floor is not difficult - it is similar for laying all types of flooring.
Installation instructions for cork flooring
So, the flooring has been purchased. Laying a cork floor with your own hands, the video tutorial below, should be performed in the following steps:
Tools and materials
For quality work You will need to purchase additional components and tools:
1. Substrate. Its types are numerous. 
Based on the characteristics of the room, choose your own option.
2. Glue. Only specialized formulations offered for the material in the store.
3. Leveling mixtures for rough screed. If the floor is wooden, you need to peel it off and lay a layer of moisture-resistant plywood.
4. Tools for carrying out cement works: mixer, beacons, rule, level, reinforcing mesh.
5. Tools for laying cork: rollers, mallet, wide spatula, scissors or knife.
6. Measuring instruments – ruler, tape measure, square.
The main job is dirty. You need cleaning products and a lot of rags.
Preparing the base
The old coating is removed. You can lay cork on existing linoleum or wooden floors, but over time they will not differ perfect condition. Therefore, they are torn off and their condition assessed concrete screed. 
Potholes and cracks, if they are small quantity You can seal it with mortar and then sand the areas. But if the damage is more than 10% of the entire area, this is a reason to prepare a new screed.
First, the entire surface is cleaned with a vacuum cleaner and moistened. Next, I prime for better adhesion with the new screed.
They select the selected height, set the beacons and place a reinforcing mesh on them. You can pour the solution prepared and matured for half an hour. 
It is important to fill small areas and finish the job in one go to avoid delamination.
The finished screed is left until it sets completely. It can be used after 2–3 weeks, after being pre-primed.
Covering installation
Before installation, it is important that the cork acclimatizes to the room. To do this, it is laid out in the room for a day, freed from packaging. Depending on the chosen shape and type of plug, installation work begins:
1. Lay the substrate. The sheets are overlapped and secured with construction tape. 
The substrate is placed on the edges of the walls to compensate for the linear expansion of the material.
2. Knead adhesive composition according to the recipe on the package and left to mature. It is better to make the solution in small portions, without allowing it to set.
3. Work with a floating floor is carried out from the far corner of the room, laying boards in the same way as installing laminate flooring. Each floorboard is inserted one into the other, carefully tapped with a mallet. 
Elements of adjacent rows are shifted relative to each other by 1/3 or half the length. That is, laying a cork floor - the video illustrates this well - proceeds like brickwork.
4. Working with canvas is different. First, the glue is smoothed with a notched trowel over the surface of the base. Then lay down a whole sheet, tapping the corners and middle with a mallet. Then smooth it with a roller. 
The joints between the sheets are immediately wiped of glue - it can change the color of the canvas.
5. The tiles are glued in the same way as the canvas, with the only difference being that installation begins from the middle of the room, in a spiral. 
You should always have a level at hand to correct the position of the next unit.
Complete setting of the finished surface occurs according to the adhesive instructions. Previously, it is prohibited to use the cork surface. If the experiment was a success, then carefully consider laying cork tiles on the walls - it is beautiful and unusual for the interior.
Final works
After the cork coating has set, a layer of varnish is applied to the surface several times. 
It's all about the porous structure - it will absorb one layer of varnish like a sponge. The composition can be glossy, emphasizing the beauty of the patterns, or matte, making the cork warmer and more comfortable. Cork floors are often waxed, but then maintaining them is more labor-intensive.
Do not subject the surface to deformation. Wrap furniture legs in felt, introduce a ban on heels and street shoes, and give pets a place.
Take care of your cork every day. This way, it will get fewer defects and old stains in the future.
Periodically restore the canvas and boards - replace or sand the surface in a timely manner with mandatory varnishing at the end of the work.
Conclusion
Independent work saves the budget. This is an indisputable fact. If free time allows and you have the skill to handle the tool, go for it.
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Cork flooring is an excellent option for residential premises in an apartment or private house. It has excellent decorative, heat and sound insulating properties, different for a long time services in strict compliance with installation technology. Cork can also be placed on other surfaces - floors or walls. So in an original way It's easy to create a stylish room with minimal investment.
Cork floor installation cost
Approximate prices for cork installation services are indicated on the website. To find out a more accurate cost, you need to contact us. A technologist comes to the site completely free of charge, takes the necessary measurements and draws up an estimate. It includes the cost of work and materials. If necessary, also free of charge, you can get advice on any issue of interest that concerns the installation of the floor or the features of its further operation.| # | Name of works | Unit change | Uena |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Laying cork on the wall | m 2 | from 350 rub. |
| 2 | Laying cork on the ceiling | m 2 | from 450 rub. |
| 3 | Laying decorative cork on the wall diagonally | m 2 | from 450 rub. |
| 4 | Laying adhesive cork floor covering (3 layers of varnish) on a prepared base is simple | m 2 | from 480 rub. |
| 5 | Laying adhesive cork floor covering (3 layers of varnish) on the prepared base diagonally | m 2 | from 580 rub. |
| 6 | Cutting the hole for the pipeline | PC. | from 350 rub. |
| 7 | Laying cork on the walls - designing the corner joint of the walls | m.p. | from 300 rub. |
| 8 | Varnishing cork floors/walls 1 coat of varnish | m.p./m2 | from 30 rub. |
| 9 | Installation of floor skirting boards | m.p. | from 120 rub. |
| 10 | Laying-on glue- technical jam on the floor, walls | m 2 | from 280 rub. |
| 11 | Laying technical cork on the ceiling | m 2 | from 380 rub. |
| 12 | One-sided cork cutting (approach close to fixed parts) | m.p. | from 300 rub. |
| 13 | Double-sided cork cut (joint of two cork materials) | m.p. | from 600 rub. |
| 15 | Primer of floors, walls | m 2 | from 30 rub. |
| 16 | Installation of interlocking floating cork floor. Easy installation | m 2 | from 250 rub. |
| 17 | Installation of interlocking floating cork floor. Diagonal laying | m 2 | from 380 rub. |
| 18 | Self-leveling floor to a height of up to 10mm | m 2 | from 250 rub. |
| 19 | Self-leveling floor to a height of up to 20 mm | m 2 | from 300 rub. |
| 20 | Self-leveling floor to a height of up to 30 mm | m 2 | from 350 rub. |
| 21 | Dry screed Knauf up to 6 cm | m 2 | from 450 rub. |
Types of coatings
Several types of material are used for flooring - solid veneer, agglomerate chips, mixed. The first type of cork is the highest quality, but it is also the most expensive. Also this material released in various forms, which determines the way it is laid. Highlight:
- technical jam. Available in the form of rolls or large plates;
- boards that are installed with glue. They can be rectangular or square;
- floating floor They are MDF panels covered with cork.
Installation using adhesives
Laying a cork floor using the adhesive method works like this:
- Preparing the base - leveling, removing dirt, priming.
- The glue is applied both to the cork and to the surface of the base. It should dry for 10-15 minutes, after which you can begin installation.
- To better fix the panels, tap them with a rubber hammer.
- A varnish coating is applied to the finished surface.
Floating installation
The technology of work involves the following stages:
- The prepared base (flat, free of dirt) is covered with a thin cork backing in the form of rolls.
- The individual strips are connected to each other with adhesive tape.
- Cork panels are laid on the entire surface of the floor, which form one whole due to the presence of a locking connection.
- For getting high-quality coating After installing each board, it is tapped with a rubber hammer.
Where to order cork flooring in Moscow?
Our company installs cork flooring in Moscow. We take on orders of any complexity and install coatings in rooms of various sizes and functional purpose. Our company employs only professionals in their field, which guarantees high quality. During the order fulfillment process, step-by-step control is carried out, which eliminates any defects. Also, the commissioning of the facility will occur within the previously agreed upon time frame, which will satisfy even the most demanding client.
