Cork is a brilliant material with which to use for your floor tiles. Durable, eco-friendly and comfortable to stand on, you will not walk away disappointed with it as a purchase. As such you will want to make sure that when installing cork floor tiles that they are done correctly, so that they retain all of their benefits, last long and are safe to walk upon without causing trips or slips. Below is a guide to help you along.
You Will Need:
You may also want knee pads, safety gloves and, if necessary, a dust mask.
To begin with, ensure your floor is suitable for the tiles to be laid down upon. Make sure that it is all even and as flat as possible, or else this will affect the tiles and diminish their look and function. Look for a suitable compound to use when filling cracks and gouges. Once you're certain the floor is ready, work out where your first floor tile should be laid by dry fitting it and marking out the outline with your chalk or pencil. Make sure that it is parallel to the walls, or else it will ruin the tiles' arrangement. Apply the adhesive to both the tile and the section of floor it is to be placed on using the roller, waiting until it has become transparent yet still tacky before applying. Once that has been done, lightly tap the tile into place with the rubber mallet. Repeat until done. Every hour or so, roll down the floor tiles with the roller to keep them in place, using a smaller handroller if necessary for corners and hard to reach places.
When lining up tiles along the wall or in corners, carefully cut them down to size. Make sure your measurements are correct before doing so and always be mindful of your safety.
Once laid, leave for 24 hours to set and then enjoy your sparkly(ish) new kitchen floor tiles.
Be mindful that although durable, cork is soft. It can be easily punctured with high heels or the legs of furniture. To keep your tiles looking their best, it may be best to enforce a no shoes rule and place flat covers beneath the feet of any furniture with narrow bases. Other than that, cork's naturally spongy structure makes it durable and long lasting.
You Will Need:
- Cork tiles (as you'd probably have guessed)
- Cork adhesive
- Chalk or pencil
- Rollers, with extension rod if necessary for the floor
- Paint tray (for the adhesive)
- A soft rubber mallet, or alternatively use a hammer over several thick pieces of card or an old book.
- Utility knife and safety ruler
- Cutting pad
- 100lb heavy roller, or something suitable as an alternative
You may also want knee pads, safety gloves and, if necessary, a dust mask.
To begin with, ensure your floor is suitable for the tiles to be laid down upon. Make sure that it is all even and as flat as possible, or else this will affect the tiles and diminish their look and function. Look for a suitable compound to use when filling cracks and gouges. Once you're certain the floor is ready, work out where your first floor tile should be laid by dry fitting it and marking out the outline with your chalk or pencil. Make sure that it is parallel to the walls, or else it will ruin the tiles' arrangement. Apply the adhesive to both the tile and the section of floor it is to be placed on using the roller, waiting until it has become transparent yet still tacky before applying. Once that has been done, lightly tap the tile into place with the rubber mallet. Repeat until done. Every hour or so, roll down the floor tiles with the roller to keep them in place, using a smaller handroller if necessary for corners and hard to reach places.
When lining up tiles along the wall or in corners, carefully cut them down to size. Make sure your measurements are correct before doing so and always be mindful of your safety.
Once laid, leave for 24 hours to set and then enjoy your sparkly(ish) new kitchen floor tiles.
Be mindful that although durable, cork is soft. It can be easily punctured with high heels or the legs of furniture. To keep your tiles looking their best, it may be best to enforce a no shoes rule and place flat covers beneath the feet of any furniture with narrow bases. Other than that, cork's naturally spongy structure makes it durable and long lasting.
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