How is a Cork Floor Installed?
[Click here for detailed instructions] After proper conditions of the substrate are met (see below), the installation continues with the layout of the room area. To establish centerlines in the same manner as other tile installations, run a parallel line from the centerline at the entryway. The substrate is then coated with Globus Cork reciprocal adhesive. The adhesive is applied with a paint roller, (paintbrush for the perimeter), to the substrate. A 3/8″ nap roller generally works best. The reciprocal adhesive must cover 100% of the substrate. Let adhesive dry clear, which usually takes about 45 minutes depending upon the substrate and humidity conditions. (Do not allow any foot traffic to the adhesive area.) Apply reciprocal adhesive to as much of the area of the substrate that will be covered with tile within a day’s work. Installation begins with the first tile aligned to your layout lines. When the tile is in its proper position, secure the contact between the tile and substrate using a rubber mallet. Once a few tiles are in place, you can use a small block of flat wood or plywood as a tapping board for the rubber mallet. Once the tile is tapped, it CANNOT be removed. Continue the installation in the same manner. Cut in the perimeter as you go or when field tile is completed.
Note: Globus Cork tiles are shipped to you pre-glued and must be installed within 40 days from the date of shipment from Globus Cork. If the installation of tile exceeds 40 days from the date of shipping, a refreshing coat of adhesive must be applied to the back of the tile. The adhesive must cover 100% of the back of the tile. Allow adhesive to COMPLETELY dry before proceeding. Clean any and all overspill of adhesive from the edges of each tile. Clean up of adhesive while wet is done by with a damp cloth. Clean up of the adhesive when dry is done by simply rubbing the excess adhesive off the edges like rubber cement.
You need to apply the reciprocal adhesive to the substrate for proper installation. The adhesive is available in 1 gal. tubs at an additional charge from Globus Cork and will be shipped with your order. Request it when you place your order.
Who can install it?
Installer Selection
Restaurant Installs
Quick Wall Installation Instructions
Important: After the first coat of adhesive is dry (and clear), apply a second light coat of adhesive and let that dry. This ensures that you have the appropriate amount of adhesive for a vertical surface.
To install the tile, align one corner of the tile against your 2 lines and then carefully push down the rest of that tile. Press tightly against the first tile with the edge of the next tile to tightly align it to the first one and continue to stick the tiles to the wall. Carefully place each tile tightly against the next one because once the tile sticks, its very difficult to remove. When the tile is in place, smack the tile with the palm of your hand to hold it temporarily and then hit with a rubber mallet or a hammer and batten board all across the tile to ensure that all parts of the tile have made positive contact with the wall adhesive. You should not have any gaps between tiles when installed correctly.
Installing on Painted or Sealed Concrete Floors
A cement subfloor should not have a sealer, paint, or primer on it.
If the cork were to be applied to painted concrete, the cork could pull up any loose paint might not get a grip into the cement. You can shot-blast the concrete to remove the paint, put a patching cement over the top if the paint is secure or put down a plywood subfloor. You should not use any chemical paint removers as this will seep into the concrete and cause an adhesion problem.