Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Cork Flooring Installation
Cork Flooring Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Cork Flooring Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Cork Flooring Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Cork Flooring Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Cork Flooring Installation labor cost? What are the important Cork Flooring Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Cork Flooring Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Cork Flooring Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Cork Flooring Installation expect to pay between $0.27 to $0.43 per square foot. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Cork Flooring Installation work? | Design approval and permits from your local building department are not required for Cork Flooring Installation. If your home is subject to homeowner association (HOA) covenants, you should verify that your Cork Flooring Installation project complies with association guidelines. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Cork Flooring Installation work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the cork flooring may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
| Is Cork Flooring Installation something that I can do myself? | The typical Cork Flooring Installation project can be completed by a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer; as with any project, high quality Cork Flooring Installation requires attention to detail and careful planning. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Cork Flooring Installation work? | Normally, this work can be completed in 1 day. |
Cork Flooring Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Cork Flooring Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Cork Flooring Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- All cork from the same manufacturers lot
- A detailed cork layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- There will be no gap of more than 1/16 inch wide where the cork meets adjacent surfaces; a gap (in no cases wider that 1/16 inch) can be hidden by: __scribing __a smooth bead of caulk __ appropriately finished molding
- All cork will be installed flat and smooth - with no buckling, creasing at any point; all cork edges will be flat and securely attached, along the entire length of the edge
- Ceiling and wall cutouts will be neat, uniform and no larger than necessary; any air gaps around the cutout(s) will be insulated and sealed; the cutout(s) will not be visible when cover plates are installed
- All cork edge seams will be concealed completely under base molding; the molding will be straight to within 1/8 inch in 10 feet and rest flush directly on top of cork
- All cork seam / joint location(s) must be approved before work begins; typically, seams should not be located in areas of high traffic exposure, visual prominence or bright lighting
- All cork seams will be joined and edge glued per manufacturer approved methods; finished seam will be straight, flat and completely free of adhesive residue
- Patterned cork seams will be installed so that patterns match to within 1/64 inch along the entire length of each seam
- Installed cork surface variations along a 4 foot straight edge will not exceed 1/8 inch - from any location along any direction
- The cork flooring will be solidly attached and not slide, rock, twist or move when used
Cork Flooring Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Cork Flooring Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the cork flooring work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of cork flooring, before any work begins
- Select, specify and order cork flooring; verify that type, grade, finish, size, color, any options, and quantity are clearly identified in the order; make sure that delivery date, terms and damage provisions are included in the order
- Manage delivery of cork flooring; verify that delivered model #, grade, finish, size, options, and quantity match the order precisely; thoroughly inspect all items for damage and proper operation; make or authorize final payment only after complete order is delivered
- Review material choices for Cork Flooring Installation with the homeowner before work begins - consider toxic exposure, allergic risks and environmental factors; purchase construction materials only after approval
- Acclimate cork flooring to typical indoor temperature and humidity for no less than 3 days prior to installation
- Remove existing cork flooring (optional)
- Secure subfloor to framing; eliminate squeaks and soft spots
- Install cork flooring using manufacturer recommended flooring adhesive, in compliance manufacturer recommendations and applicable local building code(s)
- Install cork to fit closely around fixtures and fittings
- Remove debris, dirt and dust from all work areas; unless otherwise agreed, all demolition debris and construction waste will be removed from the site within 24 hours
- Apply a smooth, even coat/layer of sealing compound
- Submit final payment; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes
