What this covers
Cork flooring is made from the harvested bark of cork oak trees, pressed into tiles or planks. It is soft underfoot, warm, quiet and naturally resistant to mold and insects. Floating planks click together over a flat subfloor; glue-down tiles are adhered and then sealed with a finish. Cork dents under sharp loads and fades in direct sun, so furniture pads and window treatments matter.
When to call
- A home office, bedroom, playroom or kitchen where standing comfort and quiet matter.
- A wish for a natural, renewable material.
- A floor over a room below where sound transfer is a concern.
What to expect
- PrepareThe subfloor is checked for flatness and moisture.
- InstallPlanks float over an underlayment, or tiles are glued down.
- SealGlue-down tiles are sealed with a finish; prefinished planks are ready.
- TrimBaseboards and transitions, then a walk-through.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Will furniture dent it?
Heavy furniture on small feet can. Wide glides and rolling-chair mats prevent most marks, and small dents often recover.
Can cork go in a bathroom?
Glue-down, well-sealed cork tolerates a powder room. Full baths and laundry rooms are better served by vinyl or tile.
Does it fade?
Cork lightens in strong sun. Rugs and window film reduce it, and a uniform exposure keeps it even.
Related: Bamboo flooring · Linoleum flooring · Laminate flooring · All flooring
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.