Cork flooring is an ideal material for specific situations, including moisture-prone areas, such as basement floors, kitchen floors, and bathroom floors. Sunrooms, bathrooms, and finished basements with radiant floor heating may need specialized cork flooring materials to withstand temperature changes. High-traffic areas, including hallways and entryways, may benefit from thicker and more durable cork flooring. While thick cork flooring is more expensive, it lasts longer and stands up to daily wear and tear.
Cork flooring comes in various forms, including cork floor tiles, cork plank flooring, and cork board sheets. The material is known for its natural resilience, as well as temperature and sound insulating abilities.
The cost to install cork flooring ranges from $1,270 to $4,600, with the average cost around $2,050. The average cork flooring installation project runs from $5-$19 per square foot, including labor. The national average cost for cork flooring is $2,050, but this can vary depending on the flooring type and size, flooring thickness, flooring brand, installation location, and local labor prices.
For floating cork floor installation, which would be common in a finished basement, homeowners can expect to pay $2-$4 per square foot for labor, while glue-down cork flooring costs $4-$9 per square foot. Factors impacting the cost of cork floor materials and installation include subfloor repairs, maintenance and repairs, existing floor removal, cork inlays, and radiant floor heating.
Homeowners may be unaware that cork flooring offers many benefits, as it is hypoallergenic, mildew resistant, emits low VOC levels, is durable and will stand up to heavy foot traffic and weighty furniture, it’s scratch and scuff resistant, and has high thermal insulation properties. It is also available in several styles, colors, and pattern, and is easy to repair.
Learn about cork flooring and the benefits it offers in a finished basement and bathroom or kitchen remodel.