How much does cork flooring cost?
How much does cork flooring cost?
$5 – $15 average installed cost per square foot
$1,000 – $3,000 average total cost (200 square feet)
Average cork flooring cost
Cork flooring costs $5 to $15 per square foot with installation, depending on the type, thickness, and installation method. Cork flooring prices are $3 to $8 per square foot for materials only. Most homeowners spend $1,000 to $3,000 total for a standard 200-square-foot room.
| Size (square feet) | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| 50 | $250 – $750 |
| 100 | $500 – $1,500 |
| 200 | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| 300 | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| 400 | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| 500 | $2,500 – $7,500 |
| 1,000 | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| 1,500 | $7,500 – $22,500 |
| 2,000+ | $10,000 – $30,000+ |
What is cork flooring?
Cork flooring is made from the bark of cork oak trees, which professionals can harvest periodically without harming the tree. It's eco-friendly, soft underfoot, and acts as a natural insulator, dampening sound and retaining heat.
Cork flooring is available in glue-down tiles and floating planks, offering durability and hypoallergenic properties. It's susceptible to dents and fading but is easy to maintain with regular sweeping and occasional resealing. Cork provides a unique blend of sustainability, comfort, and style for homeowners.
Flooring installation costs as little as $2 per square foot for budget-friendly carpet to more than $50 per square foot for stone tile. This puts cork flooring in a low to mid-range price range compared to other flooring types.
Cork flooring prices by type
Cork flooring comes in two basic styles: tiles and rectangular planks. Their costs are similar, but they have different strengths and drawbacks:
| Flooring type | Average material price per SF | Average installed cost per SF |
|---|---|---|
| Cork tiles | $3 – $7 | $5 – $14 |
| Cork planks | $4 – $8 | $6 – $15 |
Tiles
Cork tile prices are $3 to $7 per square foot for materials alone. Cork tiles are ideal for moisture-prone areas due to their 100% natural cork construction. Most cork tiles are glue-down, which costs less to install. Cork tiles offer superior durability with polyurethane coating and come in a wider range of colors and patterns than planks.
Planks
Cork plank prices are $4 to $8 per square foot for materials alone. This style is best for installing over existing flooring and has a wood fiberboard core between layers of ground-up cork. Like wood or vinyl planks, you can install cork planks horizontally, diagonally, or in a herringbone pattern. Planks are more vulnerable to water damage than tiles and have a shorter lifespan with fewer color options available.
Cork flooring installation cost factors
The following table shows the cost breakdown of cork flooring installation:
| Factor | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Flooring materials | $3 – $8 |
| Labor fees | $2 – $7 |
| Total installed cost | $5 – $15 |
There are a few other factors that can affect the cost of installing cork flooring:
Location & accessibility: Cork floor installation may cost more in an area with a high cost of living. If your space is difficult to access, you may pay more for additional labor.
Thickness: Thicker flooring options cost more, but they’re more durable and more likely to stand the test of time than thinner flooring.
Cork style: Plain or natural cork costs less than printed, colored, or striata patterns, which cost up to $20 per square foot with installation.
Installation method: Installers normally charge $2 to $5 per square foot in labor fees for glue-down cork flooring or $5 to $7+ per square foot for floating tiles or planks.
Underlayment: New underlayment costs an extra $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot with installation. The best underlayment choice depends on the room and your specific needs. Subfloor repair or leveling costs $2 to $5 per square foot on average.
Flooring removal: The cost to remove any existing flooring will depend on the type and amount you need to remove.
Labor
Labor costs for cork flooring are normally between $2 to $7 per square foot, depending on your location and the complexity of the job. Factors that may raise labor costs include:
Removal and disposal of old flooring
Preparation or repair of the subfloor
Complex room shapes or the need for custom cuts
Working on stairs or multiple levels
Installing baseboards or trim
Pros and cons of cork flooring
Below is a table with a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of cork flooring. For a more in-depth explanation, check out our guide on the pros and cons of cork flooring.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Cork flooring FAQs
Is cork flooring durable?
Cork flooring is moderately durable, offering good resilience and comfort underfoot. These floors can last 30 to 40 years with proper care, including regular cleaning, resealing, and protection from heavy furniture.
However, cork is softer than hardwood and prone to scratches, dents, and fading from sunlight. Proper installation and avoiding extreme humidity help maintain its durability. Overall, cork provides a comfortable, eco-friendly flooring option but requires mindful upkeep to preserve its appearance and longevity.
Is cork flooring waterproof?
Cork flooring is naturally water-resistant but not waterproof. Cork is suitable for areas like kitchens and living rooms where occasional spills occur, but prolonged exposure to water can cause warping or mold.
Some specialized cork products, like glue-down cork tiles with additional sealing, offer enhanced moisture protection and are suitable for bathrooms or basements. Proper installation, sealing, and prompt cleanup of spills are essential to maintain cork flooring’s water resistance and longevity.
How do you clean cork floors?
Clean cork floors by regularly sweeping or vacuuming with a soft brush. Mop with a damp microfiber and mild, pH-balanced cleaner. Avoid excess water and harsh chemicals. Wipe spills immediately. Use furniture pads and mats to prevent scratches and dents, helping maintain the floor’s durability and appearance.
Can you put cork flooring on concrete?
Yes, you can install cork flooring on concrete if you clean, dry, and level the slab properly. Apply a moisture barrier, using polyethylene sheets for floating floors or moisture-resistant adhesive for glue-down tiles. Acclimate the cork beforehand to prevent moisture damage and ensure a durable, long-lasting installation.
Getting estimates for cork flooring installation
Follow these tips to get accurate estimates for cork floor installation near you:
Obtain estimates from at least three local flooring companies that have been operating for 5 or more years.
Select companies with strong ratings and positive reviews on platforms like HomeGuide and Google.
Measure your space precisely and share the same measurements with all contractors.
Request a detailed cost breakdown, including materials, labor, and any extra fees.
Request details about warranties covering both the product and installation.
Inquire about the contractor’s specific experience with cork flooring installations.
Questions to ask flooring installers
When interviewing potential installers, ask the following questions:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured for this type of flooring work?
How much experience do you have specifically with cork flooring installation?
Can you provide references or photos from previous cork flooring projects?
How will you prepare the subfloor, and do you perform moisture testing?
Which cork flooring installation method do you recommend, floating or glue-down?
How do you acclimate the cork flooring before installation?
Will you remove and dispose of the existing flooring, and is that included in the price?
Can you provide a detailed written estimate with a full cost breakdown?
What is your expected timeline for completing the project?
What warranties do you offer on the product and installation labor?
How will you protect my home during installation, and who will handle cleanup?
Will you move furniture, and if so, what won’t you move?
How do you ensure the flooring layout looks natural, including color and pattern mixing?
What steps will you take to level or flatten the subfloor if needed?
Where will you cut the cork material, and how will you manage waste and delivery?
How will you handle potential issues like expansion, contraction, or damage during installation?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.