Cork flooring

[Hitchin]

Dear JFN,

I weighed up all of the advice and discussion on the subject and have decided to procede with installing the cork. We have purchased a click lock style and the units are approximately 18"x36". We are not removing the existing ceramic tile in the Kitchin and bathroom area just the rug in the sitting area and in the bedroom so we feel that this will obviate the immediate water concerns raised by others. Our choice of product (cork) is to give warmth underfoot as tiles can be cold in the shoulder months. Once the Okanagan(Canada,BC) warms up a little we will start the process. We will let you know how it turns out.

[JFNM]

Originally Posted by Hitchin

We will let you know how it turns out.

Thanks! The cook flooring is a no brainer for me. What I dislike are unfinished projects. The problem I keep bumping into is the nosing for the step (stairwell). I found the cork flooring that I like at Lowes but no matching nose material, same problem at Home Depot. Then I found everything I needed (flooring, quarter round, transition, and nosing) in a matching pattern at Lumber Liquidators but the price was double what I was hoping for (close to $1k). I keep looking at that cheap carpet and wondering if it isn't the answer.

[Ernie Ekberg]

use a contrasting stair nose

[Hitchin]

It is our intention to utilize the existing tile at the top of the steps as this is the area that takes most wear and tear. It is not our intention to make our coach into a patchwork floor but the tile locations (somewhat modified)will work well with the new product and will hopefully minimize the need for transitions. However.........with my luck!!!!

[Ernie Ekberg]

when you remove the carpet, the tile edges will be visible. The manufacturer didn't care if any curved or cut areas in the tile were smooth, thus why the carpet was installed. You will have quite an ordeal to make the rough edges of the tile and cork look functional. Thus the reason for transition pieces.

[Hitchin]

Ernie

Thanks for you input. You make a good point. I am hoping to use a more subtle transition than the conventional system. It may be that an aluminum insert between the two surfaces (tile to carpet type) may work. I'm trying to achieve a smooth transition as opposed to a raised one. I will have a better idea of what I'm dealing with once I get the carpet up and can see how the thicknesses match up.

[Ernie Ekberg]

If your tile to cork has any curves a vinyl T molding would be the proper transition. This material does not stick up, flexible, many colors and does not look tacky like, in my opinion, gold metal does.

[Hitchin]

Hi Ernie,

No curves, and no tacky gold!

[Ernie Ekberg]

good deal