Cork is a natural and renewable resource that is increasingly becoming popular as an eco-friendly flooring option. Most homeowners pay around $1,975 for cork flooring installation, or between $1,400 and $2,735.
Cork flooring is made from the bark of the cork oak tree, and it’s known for its insulation, comfort, and sound-absorbing properties. Installing cork flooring costs between $5 and $14 per square foot.
In this cost guide:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Cork Flooring Costs in 2024
| National Average Cost (200 square feet) | $1,975 |
| Typical Price Range | $1,400 – $2,735 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $1,065 |
| Extreme High-End Cost (400 square feet) | $5,600 |
Cork flooring offers a soft, cushioned surface that is ideal for kids’ rooms, in addition to being a good insulator and hypoallergenic. The average cost for installing cork in a 200-square-foot room ranges between $1,400 and $2,735.
Prices vary depending on several factors, including cork type and square footage. Still, you can pay as low as $1,065 for an average-sized room and as high as $5,600 for professional installation in a 400 sq. ft. room.
To save money on cork flooring installation, you can shop for the best deal, choose a thinner cork material and more basic colors, and install it yourself.
Cork Flooring Cost Estimator by Project Size
The square footage of the area where you want new flooring installed can significantly impact the overall cost. Generally, the larger the area, the more materials and labor are necessary, so the higher the price will be.
Typically, installing cork flooring costs between $5 and $14 per square foot, including materials and labor. However, if you’re interested in installing it yourself, the materials will cost you $3 to $10 per square foot.
The costs below can help you estimate your project’s costs:
| Project Size | Average (Materials & Labor) |
| 100 sq. ft. | $500 – $1,400 |
| 200 sq. ft. | $1,000 – $2,800 |
| 300 sq. ft. | $1,500 – $4,200 |
| 400 sq. ft. | $2,000 – $5,600 |
| 500 sq. ft. | $2,500 – $7,000 |
| 600 sq. ft. | $3,000 – $8,400 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
The size of the area is undoubtedly an important factor to consider when budgeting for your cork flooring project, but it’s not the only one. In this section, we’ll explore these factors in more detail and how they can affect your project’s costs:
- Type
- Labor
- Color
- Pattern
- Brand
- Thickness
- Subfloor Preparation
- Sealing
- Flooring Removal
- Cork Underlayment
Type
The prices for cork flooring usually range between $3 and $10 per square foot. However, these costs can vary slightly depending on the type of cork floor. Each type has unique characteristics and benefits, so choosing one is ultimately a matter of personal preference.
| Cork Flooring Type | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
| Tile | $3 – $7 |
| Plank | $4 – $9 |
| Luxury Vinyl Cork | $3 – $7 |
Tile
Cork tiles are usually square and can be arranged in various patterns to create a unique and custom look. As with any cork type, they provide cushioning and are known for their insulation properties.
Cork floor tiles cost between $3 and $7 per square foot, and although they cost slightly less than cork planks, they have to be glued down to a concrete subfloor, which might increase installation costs.
Plank
Cork planks come in various lengths and widths. They usually have a fiberboard bottom layer that helps make them more durable than tiles. In addition, they can give your home a sleek and modern appearance.
Cork planks cost more than tiles, at $4 to $9 per square foot, but they have a click-lock system that makes them easier to install.
Luxury Vinyl Cork
Luxury vinyl cork combines the feel and comfort of cork with the durability, ease of maintenance, and look of vinyl flooring.
It is made from a combination of a cork underlayment with a top vinyl layer that makes it more resistant to wear and tear, costing between $3 and $7 per square foot.
Labor
Costs for hiring a flooring contractor to install cork depend on the method of installation. The starting rate is $2 per square foot.
Floating floors are relatively easy to install and cost between $2 and $4 per square foot. However, cork tiles are usually glued down, so the cost increases to between $4 and $9 per square foot due to the additional difficulty and labor involved.
Color
The color of the cork tile or plank can have an impact on its cost. Generally, natural cork is less expensive compared to colored cork because of the additional process of adding color in manufacturing.
On average, natural cork flooring costs $3 to $6 per square foot. In comparison, colored cork costs $7 to $8.50 per square foot, not including installation costs.
| Cork Type | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
| Natural | $3 – $6 |
| Color | $7 – $8.50 |
Pattern
Cork flooring can also have a unique, multi-colored pattern called striata. Striata is a method that combines different colors of cork to create a marbled or grainy look that can add visual interest to any room.
However, striata cork cost more than regular ones, and the color of this patterned cork can also impact the costs. Natural cork with striata costs $8 to $8.50 per square foot, and color cork with striata costs $10 to $10.50 per square foot.
| Cork Type With Striata Texture | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
| Natural | $8 – $8.50 |
| Color | $10 – $10.50 |
Brand
There are several brands of cork flooring to choose from, and the prices will depend on the quality and features offered by the brand. Therefore, it’s important to research and compare the options available to find a cork flooring brand that fits your budget and meets your needs.
The table below displays the average costs for different brands:
| Brand | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
| AMCork | $4.50 – $5.35 |
| APC Cork | $3.80 – $9 |
| Cali Bamboo | $4 – $6 |
| CorkRibas USA | $5.20 – $6.50 |
| Duro Design | $4.65 – $6.30 |
| Globus Cork | $6.85 – $12.85 |
| iCork | $3 – $5.85 |
| Jelinek Cork | $3.60 – $5.70 |
| Kraus Flooring | $4 – $8.70 |
| US Floors | $7.50 – $8.70 |
| We Cork | $3.65 – $8.30 |
| Wicanders | $4.25 – $6.95 |
Thickness
The thickness of cork flooring, whether in plank or tile form, can significantly impact its cost. Generally speaking, the thicker the material, the more durable it will be and the higher the price.
Cork planks are usually 10 – 12 mm thick, while cork tiles range between 4 mm and 8 mm.
Subfloor Preparation
Cork flooring can be installed on concrete and plywood subfloors.
It’s also possible to lay a floating cork floor over certain flooring materials, such as linoleum, vinyl, and wood, as long as the surface is even. However, when installing cork tiles over an existing floor, it is necessary to lay a new concrete or subfloor on top before.
Subfloor replacement costs between $2 and $7 per square foot.
Sealing
Sealing cork flooring typically involves applying a clear, polyurethane sealer that soaks into the cork and protects it from moisture. This sealant must be applied right after the flooring installation and reapplied every five years.
Labor costs to seal cork flooring range between $0.30 and $0.70 per square foot, while materials range from $45 to $100.
Flooring Removal
If your old flooring is not in good condition, it may be best to remove it before installing any cork. Flooring removal costs range from $1 to $4 per square foot, with prices varying depending on the type of material and the difficulty of removal.
Cork Underlayment
Cork is not only a popular flooring material but can also be used as an underlayment to provide an even surface and added acoustic insulation. Cork underlayment can be used with various flooring types, including engineered wood, hardwood, bamboo, and vinyl.
Cork underlayment costs between $0.55 and $2.30 per square foot, with prices varying depending on the thickness (½, ¼, and ⅛ inch). As the thickness of the underlay increases, so do the costs.
Related Services
While cork flooring is an excellent choice, it may not be the best fit for every home or budget. In this section, we will explore alternative flooring options that can provide similar benefits to cork flooring in case you want to consider other materials.
Carpet Flooring
Carpet is a soft flooring option made from fibers such as wool, nylon, polyester, and olefin that can be cut and looped in various textures. Carpet flooring, like cork, provides insulation and can help reduce noise levels.
Carpet flooring is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, costing $2 to $10 per square foot. Installing carpet costs an average of $1,525, with most homeowners paying between $760 and $2,335.
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo is an affordable and durable flooring option that has become popular due to its sustainability. It is also easy to maintain and can give your home a warm and elegant look without breaking the bank.
Several types of bamboo flooring are available, with different stains, finishes, and designs.
Installing bamboo costs between $1,640 and $3,775, with an average of $2,715. Materials range from $2 to $10 per square foot.
Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum flooring is also made of natural and renewable resources, which makes it a sustainable option, like bamboo and cork flooring. In addition, linoleum can last up to 40 years, is water resistant, requires little to no maintenance, and costs $2 to $6 per square foot.
Linoleum floor installation costs an average of $2,115, with most people paying between $1,340 and $3,125.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
It is possible to install cork flooring yourself, but it can be tricky if you’re not familiar with flooring installation. One way to make the installation process easier is by choosing cork planks, which are typically easier to install than glue-down tiles.
Cork flooring planks are designed to be installed as a floating floor, which means they have a click-lock system that allows them to be installed without the need for flooring adhesives.
Here is what you’re going to need to install cork planks:
| DIY Equipment | Average Cost |
| Tape measure | $18 |
| Rubber mallet | $16 |
| Pull bar | $18 |
| Tapping block | $25 |
| Saw | Handsaw: $10 Jigsaw: $80 Miter: $200 Table: $300 |
| Level | $21 |
| Framing square | $8 |
| Total cost: | $116 – $406 |
The materials and equipment for a DIY project range between $116 and $406, depending on the type of saw you use. On average, you can save between $2 and $9 per square foot on labor costs.
Cost of Cork Flooring by Location
The cost of living, property taxes, and wages tend to be higher in urban areas, which drives up the cost of goods and services. As such, the prices of cork installation tend to be higher in more populated areas.
Additionally, if you live farther away from a retailer, you may be subjected to additional transportation costs to deliver materials.
FAQ
Actually, cork flooring is less expensive than wood flooring. Cork flooring installation costs between $5 and $14 per square foot, while hardwood flooring costs between $7 and $16 per square foot. However, these prices can vary depending on the type and quality of the cork or hardwood.
In general, cork is a resilient material that can last up to 40 years when properly maintained. It doesn’t absorb moisture when sealed, and small dents fill themselves in again.
To increase your flooring’s lifespan, you should avoid dragging heavy furniture across it, keep high-heeled shoes and sharp objects away, and avoid using harsh chemicals and excessive water to clean it.
Cork flooring is relatively easy to maintain. However, keep these cleaning tips in mind:
● It’s important to dust it regularly.
● Don’t use whisk brooms, only soft ones.
● Don’t use too much water.
● Seal it every 3-5 years.
● Don’t use harsh cleaning products.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to make a positive impact on the environment and improve your home’s interior design, cork flooring may be the choice for you. In addition to its environmental benefits, cork flooring offers insulation and is comfortable underfoot.
On a budget? Cork flooring offers an excellent option for those wanting an affordable flooring material, with costs ranging between $1,400 to $2,735 for installation, including materials. So find a flooring pro near you, and get ready to boost the look and feel of your home.
Note: LawnStarter may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Image Credit: Nicolás Boullosa / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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