How Much Does Cork Flooring Cost?
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Cork flooring is easy to maintain, has superior insulating properties, and feels soft underfoot. Most cork flooring costs from $1,270 to $4,600, with the national average at $2,050.
Highlights
- The average cork flooring cost range is $1,270 to $4,600, though many homeowners spend around $2,050.
- Several factors will affect the final project price, including the size, thickness, and type of flooring; the brand; where it’s installed in the home; labor fees; and any additional flooring repairs.
- Homeowners often appreciate the health and environmental benefits cork floors offer, not to mention their durability and comfort.
- Homeowners who have installed floors themselves may find success at cork floor installation. Nevertheless, there are nuances that pro installers understand to ensure a proper fit that keeps moisture from seeping into the subfloor.
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Cork flooring is a sustainable and versatile option for home flooring installations. It is crafted from a cork tree’s outer bark, which is carefully harvested without causing harm to the tree itself. For eco-conscious homeowners, this renewable harvesting process makes cork an environmentally friendly choice that looks great on their floors. Cork flooring comes in various forms from cork floor tiles to cork plank flooring and cork board sheets. The material is known for its natural resilience, providing a comfortable and soft surface underfoot. Many homeowners also appreciate its superior insulating abilities—for both temperature and sound—making it an excellent choice for various areas in the home.
How much does cork flooring cost? According to Angi, cork flooring prices range from $1,270 to $4,600, with many homeowners spending around $2,050 to install a cork floor. The average cork flooring cost per square foot runs from $5 to $19, including labor. The final price can vary depending on the quality and thickness of the cork material. Natural cork flooring is typically more expensive than cork flooring made from composite materials.
Installation methods can vary, with choices such as glue-down cork flooring or floating installations, and this will also affect the overall cost. When considering cork flooring, homeowners will want to take into account not only the cost of the materials and labor, but also maintenance requirements and the overall design style of the home.
Factors in Calculating Cork Flooring Cost
When homeowners begin to budget for cork flooring costs, it’s recommended that they consider everything that can influence the final price. The national average cost for cork flooring is $2,050, but this average can vary depending on the flooring type and size, flooring thickness, flooring brand, installation location, and local labor prices. Taking all of these factors into consideration can help homeowners calculate a more accurate estimate for their flooring installation project.
Flooring Type and Size
The type of cork flooring (cork floor tiles, cork plank flooring, or floating cork flooring) plays a part in the overall cost. Each type comes with its own set of installation requirements, materials, and manufacturing processes, all of which influence the price point.
The size of the cork flooring, both in terms of the individual pieces and the total square footage of the floor, contributes to the cost. It will be more expensive to install cork flooring in larger areas than in smaller spaces, and larger cork sizes will also cost more. Opting to install cork flooring with intricate designs, unique patterns, or specialty colors (such as white cork flooring) can also affect the homeowner’s overall cost.
“Cork flooring can be broken down to two main types or categories,” explains Sean O’Rourke, national director of merchandising at Floor Coverings International, a Norcross, Georgia-based flooring company. “There are solid and composite constructions; both types can be installed commercially or residentially.”
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Flooring Thickness
Cork flooring is available in various thicknesses to suit a homeowner’s preference for insulation or cushioning. Thickness options typically range from 4 millimeters to 12 millimeters, with a higher price point correlating to a thicker tile or plank. With a price of $7 to $10 per square foot, 12-millimeter-thick cork flooring is more durable and long lasting, which justifies the higher up-front cost for many homeowners. The most common choice is 4 millimeters thick at $3 to $6 per square foot, but some homeowners prefer their cork floors to be a thicker 8 millimeters at $5 to $8 per square foot.
Flooring Brand
There are several different brands homeowners can choose from when installing cork flooring. Depending on the brand, homeowners can expect to pay from $3 to $11 per square foot for cork flooring materials.
| Cork Flooring Brand | Average Cost Per Square Foot (Materials Only) |
| AmCork | $4.70 to $5.50 |
| APC Cork | $3.10 to $6 |
| Cali Bamboo | $4 to $6 |
| CorksRibas USA | $5.20 to $6.50 |
| DuroDesign | $4.65 to $6.30 |
| Globus Cork | $6 to $11 |
| iCork Floor | $3 to $4.10 |
| Jelinek Cork | $3.60 to $5.70 |
| Kraus Flooring | $4 to $8.70 |
| US Floors Direct | $7.50 to $8.70 |
| WE Cork | $3.70 to $8.30 |
| Wicanders | $5.50 to $7.90 |
Installation Location
Cork flooring can be installed in various rooms around the house to suit specific purposes. For instance, waterproof cork flooring is ideal for moisture-prone areas, such as the kitchen and bathroom. Sunrooms or areas with radiant floor heating may need specialized cork flooring materials to withstand the temperature changes. High-traffic areas, such as hallways or 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.
In addition to any specialty flooring needs, homeowners will also need to consider the ease of access to the installation site when budgeting for cork floor installation cost. Difficult-to-reach areas or spaces that need additional preparation are likely to have higher labor costs. Having a pro provide a cork floor cost comparison for different areas of the home can help homeowners budget for their flooring project.
| Installation Location | Average Cost per Square Foot (Materials and Labor) |
| Basement | $8 to $10 |
| Bathroom | $6 to $7 |
| Bedroom | $7 to $9 |
| Foyer | $8 to $12 |
| Hallways | $8 to $12 |
| Kitchen | $6 to $10 |
Sealant
It’s common for cork kitchen flooring and cork bathroom flooring to have sealant applied to the surface of the material to protect it from staining and moisture. “Most cork flooring out of the box comes with a factory-applied urethane finish for stain and scratch resistance (similar to prefinished hardwood),” explains O’Rourke.The most popular type of sealant is polyurethane, but carnauba wax and acrylic can also be used. Some brands make cork planks with pre-applied sealant, which is more expensive than flooring that comes without any type of sealant. Applying sealant costs from $0.30 to $0.70 per square foot.
Labor
There are two different types of installation options for cork flooring, and each has its own labor rate. For floating floor installation, homeowners can expect to pay between $2 and $4 per square foot for labor, while glue-down cork flooring costs from $4 to $9 per square foot. Densely populated urban locations with a higher cost of living typically have more expensive labor costs than more rural areas. Additionally, the demand for skilled labor also has a hand in how much a homeowner will pay for labor.
Additional Costs and Considerations
When planning for the cost of cork flooring, homeowners may discover additional price factors and considerations that can alter the project total. These can include subfloor repairs, maintenance and repairs, existing floor removal, cork inlays, and radiant floor heating.
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Subfloor Repairs
Before installing the cork flooring material, the flooring contractor will need to level the subfloor to ensure an even installation. This process can cost from $3 to $5 per square foot. If the subfloor is in good condition without water damage or rot, the installation process is generally straightforward. If the subfloor needs repairs, this can increase the price of the flooring project by $2 to $10 per square foot. If the floor joists are damaged and need attention, contractors will typically charge $10 to $60 per square foot to repair them. Extensive repairs may require more time and expertise, which will increase the overall price. The cost to replace a subfloor typically ranges from $428 to $2,978.
Maintenance and Repairs
Cork floors can be mopped on a regular basis with vinegar and water or a pH-balanced cork cleaner. Keeping the floors in good condition helps them last longer. “Regular maintenance with an approved cleaner like Bona Hardwood Cleaner and annual coating or sealing with Bona Wood Refresh is advisable—particularly in commercial or high traffic areas,” explains O’Rourke.
Still, flooring professionals recommend that cork floors be sealed every 3 to 10 years, depending on the overall wear and tear of the material. Sealing costs range from $0.30 to $0.70 per square foot, and sealing will protect the cork floor from staining and water damage.
Common types of repairs for cork floors include fixing scratches, scrapes, and water damage. If the damage is extensive, the flooring may need to be refinished or replaced. Repairs typically cost homeowners between $60 and $120 per hour for labor alone. New flooring will cost between $3 and $12 per square foot.
Existing Flooring Removal
Before starting a cork flooring installation project, any existing flooring will need to be removed. The cost factors associated with removal include labor, disposal costs, and the type of material that’s being removed. The cost to remove flooring can run from $2 to $7 per square foot for tile and between $1 and $1.50 per square foot for carpet.
Cork Inlays
For homeowners who prefer decorative flooring designs, cork inlays are an excellent way to increase visual interest. From simple to more intricate border designs, inlays can be done with a different color of cork, wood, bamboo, or even linoleum tiles. As with most decorative flooring, homeowners will pay extra for the time and labor required to install it. Installers can add designs throughout an entire floor or they can concentrate on a small area as a focal point, which will come with a lower cost than for a whole room. For instance, a 3-foot-by-5-foot inlay can cost from $200 to $220.
Radiant Floor Heating
Adding radiant floor heating can increase the comfort of cork floors, but it’s an added convenience and comfort for homeowners interested in upgrading their heating system. Installing hot water radiant floor heating costs from $11 to $22.50 per square foot. Since the radiant heat can cause the flooring adhesive to loosen, a flooring professional will need to add extra adhesive to remedy this potential problem.
Types of Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is a versatile material that can be manufactured in various finishes, styles, grain patterns, and colors. Whether a homeowner chooses tiles, planks, or cork flooring rolls, the materials will have the same soundproofing and insulating characteristics. And while natural cork flooring offers a simple and timeless appeal, the popularity of printed, colored, cork-backed vinyl flooring, and striata designs has opened many aesthetic options for homeowners who want a little flair with their sustainable flooring choice.
| Type of Cork Flooring | Average Cost per Square Foot (Materials Only) |
| Colored | $7 to $8.50 |
| Luxury vinyl | $3 to $7 |
| Natural | $3 to $6 |
| Printed | $4 to $9.50 |
| Striata | $8 to $10.50 |
| Tiles and planks | $3 to $9 |
| Waterproof | $5 to $9 |
Colored
For homeowners who want bold flooring options, cork flooring colors are available in just about every hue. Colored cork floors cost from $7 to $8.50 per square foot and are a great way to mix and match color styles within a home.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl cork flooring has an underlayer of premium cork that’s covered with a layer of vinyl that helps extend the life of the cork against stains and wear. Pricing for luxury vinyl cork ranges from $3 to $7 per square foot.
Natural
For fans of natural-looking cork, this eco-friendly flooring material runs from $3 to $6 per square foot. It’s worth noting that although it’s in a natural form, that doesn’t mean cork has to look plain. Manufacturers can create many style designs using the natural texture of cork. In fact, some eye-catching natural varieties of cork flooring can even mimic the look of hardwood or marble.
Printed
Printed cork flooring is available in a wide array of looks that include subtle patterns, bold designs, and even prints that resemble water, hardwood, or stone. It’s an easy way to dress up the flooring if a single color just isn’t interesting enough to match a homeowner’s interior design preference. Printed cork floors cost from $4 to $9.50 per square foot.
Striata
Natural striated cork flooring material has a look that resembles marble, which gives textures that add depth and dimension to the floor. Natural striata cork flooring costs from $8 to $8.50 per square foot. If the homeowner prefers a colored marble appearance, then the cost of colored striata flooring material ranges from $10 to $10.50 per square foot.
Tiles and Planks
Square cork tiles cost from $3 to $7 per square foot. These flooring tiles are available in 12-inch-by-12-inch squares or 12-inch-by-24-inch tiles. They’re glued to the subfloor, and the size of the tiles affects the overall design and look of the space.
Cork flooring planks come in varying thicknesses, with 10, 11, and 12 millimeters being the most common. Cork planks are installed via a locking system, which provides a sturdier flooring surface. Most homeowners pay between $4 to $9 per square foot for these planks.
Waterproof
Waterproof cork flooring is beneficial to have in areas where spills can happen or there is excess moisture. In kitchens and bathrooms, homeowners will want to use waterproof tiles or planks to prevent the material from swelling and crumbling. Waterproof cork flooring for a basement offers additional protection for damp and moisture-prone areas.
Benefits of Choosing Cork Flooring
Many homeowners may be unaware that cork flooring is a viable flooring option, not to mention the many benefits it offers. “Cork has all of [the] characteristics of hardwood flooring, and if you know how to maintain hardwood, you can expect a cork flooring to perform the same,” says O’Rourke. While there are pros and cons to cork flooring, many homeowners enjoy the versatility of cork floors. Installing cork flooring in a home has a range of advantages, which include health and environmental benefits, durability, comfort and warmth, versatility, and ease of repair.
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