How Much Does Cork Flooring Cost?
This article was originally published in Bob Vila on December 22, 2023.
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.
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.”
