Cork is a natural and renewable resource that is increasingly becoming popular as an eco-friendly flooring option. On average, most homeowners pay between $4.50 and $13.50 per square foot for cork flooring installation, including labor and materials.
Cork flooring is made from the bark of the cork oak tree, and it’s known for its insulation, comfort, and sound-absorbing properties, which makes it perfect for kids’ rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms. It can also be installed in kitchens and bathrooms. Installing cork flooring in a 200-square-foot room costs between $900 to $2,700.
This guide uses cost estimates for cork flooring installation with data gathered from both big and small cities across the U.S. So, let’s get started so you can make an informed decision on your new flooring.
Cost by Location
Cork flooring has been in commercial spaces in the U.S. since around the 1950s, but recently, due to its eco-friendly nature, it has become a great option for many homeowners.
However, the cost of cork flooring installation can be affected by where you live. 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.
The table below offers a snapshot of the costs of installing cork flooring in selected cities across the country:
| City | Cost per Square Foot (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $4.40 – $13.60 |
| New York, NY | $4.80 – $14.50 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $4.20 – $13.10 |
| Orlando, FL | $4.20 – $13.30 |
| Atlanta, GA | $4.30 – $13.30 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $4.50 – $13.80 |
| Chicago, IL | $4.50 – $13.90 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Corvallis, OR | $4.40 – $13.50 |
| Seattle, WA | $4.50 – $13.80 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Houston, TX | $4.20 – $13.30 |
| Roswell, NM | $4.30 – $13.30 |
| San Diego, CA | $4.50 – $13.80 |
Cost by Type
The prices for cork flooring can vary slightly depending on the type of cork floor, with naturally colored tiles or planks on the low end and striata options on the top end. 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) |
| Natural | $3 – $6 |
| Tile | $3 – $7 |
| Luxury Vinyl Cork | $3 – $7 |
| Plank | $4 – $9 |
| Printed | $4 – $9.50 |
| Colored | $7 – $8.50 |
| Striata | $8 – $10.50 |
- Natural: The cork in its natural color, without the process of adding color in manufacturing. It is the most eco-friendly option because of this, and also the most budget-friendly.
- Tile: Cork tiles are usually square and can be arranged in various patterns to create a custom look. Costs slightly less than planks, but they have to be glued down to a concrete subfloor, which might increase installation costs.
- Luxury Vinyl Cork: It is made from a combination of a cork underlayment with a top vinyl layer that makes it more resistant to wear and tear. It combines the comfort of cork with the durability of vinyl.
- Plank: Cork planks come in various lengths and widths. They usually have a fiberboard bottom layer that helps make them more durable than tiles. They cost more than tiles, but are easier to install due to their click-lock system.
- Printed: This type of cork can be printed to resemble wood, stone, and any other pattern. It is more costly than other types.
- Colored: Colored cork goes through the additional process of adding color to it in manufacturing, which increases costs, but can also make your home look more stylish.
- Striata: This method combines different colors of cork to create a marbled or grainy look that adds visual interest. Striata color can be colored (more expensive) or natural.
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 $4.50 and $13.50 per square foot, including materials and labor.
The costs below can help you estimate your project’s costs:
| Project Size | Average (Materials and Labor) |
| 100 sq. ft. | $450 – $1,350 |
| 200 sq. ft. | $900 – $2,700 |
| 300 sq. ft. | $1,350 – $4,050 |
| 400 sq. ft. | $1,800 – $5,400 |
| 500 sq. ft. | $2,250 – $6,750 |
| 600 sq. ft. | $2,700 – $8,100 |
Cost by 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) |
| iCork | $3 – $4.10 |
| Jelinek Cork | $3.60 – $5.70 |
| APC Cork | $3.60 – $8 |
| We Cork | $3.60 – $8.30 |
| Cali Bamboo | $4 – $6 |
| Kraus Flooring | $4 – $8.70 |
| AmCork | $4.50 – $5.50 |
| Duro Design | $4.65 – $6.30 |
| Wicanders | $4.70 – $7.30 |
| CorkRibas USA | $5.20 – $6.50 |
| Globus Cork | $6 – $11 |
| US Floors | $7.50 – $8.70 |
Cost by 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.
| Thickness | Cost per Square Foot (Materials Only) |
| 4 mm | $3 – $5 |
| 8 mm | $5 – $8 |
| 12 mm | $7 – $10 |
Cost of 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.
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. To install it, you’ll spend between $116 and $406 to buy tools and materials (not including the flooring), depending on the type of saw you use.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
The type, area size, brand, and thickness are undoubtedly important factors to consider when budgeting for your cork flooring project, but they’re not the only ones. Let’s explore the other factors in more detail and how they can affect your project’s costs:
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. This 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 (1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 inch). As the thickness of the underlay increases, so do the costs.
FAQ
How Long Does Cork Flooring Last?
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.
Are Cork Floors Hard to Maintain?
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.
Time to Cork it Up
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 and affordability, cork flooring offers insulation and is comfortable underfoot.
Costs in this article are derived from national and local sources and are accurate at the time of reporting and writing.
See Related:
- Hardwood Flooring Cost Guide
- Engineered Hardwood Flooring Cost Guide
- Linoleum Flooring Cost Guide
- Vinyl Flooring Cost Guide
- Bamboo Flooring Cost Guide
- Laminate Flooring Cost Guide
Main Image Credit: Toyakisfoto.photos / Adobe Stock Free / License
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