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Old 05-29-2013, 09:27 PM   #1
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New Cork Flooring

Here is a bit of a write up about the glue-down cork flooring I installed.

I decided on glue-down for a few reasons. I was originally going to do a floating floor, I even had some left over from a job. I decided that 3/8" of solid cork would give more comfort, and combined with the removing of the existing vinyl the weight would be less. Plus, I would have a good stable floor that would be waterproof, and most likely outlast me.

I all started with stripping out the old vinyl, then sanding off all the old adhesive, and getting down to nice bare plywood. I also scraped away any loose floor levelling compound, then floated the floor with new levelling compoutd, making it nice and smooth. Here it is all prepped and ready to go. I also removed all corner trims, baseboard trims, doors near the floor, door gasket, and the screen door, all which took little time to do, but made for a much nicer and easier install.




The floor was relatively level, with the excepting of a smooth transition down to the door of about 1/4 to 3/8" (never actually measured it). I just left this as the cork would conform nicely to it.




I then glued down a layer of 3/16" cork flooring with water based contact cement (solvent based would ruin the cork), which was fairly inexpensive at just over $1/sf. I then sanded. Any little ridges out.




I then laid out a straight reference line with my laser, and screwed down some straight edges to ensure a straight seam.




Here is the final layer of 3/16" cork going down. Both the floor and the top layer of cork have the contact cement on them, and I have stickers underneath in order to be able to better align the cork going down. After adhering the cork, I used a roller to press the joint tightly together.




I then put 4 layers of a water based polyurethane on the floor, sanding after the 2nd and 3rd coats. I put a bead of silicon around the edges. I replaced the vinyl wrapped trim pieces with real oak, as they were in areas that take some abuse. The screen door and door gasket was reinstalled, and the interior doors put back on.

A shot from the door.




And one from the bed. Reflectix was added to the spot at the front that had no insulation.




The flooring, levelling compound, adhesive and flooring polyurethane (very expensive) combined for a cost of about $220, well worth it in my books. I probably have around 10 hours into doing it too.

We now have a 3/8" layer of cork that looks beautiful, and is comfy cozy and warm underfoot, and has a finish tough as nails. This weekend will be the first test on it, then off the the Escape Rally with it the following weekend.
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Old 05-29-2013, 09:42 PM   #2
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That looks great, Jim. I'm looking forward to seeing it live at the rally.
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Old 05-29-2013, 09:44 PM   #3
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Looks very nice! I wish I could attend the rally and see it in person. Maybe next year. We are still a few months away until we have our escape and I am already creating a list of ideas.

Thanks for sharing,
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Old 05-29-2013, 09:56 PM   #4
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That is so beautiful! Thanks for posting a detailed explanation of installation and the finished look.
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Old 05-29-2013, 10:05 PM   #5
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That looks really good Jim. I think that you are going to get many compliments at the rally on that floor.
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Old 05-29-2013, 10:06 PM   #6
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You don't mind doing my trailer between the bocce tournament and the winery tour do you??
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Old 05-29-2013, 10:10 PM   #7
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Beautiful! Craftsmanship really shows in your explanation and pictures of the finished product. Looking forward to seeing it in person.
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Old 05-29-2013, 11:17 PM   #8
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This looks great. I appreciate the explanation of how to do it.
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Old 05-29-2013, 11:46 PM   #9
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Looks great Jim, you sure did a nice job.
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Old 05-29-2013, 11:48 PM   #10
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Hi: Jim Bennett... How many bottles of wine does it take to get that much cork? Alf
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Old 05-30-2013, 12:32 AM   #11
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Gorgeous! I bet the extra padding and insulation are a really nice bonus too
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Old 05-30-2013, 06:11 AM   #12
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Thanks everyone. We are quite pleased with it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by gbaglo View Post
You don't mind doing my trailer between the bocce tournament and the winery tour do you??
How about I get right on it after the wine tour on Friday? No guarantee of straight lines though.
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Hi: Jim Bennett... How many bottles of wine does it take to get that much cork? Alf
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Would the wine be given before, or after, the job is done?
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Gorgeous! I bet the extra padding and insulation are a really nice bonus too
It definitely is cushier, and warm underfoot. I imagine it will add some to the insulation as well.
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Old 05-30-2013, 06:17 AM   #13
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I like the color coordination. That looks a lot harder install than my wooden floor, good job.
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Old 05-30-2013, 06:31 AM   #14
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Thanks Jim. It was actually very easy, just took a bit more time than floating.

Being a renovation contractor, my mind always has me doing a full bore job.
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Old 05-30-2013, 06:34 AM   #15
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I do need to add, that you really don't have to do two layers, that was just an extra I decided on. Though it only cost me about $50 for the extra cork, and while I was at it less than two hours time.
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Old 05-30-2013, 09:43 AM   #16
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Looking good!! Nice idea on the extra bottom layer. Should be a lot warmer that the vinyl.
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Old 05-30-2013, 12:09 PM   #17
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Great job Jim! Very smart to remove the vinyl for the best possible bond.

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Old 05-30-2013, 04:19 PM   #18
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Quote:
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Looking good!! Nice idea on the extra bottom layer. Should be a lot warmer that the vinyl.
Typical of cork, when you stand on it your tootsies immediately warm up.
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Great job Jim! Very smart to remove the vinyl for the best possible bond.

Dave
Not only was it necessary for a good bond, I also pulled out a good 10 pounds worth of dead weight.
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Old 05-31-2013, 09:31 AM   #19
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Jim,
Something I meant to ask, when you reinstalled the table mounts, did you use the same screws?
I did with mine and I moved the table about 2" aft so that it doesn't rub against the front vinyl.
But now I'm thinking, using the same screws, short that they are, the table may not be secured as before. So I have been towing with the table down, but I'd like to tow with the table in the upright. Do you think with the new floor set up you and I have that the table bottom is securely attached to the trailer floor, not just our new floor. I would hate to find the table lying on it's side upon arrival with the floor torn up. I'm contemplating adding some bungee straps to secure the table from moving while in the upright position. What are your thoughts?
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Old 05-31-2013, 09:41 AM   #20
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Jim,

Using 2 layers is a great idea for added insulation. How tough is the surface to puncture from a stone in a shoe sole etc?

Dave
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