Cork is a unique natural material that is a very popular residential flooring choice and even with professional installation, things can go wrong. Damage can be caused when trying to move heavy furniture. With that in mind, here are a few cork floor repair tips:
Survey The Floor
The first thing to do is establish whether the cork flooring is in tile or plank form; see how many units are impacted and order from reputable suppliers in your area where you can find a perfect match, which is critical. When the floor has been installed, there should be some spare, which can be used for repairs; if the floor has been installed by the supplier, they can match, replace and reseal tiles or planks.
Replacing Cork Tiles
This is relatively straightforward, especially when you have those Perth cork floor tiles for sale. For those outside Australia, a quick search online would lead you to a nearby flooring supplier; always go for an established one. Using a sharp cutter, start at the centre of the tile and work to the edges, carefully removing the tile. Clean the sub-floor thoroughly and make sure the edges are free from dust and debris. Apply a little tile adhesive in the centre and at each corner and gently place the tile, smoothing out the edges as you go.
Essential Tools
You will need a sharp cutter to remove the tiles/planks, a small amount of adhesive and something to spread it. Wipe up excess glue immediately and keep the work area clean and free of obstacles. A small section of plywood can be used to apply pressure when the new tiles/planks are installed.
Replacing Cork Planks
Identify the planks to be replaced and remove the skirting board to facilitate removal. Tongue and grooved products are very easy to remove and when you reach the damaged units, replace them with matching planks. Tap each plank into place and then refit the skirting boards.
Applying Sealant
If the floor had two coats of sealant, the same must be done with replacement planks/tiles. Allow a few hours between coats and do a thorough sweep prior to sealing. Zone off the area to prevent traffic and after a few hours, your cork floor should be as good as new.
Assess The Damage
If you are thinking of replacing large sections of a cork floor, you might be better off redoing the entire floor. It can be difficult to achieve an exact match and talking to a flooring expert is the best way forward. If one of the tiles is scuffed, this is an easy fix and you should have a few tiles left over from the initial installation.
Backing
If backing was used, you should leave the original backing and only remove the tile/plank, which should ensure the tile sits flush. Check that the thickness is the same; the last thing you want is a raised section of floor.
If in doubt and you are concerned about self-repair, your local cork flooring supplier has you covered; they would be happy to carry out minor and major repairs for their customers. They would have a huge stock of cork products and can find a perfect match, both in colour and finish.