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Calculating cork flooring installation expenses

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How much does it cost to install cork flooring?

Cost of cork flooring installation defined by different factors and total expenses primary depend on cork flooring prices and labor cost to complete the work. But calculating total expenditures for installing new cork floors additional aspects should be taken into account. Flooring contractor will calculate the cost after in home measurements and analyzing work complexity. Itemized estimate will reflect all charges and fees associated with installation.

Estimating cork floors installation cost

Cork flooring prices comparison materials-prices

Cork is not the cheapest flooring material, but depending on type and quality some products are very affordable and might satisfy homeowners even on a low budget. Comparing to other flooring covering materials on average it is cheaper than hardwood flooring, but more expensive than laminate. Solid 3- 4 millimeters thick cork flooring which has to be glued down to the subfloor is one of the cheapest option. Most of cork flooring sold as planks or tiles with a glueless lock on edges and attached underlayment. Even though, cork available in different textures and styles variation in price normally is not significant.

Determining labor cost for cork floors installation labor-cost

Cost of man power will depend on difficulty of a work and project size. Standard installation might be calculated as per square foot fee. Preparation work, fixing subfloor, baseboards and shoe base molding installation, as well as demolishing and hauling away old flooring covering materials will be charged based on installer’s hourly rates and time spend for completing the tasks.

Laying floating click-lock cork flooring will be priced at minimum charge. Labor cost will increase for glue down installation. Cork flooring can be installed on the stairs and contractor will estimate the labor cost based on width and shape of every step.

Normally a contractor will offer a better deal for bigger projects and charge a significantly higher rate per square foot if it is 250 or less sq. ft. of flooring has to be installed.

Shopping for cork flooring shopping

Plan the house renovation well ahead and purchase cork flooring on sales at major local and online flooring retailers. Buy small and odd lots which might be sold at extremely low price and install different designs and colors of cork in each room. Cheaper flooring doesn’t necessarily means it will be less durable or won’t last long, but there won’t be too varied selection and style options. While shopping for a cheapest always check if manufacturer provide warranty. It is always good to get a better deal, but some cheap products might have significantly shorter lifespan.

Estimating installation time estimating-time

Normally professional installer should be able to complete installation of floating 11 3/4” x 35 1/2" cork planks in one 14’ x 14’ room in about 4 – 5 work hours. Additional 30 min. might be necessary for baseboard and shoe base installation. Any additional work associated with installation will consume extra time and often subfloor preparation or removing old flooring might take a half day before starting on actual cork flooring installation.

Work complexity work-complexity

Click-lock cork floors are very easy to install as a do it yourself project following manufacturer’s installation instructions. Gluing down cork flooring on stairs or even wide open areas is more complicated and time consuming process, but it still can be done by handy homeowners who have time and planning to reduce total expenses by cutting the labor cost. But in any case, it is good to remember that improper installation might cause multiple problems with flooring overtime and reduction in the expected lifespan. Manufacturer warranty on the product won’t cover the loss because of a poor on site work performance and if you have any doubt about completing the installation successfully it is always better to hire a flooring contractor to perform the work.

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