Cork Flooring Cost Guide for 2024

On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Home Services

Overview of Costs

Average Price (materials + labor): $5–$19 per square foot
Materials Only: $3–$12 per square foot
Labor: $2–$9 per square foot

Types of Cork Flooring

| Type | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) | Notes | |--------------------------|------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Tiles | $3–$7 | Glued down; ideal for moisture-prone areas. | | Planks | $4–$9 | Floating installation; easier to DIY. | | Natural | $3–$6 | Eco-friendly; classic cork aesthetic. | | Colored | $7–$8.50 | Available in bold colors like red, black, and green. | | Striata | $8–$10.50 | Marbled look; natural or colored options. | | Printed | $4–$9.50 | Mimics stone, wood, or unique patterns. | | Luxury Vinyl Cork | $3–$7 | Cork topped with vinyl for durability and water resistance. | | Waterproof Cork | $5–$9 | Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms; glue-down recommended. |

Factors That Affect Cork Flooring Costs

1. Thickness

| Thickness | Cost (Per Square Foot) | Best For |
|---------------|----------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| 4 mm | $3–$6 | Standard use; light foot traffic. | | 8 mm | $5–$8 | Moderate insulation and durability. |
| 12 mm | $7–$10 | High durability and comfort. |

2. Room Size

| Room Size | Square Footage | Cost Range |
|---------------|--------------------|----------------|
| 10 x 10 ft | 100 sq. ft | $500–$1,900 |
| 12 x 14 ft | 168 sq. ft | $840–$3,200 |
| 16 x 20 ft | 320 sq. ft | $1,600–$6,100 |
| 22 x 28 ft | 616 sq. ft | $3,100–$11,700 |

3. Location-Specific Costs

| Room Type | Cost (Per Sq. Ft) | Considerations |
|---------------|-----------------------|------------------------------------|
| Bathroom | $6–$7 | Sealant required for moisture resistance. |
| Kitchen | $6–$10 | Waterproof cork recommended. |
| Basement | $8–$10 | Prioritize durability and water resistance. |
| Foyer/Hallway | $8–$12 | Heavier foot traffic requires durability. |

4. Labor Costs

| Installation Type | Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|------------------------|---------------------------|
| Floating Floor | $2–$4 |
| Glue-Down Floor | $4–$9 |

Additional Costs to Consider

Preparation

Subfloor leveling: $3–$5 per square foot
Subfloor repairs: $2–$10 per square foot
Joist repairs: $10–$60 per square foot

Sealant

Cost: $0.30–$0.70 per square foot
Frequency: Every 3–10 years for maintenance.

Floor Removal

| Floor Type | Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---------------------|---------------------------|
| Carpet | $1–$1.50 |
| Tile | $2–$7 |
| Glued-down flooring | $1.50–$3.50 |

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

DIY Installation

Materials Needed:
Self-leveling compound: $30–$40 per 50 lb bag
Cork flooring: $3–$10 per square foot
Sealant: $45–$100
Challenges: Risk of gaps, buckling, or water damage if improperly installed.
Recommendation: DIY only if you have experience with flooring installation.

Professional Installation

Cost Range (labor + materials): $5–$19 per square foot
Advantages: Ensures a proper, durable installation with warranties.

Ways to Save on Cork Flooring

Opt for Floating Floors: Easier to install and less costly than glue-down tiles.
Go Natural: Stick with 4-mm natural cork for a budget-friendly option.
DIY Floor Removal: Remove carpet or floating floors yourself to cut costs.
Buy During Sales: Look for discounts on cork flooring materials.
Compare Quotes: Get at least three quotes from local flooring contractors.

Cork flooring is a versatile, eco-friendly option for your home. If you need help planning or estimating costs, let me know!