How to Install Ceramic Tile Over Cork

Learn how to lay tiles over cork.

Cork is a natural product that serves as soundproofing under a variety of floor types, including ceramic tiles. It is an environmentally friendly product that is fire and mold resistant, as well as economical. Installing ceramic tile over cork is a project you can do on your own if you follow the proper steps.

Things You'll Need

• Cement-based filler
• Broom
• Measuring tape
• Cork underlayment
• Adhesive
• Trowel
• 100-pound roller
• Mortar
• Wooden stick
• Tile spacers
• Caulk

Instructions

Laying the Cork Base

1. Unpack the cork at least two days before you intend to install it so that it can adjust to the room's temperature and humidity. Remove any existing floor coverings. Patch up any cracks with a cement-based filler. Smooth the filler into the cracks with the trowel, and wait for it to dry.

2. Sand down any rough or high spots on the floor, and then clean the area. Sweep the floor surface with a broom. Both the underlay and the tile will sit better if the floor is thoroughly clean.

3. Frame the perimeter of the room with strips of cork. Measure the sides of the room and cut the cork into 2-inch widths according to the measurements using a utility knife. Lay the strips on all the sides of the room. If you want a floating surface, do not use adhesive. Otherwise, spread an even layer of adhesive on the bottom side of the cork before laying it on the floor.

4. Unroll the uncut cork and lay it on the floor surface. Line the rolls of cork against the frame that you just placed. Apply adhesive on the bottom side of the cork rolls to attach it to the floor. To make the application of adhesive and cork easier, raise the cork you laid in sections and apply adhesive on it with a trowel, then press it into the wall.

5. Smooth and press the cork underlayment onto the floor with a 100-pound roller. Push the roller across the whole floor surface. Roll from one side of the room to the other, making sure that the entire surface is pressed onto the floor.

Laying the Ceramic Tile

1. Prepare a batch of mortar in a bucket. Mix the mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions. Mix the mortar with a wooden stick until it has the same consistency of peanut butter.

2. Apply a very thin layer of adhesive in a corner of the corked floor. Apply even layer of mortar onto the bottom surface of the tile with a trowel. Make sure to coat the corners of the tile.

3. Leave a 1/4-inch gap from the wall and lay a tile onto the coated cork underlay. Gently twist the tile into place. Wipe the excess mortar around the tile with a sponge. Check the placement with a carpenter's level. Place a tile spacer beside the tile you laid, then position another tile beside it.

4. Continue laying the tiles onto the cork floor. Place tile spacers in between each tile to make the placement even. If necessary, tap the tiles with a rubber-headed mallet to align it to each other. Leave the tiles overnight so that the mortar will lock to the cork base.

5. Apply caulk over the whole tile floor using a caulking gun. Make sure to cover all the gaps around and in between tiles. Wipe the excess grout with a damp sponge. Leave the floor to set for 24 hours before you use the room.

References

• Handy Owner: How to Install Soundproofing Cork Underlayments
• FloorsTransformed: Ceramic Tile Installation Forum: Ceramic Tile Cver Concrete