Click cork is easier to fit: it floats like laminate. Glue-down tiles are stuck to the subfloor, need no expansion gap and suit bathrooms and kitchens, but usually need a professional fitter.
| Click cork | Glue-down tiles | |
|---|---|---|
| Our ranges | EarthTone Click, Montano | EarthTone Elements, EarthTone Glue Down |
| Fitting | Clicks together like laminate; DIY friendly | Adhesive; usually a professional |
| Expansion gap | Needed | Not needed |
| Bathrooms | Not recommended (HDF core) | Suitable (pure cork) |
| Design options | Planks | Chequerboard patterns and borders possible |
Cork is a popular eco-friendlier flooring option due to its sustainability, durability, and natural aesthetic. When it comes to installing cork flooring, there are two primary options: click cork flooring and cork glue down tiles. In this analysis, we will explore the attributes, strengths, and weaknesses of each option to help you make an informed decision for your flooring needs.
Click Cork Flooring
Click cork flooring, also known as floating cork flooring, is installed using a click-and-lock mechanism that does not require any adhesive or glue. This type of flooring is typically available in planks, and the interlocking system makes it easy to install without the need for professional help. Here are some of the attributes, strengths, and weaknesses of click cork flooring:
Attributes:
- Easy installation: Click cork flooring is easy to install and can often be done without professional help. It's installed in exactly the same way as laminate flooring so anyone familiar with laminate flooring will find the installation straightforward.
- Reusability: Whilst not specifically designed to be repeatedly uplifted and refit, as no adhesive is used in the installation this type of flooring can be removed and reused if needed. Particularly helpful if you need to get under the floor to access pipes or wires.
- Cost-effective: Due to ease of installation, Click cork is often less expensive to install than other flooring types.
Strengths:
- Durability: Click cork flooring is durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic and wear and tear. Our EarthTone Click and Montano ranges offer 15 and 10 year residential guarrantees respectively.
- Easy maintenance: The smooth surface of click cork makes it easy to clean and maintain, just vacuum, sweep and damp mop. No need to re-apply a surface treatment.
- Comfortable: Cork is naturally soft and comfortable underfoot, making it a great option for areas where people stand for long periods of time.
Weaknesses:
- Click Cork flooring requires and expansion gap around the perimeter of the room, the same way laminate or wood flooring does. Whilst not a weakness per se, it needs to be factored in when installing. Most people choose to either remove the skirting and re-fit on top of the installed cork, or fit beading around the perimeter. Glue Down Cork flooring doesn't require an expansion gap and can be installed up to skirting and kitchen end panels.
- Click Cork flooring features a High Density Fibre board (HDF) core. This gives the palnk strength and forms the click mechanism which holds the planks together. HDF has limited tolerance to moisture. This means often click cork flooring is not recommended for high humidity areas like bathrooms. For cork flooring suitable for bathrooms, you need a pure cork glue-down tile rather than a click floor. Our EarthTone Elements Glue Down Cork Tiles and EarthTone Glue Down Cork Tiles are both bathroom safe.
Cork Glue Down Tiles
Cork glue down tiles are installed using an adhesive or glue to secure the tiles to the subfloor, in a similar way to LVT (e.g. Amtico or Karndean). This type of flooring is available in a range of designs and colours, and the glue down installation process ensures that the tiles are securely in place. Here are some of the attributes, strengths, and weaknesses of cork glue down tiles:
Attributes:
- Versatility: Cork glue down tiles are available in a range of designs and colours, making it easy to find a style that matches your aesthetic.
- Design: Cork glue down tiles can be cut and laid in more intricate designs. Match two complementary or contrasting colours to create a classic chequerboard design. Cut the tiles down to create borders around the room, there are loads of opportunities for customisation.
Strengths:
- Durability: Cork glue down tiles are durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic and wear and tear.
- Stability: The adhesive used in the installation process ensures that the tiles are stable and will not shift over time, no need for expansion gaps.
- Moisture resistance: Cork glue down tiles are moisture-resistant, making them a great option for areas prone to high humidity and moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Weaknesses:
- Professional installation required: Cork glue down tiles are more tricky to install so depending on your skill level professional installation may be required.
- Sealing is required: Many Cork glue down tiles come pre-finished but we always recommend finishing the install with a final coat of sealer. In heavy traffic areas you may need to reapply a sealer every few years to maintain the surface of the tile.
- Limited reusability: Cork glue down tiles cannot be reused once they have been removed.
Both formats have their strengths, and the right choice depends on where you're laying the floor and how you want to install it. For a click option, our EarthTone Click Cork Flooring and Montano Cork Flooring are both excellent all-round choices. For glue down, our EarthTone Glue Down Cork Tiles and EarthTone Elements give you the most flexibility, including bathroom suitability. Browse our full cork flooring range or order a sample to see how they look in your home.
Found your match?
Browse our full Cork Flooring collection to see EarthTone Click, Montano, EarthTone Elements and EarthTone Glue Down side by side, or order samples of your shortlist before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is easier to install, click cork or glue-down tiles?
Click cork. The planks lock together and float over the subfloor, like laminate, so confident DIYers can fit them. Glue-down tiles are trickier, so depending on your skills you may need a professional.
Which cork is best for a bathroom or kitchen?
Glue-down tiles. They are moisture resistant and suit areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Click cork has an HDF core and is not recommended in bathrooms.
Do cork glue-down tiles need an expansion gap?
No. The adhesive holds the tiles firmly in place, so they will not shift over time and need no expansion gap.
Can I create patterns with cork tiles?
Yes. Glue-down tiles can be cut and laid in more intricate designs, such as a chequerboard of two colours or a border around the room.
