Hardwood Floor Over Cork Tile
I am not a flooring expert but have installed hardwood floors after a good amount of research.
I cannot imagine a scenario in which nailing into a cork floor would provide the needed “purchase” to securely hold down the wood, nor would 1/4” plywood, even in combination with the cork.
I’d suggest a glue-down option, rather than nail-down, assuming that the cork is securely fastened to the subfloor.
I definitely think you can nail the hardwood floor on top of the cork tile. Cork tile is not very thick, they’re about 3/8 of an inch thick. You have to use a nail gun, and I would use staples instead of the nail. They’re about an inch and a half long, or if you’re still looking for longer nails, they are two inches long, more than enough to get to the subfloor below the cork.
It’s added insulation already installed!! Definitely do it.
Jaytee said:
I definitely think you can nail the hardwood floor on top of the cork tile. Cork tile is not very thick, they’re about 3/8 of an inch thick. You have to use a nail gun, and I would use staples instead of the nail. They’re about an inch and a half long, or if you’re still looking for longer nails, they are two inches long, more than enough to get to the subfloor below the cork.
It’s added insulation already installed!! Definitely do it.
Hopefully you are assuming a wood subfloor, which has not been established, given the “presumably” qualifier.
jimmurphy said:
Hopefully you are assuming a wood subfloor, which has not been established, given the “presumably” qualifier.
the OP presumed it might be plywood…. Could be old tongue and groove boards. It’s pretty simple to figure out if there’s wood underneath the cork. I presume the OP should know more than you and I if his sunroom is built on a concrete slab….
Appreciate both your guidance. I can confirm its not a concrete slab.
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I am planning to redo the flooring in my sunroom, ideally with real hardwood nailed down, though I may consider LVP if I can find a style that matches the existing flooring in the adjoining room. The complication is that the sunroom has an 50+ year old layer of cork tile, which I cannot remove (and I am unsure whether the tile or adhesive may contain asbestos). The cork appears to be in good condition.
Can hardwood flooring be nailed down over cork tile? Will the nails penetrate securely through the cork into the (presumably) plywood subfloor beneath, providing enough hold to prevent movement? Would it be advisable to install a 1/8" sheet of plywood over the cork tile to improve stability (noting that 1/4" plywood might raise the floor too much once combined with vapor barrier, 3/4" hardwood flooring and 1/8" cork tile)?
Appreciate any guidance!