Cork Steps - or Barking Up the Wrong Tree?

[FSMike]

Mark -
Our entire cabin(s) sole is done in cork. The boat is 14 years old and we had to replace an area near the companionway once due to moisture. We have a cat so possibly less water comes in the cabin than on a mono. I would definitely seal the edges if possible, don't know about the bottom. What about using the polyurethane as glue as well as sealer? Just install the cork wet?
For non-skid purposes on a slanted/step area we used the self-adhesive
strips.
Cork works very well for us. The original owner said that the cork was first installed with epoxy over. Bad idea. There is just enough give in the cork to crack the epoxy coating. He had to rip it all up and redo with polyurethane, which has worked fine.
By the way, love your sailing directions from Boston to Miami.

[Bash]

I second the notion of going with contact cement. Its flexibility will complement the flexibility of the cork where other adhesives will work against the cork. The plus is that it will be far easier to install than other methods proposed here. And with cork, you've got to figure on re-installing every few years, right? Here again contact cement will be easier to work with.

[Stillraining]

You Bought the cork?

And here I thought you were just looking for a place to display that huge collection of yours...

[fastfilm]

My 1973 Tartan 30 still has the original cork cabin sole. I haven't done it, but the Tartan owners forum folks suggested going to a flooring store for a cleaner and coating designed for cork. I forgot it, however.

[MarkJ]

Thanks everyone for your advice!

I only expect it to last a few years on stairs. Its the most high traffic spot on the boat. And if its shorter that really OK because its not all that expensive.

Thanks for the information. Its given me lots of ideas how to do it


Mark

[smj]

We put a cork floor down on our last cat. It was a prefinished product from Lumber Liquidators and ran about $1.50 a sq. foot. We installed with contact cement as the instructions stated and never had a problem. Good luck!

[bobfnbw]

We plan on replacing our saltillo tile flooring in the kitch (think very big kitchen, and very hard flooring ) when we redo it with cork.
I would think just gluing the cork down and be done with it...
Most of the cork designed for flooing is pretreated. I would think that putting a additional product on top of that might be counter productive.. but if your cork is untreated then why not just use the recomended product for floors?
The adhesive should seal the bottom.
Replace it as needed.
Good luck with that.
Me I am for treadmaster in that location, but can see that cork would look nice there. Just not sure that it would be best for us.. kids. They would tear it up in no time.

Bob

[James S]

Am I missing something?
When I think of cork, I think of those one foot squares that you stick on the wall for messages.
That seems totally unsuitable for flooring.
Sounds like the stuff they use for flooring is much heartier.
I'll have a look at flooring stores next time I'm in civilization.

[GordMay]

See the “Explanation of Cork Floor Materials”
➥ Cork Flooring - Explanation of Cork Floor Materials

Including “Cork Flooring Construction”
➥ Cork Flooring - Cork Flooring Construction

Originally Posted by James S

Am I missing something?
When I think of cork, I think of those one foot squares that you stick on the wall for messages.
That seems totally unsuitable for flooring.
Sounds like the stuff they use for flooring is much heartier.
I'll have a look at flooring stores next time I'm in civilization.

[witzgall]

I would double the recommendation for treadmaster. Our steps are covered with it - circa 1985, and still looks great.

If you go ahead with the cork, you could always mix in some non-skid into the final coats of finish.

Chris

[James S]

Thanks Gord ..that section looks like a typical composite flooring board...but that sample in Marks "Hello" video looks more like a simple slice of cork.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by James S

but that sample in Marks "Hello" video looks more like a simple slice of cork.

Yes, its a simple slice of cork.

I can see a bit of 'value adding' in the manufactured one!

Usually its bought in cork tiles about 1 ft square. We were lucky to get it in the roll. Only doner is the cork granules are quite small and I would like something with more texture. If ya gunna do it it may as well look great!

[seashine]

Hello everyone, our cat had carpet on the steps into each hull, which was folded down over the step edges to make them real sliders! So we bought some "seacork" - a French product I believe... Manufacturer's sealant does not make it slippery when wet and it is close-grained and tough enough for external marine use BUT (and this is a BIG but) the cork has darkened from sweat and oils from our feet wouldya believe - so that only 9 months after installation the steps look grimy. This could be dealt with by sanding them every coupla weeks but that would be an absolute pain. Stuck the cork down with contact adhesive or you could use polyurethane glue or even Sikaflex. We also installed an aluminium stair edge to protect the edges of the cork. Must say I like the sponginess of the cork to walk on but won't use it on floors again due to the discolouration. We'll be using it on cockpit locker lids that double as seats though, as I feel the sun and rain would bleach it and keep it looking good.

[Wotname]

Hey Mark,

What was the outcome, did you end up using cork? If so, are you happy with it; if not, what did you finally use?

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by seashine

so that only 9 months after installation the steps look grimy. .

Did you put a varnish over them? 9 months isnt long.

Originally Posted by Wotname

Hey Mark,

What was the outcome, did you end up using cork? If so, are you happy with it; if not, what did you finally use?

Ummmmmmm, Geoffrey, why ask that question!

Ummmmmmm, ummmmmmm ummmmmmmmmmmm I haven't actually, if the truth be known, ummmmmmmmm without telling a lie, ummmmmm truthfully............. when did I say I was going to do it? .... 09-11-2009.....


I actually haven't done it yet.

I have the roll of cork, the coating, everything.... but just haven't got around to it yet.

I lead a very busy like, ya know!


Mark
PS Where's my To Do list?
PPS What year is it now?