Frequently Asked Questions

CorkLayer is premium modular cork flooring made in Portugal for warm, quiet and flexible indoor spaces. Below you’ll find answers about the material, installation, pack planning, use cases, care, shipping, returns and project orders.

Product & material

What is CorkLayer modular cork flooring?

CorkLayer is a modular flooring surface made from interlocking cork tiles. It is designed to create a warm, quiet and natural-feeling indoor surface without a traditional glue-based flooring installation.

Is CorkLayer made from real cork?

Yes. CorkLayer is made using natural cork. The surface has a warm matte finish and the natural tone, grain and pattern variation expected from cork.

Where is CorkLayer made?

CorkLayer is made in Portugal, connecting Portuguese cork material heritage with a practical modular flooring format for modern interiors.

What size are the tiles?

Each tile is approximately 300 × 300 mm and 6 mm thick. One tile covers around 0.09 m² before any layout allowance.

Is CorkLayer the same as EVA foam puzzle mats?

No. EVA foam mats are synthetic and often look temporary or recreational. CorkLayer keeps the practical interlocking concept but uses natural cork for a warmer, more premium and more interior-friendly surface.

Will every cork tile look identical?

No. Cork is a natural material, so colour tone, grain and small pattern differences are normal. This variation is part of the character of the finished surface.

Does cork have a smell?

Natural cork can have a mild material scent when first unpacked. This usually reduces after ventilation and normal indoor use.

Installation & planning

Do I need glue or special tools?

No. For standard indoor use, CorkLayer tiles connect through interlocking puzzle-style edges. You do not need glue, specialist tools or permanent renovation work.

What surface can I install CorkLayer on?

The surface underneath should be clean, dry, stable, level and free from dust, debris, loose material and standing moisture. Uneven, damp or unstable surfaces can affect the finished result.

How do I measure my room?

Measure the width and length of the area in metres, then multiply them to estimate the area in m². For irregular rooms, divide the room into smaller rectangles, calculate each one and add them together.

How many tiles do I need per square metre?

Each tile covers about 0.09 m². As a practical reference, around 12 tiles cover approximately 1.08 m². We recommend allowing extra material for layout, edges and future replacement needs.

How do I choose the right pack size?

Start with your measured area, then choose the pack combination that gives slightly more coverage than your exact requirement. For larger rooms or professional projects, contact us with your area and intended use.

Can I cut the tiles around edges or obstacles?

Tiles may be cut for layout purposes, but cuts should be planned carefully. Cut or modified tiles may not be eligible for voluntary return, and incorrect cutting can affect the final look.

Can I remove or relocate the flooring later?

CorkLayer is designed as a modular surface, so it can be removed or reconfigured more easily than permanent glued flooring. Always lift and handle the tiles carefully to avoid damaging the edges.

Can I use CorkLayer with underfloor heating?

This depends on the heating system, surface temperature and substrate. Avoid direct excessive heat. If you plan to use CorkLayer with underfloor heating, contact us before ordering so we can review the project conditions.

Use cases

Can I use CorkLayer in kids’ rooms?

Yes, CorkLayer can create a warm and natural-feeling surface for kids’ rooms and learning spaces. It should be used under normal indoor conditions and with appropriate adult supervision.

Is it suitable for yoga and Pilates studios?

Yes. CorkLayer is a strong option for yoga, Pilates, stretching, movement and wellness spaces where warmth, quietness and natural material character are important.

Can I use it in a home gym?

Yes, especially for stretching, mobility, Pilates, yoga and light training areas. For very heavy weights or aggressive equipment use, additional protection may be needed in specific zones.

Is it suitable for offices and standing desks?

Yes. CorkLayer can add warmth and underfoot comfort to offices, creative studios and standing desk areas. Use protective pads under heavy furniture and consider chair mats for intensive rolling-chair use.

Can schools or commercial spaces use CorkLayer?

Yes, depending on the intended use and traffic level. Schools, studios, showrooms, wellness rooms and professional projects should contact us before ordering so we can help with pack planning and suitability.

Can I install it in bathrooms or wet rooms?

No. CorkLayer is not designed for wet-room installation, standing water or constant moisture. It may handle normal everyday cleaning and small spills when managed promptly, but it should not be treated as bathroom flooring.

Can CorkLayer be used outdoors?

No. CorkLayer is designed for indoor use only unless a specific project has been reviewed and approved in writing.

Care & maintenance

How do I clean CorkLayer?

Use a soft broom, a vacuum with a suitable floor attachment or a slightly damp cloth for light marks. Avoid soaking the surface.

Can I use a steam cleaner?

No. Avoid steam cleaners, excessive water, harsh chemicals and abrasive tools. These can damage the surface or affect the appearance of the cork.

What should I do if I spill liquid?

Wipe spills promptly with a clean cloth and dry the area if moisture remains. CorkLayer should not be left under standing water.

Can furniture damage the floor?

Heavy furniture, sharp legs or dragging objects can mark or damage many flooring surfaces, including cork. Use furniture pads and lift heavy items rather than dragging them.

Can I use CorkLayer with pets?

It can be used in homes with pets under normal care conditions, but claws, moisture, accidents and scratching may mark the surface. Clean promptly and protect high-use areas where needed.

Shipping & delivery

Where do you ship from?

Orders ship from Portugal. CorkLayer ships to Europe and worldwide depending on destination and available services.

Which carriers do you use?

For Portugal and Spain, we may ship with CTT Expresso or GLS. For most international orders, our main partner is UPS. We may also use DHL or FedEx when appropriate.

Is shipping insured?

Yes. Shipments are arranged with transport insurance according to the applicable carrier and service conditions.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping depends on destination, order size, weight and current shipping rules. Sample tiles and smaller packs may have shipping calculated at checkout. Larger qualifying packs may include free or subsidised shipping depending on market and order value.

Will I pay import duties or taxes?

Import duties, taxes and customs charges may apply outside the European Union, depending on destination country and local rules. These charges are the responsibility of the customer unless expressly stated otherwise at checkout.

What happens if I do not receive the order?

If a delivery attempt fails or a parcel is not collected, contact us quickly. We will work with the carrier to review the case. Additional delivery, return or re-shipping costs may apply depending on the situation and the carrier’s rules.

Returns & warranty

Can I return CorkLayer?

Eligible consumer returns must follow our return policy and legal requirements. Products should be unused, uninstalled, complete and returned in suitable condition. Installed, used, cut or modified tiles cannot normally be accepted for voluntary return.

Can B2B or custom project orders be returned?

B2B, wholesale, custom and project orders may have different return conditions and may not be eligible for withdrawal or voluntary return. Please confirm project terms before ordering.

Is the original shipping cost refunded?

Original shipping costs are handled according to our refund and return policy. For voluntary returns, shipping costs may not be refundable where permitted by law and policy.

How long does a refund take?

Once a refund is approved and processed, it is issued to the same payment method used at checkout, without exceptions. Depending on the payment provider, funds usually take 5 to 10 business days to appear.

Does CorkLayer have a warranty?

CorkLayer is covered by the applicable legal guarantee and by our product conditions. Warranty coverage does not apply to misuse, incorrect installation, moisture damage, outdoor use, excessive wear, accidental damage, cutting mistakes or failure to follow care guidance.

B2B & projects

Do you work with architects, designers and studios?

Yes. We welcome B2B, wholesale and project enquiries from architects, interior designers, studios, schools, offices, hotels, wellness spaces and distributors.

Can you help calculate quantities for a project?

Yes. Send us the approximate area in m², destination country, intended use and any project constraints. We can help suggest a practical pack combination.

Can I request a wholesale or distributor quote?

Yes. Contact us with company details, market, estimated quantities and intended channel. We will review the request and reply with the most suitable option.

How can I contact CorkLayer?

Email us at info@corklayer.com. For project enquiries, include your country, approximate area, use case and timeline.

Still unsure?

Send us your room size, country and intended use. We can help you choose the right pack combination before ordering.

Contact CorkLayer