Why? Because we’re a little bit crazy — and coming home to a partially finished floor somehow counts as a good time for us.
It might sound odd, but getting a head start on our cork flooring before we left for Portland and then Hawaii turned out to be a smart move. Laying a few rows ahead of time removed some of the dread of a big project and made the return home feel like a continuation of a satisfying task instead of the start of one. The cork planks we chose click together with a snap-and-lock system, which means they float over the existing vinyl rather than being glued down. That was especially important because our old vinyl has an asbestos liner. Following safety recommendations, we did not remove that layer; instead we installed a thin underlayment and let the new cork floor float above it.
The floating installation has other practical benefits, too. Because the planks simply snap together, the house sitters who stayed while we were away could walk across the already laid sections without worrying about wet glue or strong odors. They only had to step on the finished cork and the slim underlayment that peeks out around some edges. That made the half-finished appearance of a corner of the room much less intrusive than it might have been with a traditional adhesive installation.
Beyond the logistics, the material itself is a delight. Cork is wonderfully soft and springy underfoot, so even a small area already feels like a big upgrade from the old floor. The mocha tone we picked brings a warm, rich character to the room that makes the whole space feel cozier and more intentional. For anyone considering cork flooring, the combination of comfort, insulating qualities, and an attractive finish makes it a compelling choice — particularly when you can install it as a floating floor that minimizes disruption.
We’ll share full details about the installation process, the specific products we used, and any lessons learned once we’re back on our DIY routine next week. If you have questions, please hold them for Monday’s post; by then we should be able to answer each one with photos and step-by-step notes. For now, we’re enjoying the trip, resting, and doing a little mental planning for the finish work that will make the floor complete.
On a lighter note, Clara is thrilled. She adores fish, and this trip has given her plenty of new little finned friends to watch and talk to — which, if you know Clara, is completely expected. Her enthusiasm is contagious and reminds us that home projects are ultimately about creating a space that feels joyful and lived-in.
Psst — we announced this week’s giveaway winner. Check our site to see if it’s you.