Cork wallpaper is a rather exotic material, the use of which requires, on the one hand, certain skills in working with wall materials, and on the other, a sufficient level of artistic taste and imagination.

This material does not have a wide palette of colors, shades and textures. But when used skillfully, cork wallpaper for walls creates a special coziness in the room, giving it a unique charm and a feeling of warmth. This wall covering has a number of advantages that you will not find in other wall materials.

A little about the main advantages of cork wallpaper

Low thermal conductivity. No other wallpaper can compare with cork wallpaper in this parameter. This is due to their origin. Cork, being a light porous wood, retains heat inside the room, does not let cold air in in winter, and hot air in summer.

Like wood, cork is able to regulate the level of humidity in a room within acceptable parameters for humans, i.e. acts as a natural regulator of the amount of moisture in the air.

Resistance of color and appearance to mechanical damage. Even under the influence of direct sunlight, such wallpapers do not lose their original appearance and color for a very long time due to their natural origin and porous structure. This coating can last up to 30 years.

Environmental friendliness and safety. Even in rooms with high humidity, you will not see mold or mildew on cork-covered walls. These wallpapers are safe for allergy sufferers because they have antibacterial properties. This is their unique quality.

High decorative characteristics. The natural texture of the material creates a natural background in the room, which has a calming effect on the human psyche. Interiors with cork wallpaper are most often decorated in a classic style.

The ability of a material to remain clean. Unlike many modern materials, cork does not accumulate a static charge; it remains electrically neutral. Consequently, dust or small particles of organic and inorganic origin floating in the air do not settle on the walls. The walls remain clean.

The porous structure of cork muffles sounds in the room and serves as a soundproofing material relative to external noise sources.

The material does not support combustion, which is why such wallpaper is fireproof.

Fairly simple maintenance during use. The material can be washed with water; household chemicals can be used. Careful implementation of the necessary care to remove basic household contaminants does not lead to deformation of the material.

Wax-impregnated cork does not absorb odors.

The use of such wallpaper allows you to hide minor errors on the surface of the walls. Unlike other wallpapers, perfect surface preparation is not required before gluing them.

However, this material also has negative aspects, which would be unfair not to mention.

Let's talk about the shortcomings

Disadvantages include:

Quite a high price. Today prices for 1 m2 of cork wallpaper start at 500 rubles. Wallpaper is sold in rolls. Therefore, the cost of a roll is calculated based on the area of ​​the material in the roll: 0.5x10 meters. Depending on the manufacturer, design and complexity of production, the price of one square meter can reach several thousand rubles

A small palette of colors. With an inept approach to decorating a room, it can take on a rather dull appearance. In order to obtain a more interesting result, different textures of cork are used, various materials and decorative details are used to decorate the walls.

Cork wallpaper in the LEROY MERLIN store chain is presented in a large assortment, which allows you not only to choose the shade you like, but also to select different textures and combine them. It is also advisable to carefully select furniture so that it fits harmoniously into the room.

Installing such wall coverings is not an easy task. It is not recommended to do it yourself without special skills. The work must be carried out in a dry room without drafts.

When exposed to sharp objects, the wallpaper may be damaged. Therefore, when using them in children's rooms and small rooms where the walls can be scratched by children, animals or as a result of the need to perform various operations near the coating, it is recommended that the lower part be decorated, for example, with a different material that is suitable in thickness and design.

If the materials differ in thickness, the junction between them is covered with molding or other parts.

Types of cork wallpaper

Depending on the availability and type of base, the following types of wallpaper are available for sale:

• baseless;
• paper based;
• on a non-woven basis.

You can see what each of the listed types looks like in a network of stores selling such goods. Photos of cork wallpaper are presented on the websites of retail chains or online stores.

Features of gluing walls with cork wallpaper

It is not recommended to install such a coating yourself. The only exception is self-adhesive wallpaper, the gluing of which does not require any special skills.

• rolls need to be unrolled several hours before installation so that the material rests and does not form creases;
• on the surface of the wall, draw precise horizontal stripes corresponding to the width of the roll along which you will perform installation;
• You need to start gluing from the window and move further from it;
• avoid creasing the material, as it crumbles at sharp bends;
• It is better to stick it with special glue. But its absence is not critical. If you don't have it, you can use glue for heavy types of coatings or regular acrylic. The glue is applied to a dry, clean wall.

Important: if glue gets on the front surface of the wallpaper, do not try to wipe it off or wash it off. Wait until the drop dries and then lightly cut it off with a sharp knife.

Photos of cork wallpaper

To give your home a natural look and feel, you don’t have to live in a log house. There is a simpler solution - wallpaper for walls made of natural cork. A relatively new, environmentally friendly type of finishing that allows you to quickly and effectively fill the interior with the beauty of natural materials.

Cork wallpaper for walls is a natural and at the same time high-tech finishing material that has earned recognition from designers, builders and buyers:

• For the production of wallpaper, environmentally friendly material is used - cork oak bark.
• As a result of bark processing, finishing materials are produced either in the form of panels and slabs, or rolls.

The retail chain offers several types of cork wallpaper:

• On non-woven or paper backing.
• Baseless.
• Self-adhesive.

Wallpaper with a base consists of a paper or non-woven backing with fragments of cork veneer glued onto it. Their thickness usually does not exceed 1 mm.

General characteristics

The base under the decorative layer can be either white or painted.

So:

• On a painted base, cork veneer may not fill the entire space of the canvas, but leave gaps, forming a unique pattern.
• In the production of baseless coatings, the base is a canvas glued together from crushed cork chips.
• Gluing is carried out without the use of glue; the resinous substances released by the cork when heated provide sufficient strength.
• A new and easiest to install type of wallpaper is self-adhesive cork wallpaper. They are a roll of self-adhesive film with a decorative layer of cork veneer.

Note. In any design, the surface of the cork can be additionally painted, protected with a wax or varnish coating.

Features of application

Roll cork wallpaper: pros and cons, let's look at them in more detail.

Main advantages

Among the main advantages of cork wallpaper are the following:

• High decorative properties. The natural texture of the veneer forms a unique pattern. The soft colors of natural cork create a balanced, classic interior.
• Ecological cleanliness. Only natural materials are used in production, which makes this type of finishing environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic.
• Have high tactile properties, relief and natural softness of cork are pleasant to the touch.
• Meets fire safety requirements, are difficult to ignite and do not support combustion.
• The roll is plastic, pasting of convex or concave surfaces is allowed.

Hanging cork wallpaper is quite simple and does not take much time.

• The material is not electrified, due to which it has dust-repellent properties.
• High sound insulation properties. The relief texture absorbs and scatters a significant portion of sound waves, and the cellular structure of the material is a good sound insulator.

Important. Good thermal insulation properties. Cork has a porous structure, so the wall surface always remains warm.

• Have a moisture-repellent effect, impregnation or protective coating with varnish or wax prevents water absorption.
• Not susceptible to fungus and other microorganisms.
• Wax-impregnated materials do not absorb odors.
• Thanks to their thickness, they can hide minor wall defects.
• Long service life up to 20-30 years. With proper care, they retain their decorative properties throughout the entire period of operation.
• Cork coverings allow wet cleaning.

Minuses

Among the disadvantages of this material are the following:

• High price. A square meter costs from 500 rubles.
• Low strength. Cork is a fairly soft material and can be easily scratched by children or pets.

If cork wallpaper is used in the kitchen, bathroom, or in rooms with strong odors, it is necessary to use impregnated material.

Cork wallpaper in the interior

The use of natural materials always creates a unique interior of the room.

A variety of textures and colors allows you to create natural decor for rooms of any purpose:

• Cork wallpaper is ideally combined with other natural materials and furniture: wood, bamboo, reeds (see Natural wallpaper: coating features).
• The color of natural veneer goes well with brown, sand, brown, and beige tones.
• There are collections on sale in which the cork is painted or tinted, which allows you to choose finishing materials for the interior in any color.

Note. Most often, cork coverings are used to create interiors in a classic or “ethnic” style.

Cork wallpaper can be combined with other natural finishing materials - decorative stone, plaster, bamboo or textiles. In addition to the continuous pasting of walls, various applications, panels and decorative elements are cut out of cork.

Cork gluing sequence

Pasting cork wallpaper with your own hands is quite simple.

Before starting work, they should be stored for several days in the room being repaired; this is necessary to adapt to the temperature and humidity in the room.

Advice. Immediately before gluing, the roll is cut into strips of the required length with a small margin and kept unrolled for several hours. This is necessary so that the material compacted in the roll straightens out.

Glue selection

For rolls of paper or non-woven backing, regular glue for heavy wallpaper is suitable. If the roll is baseless, special glue for cork products should be used. The instructions included with the roll contain the manufacturer's recommendations for choosing the brand of glue.

Surface preparation

The walls must be cleaned of old coatings. If there are significant unevenness, the walls should be pre-plastered (see How to plaster walls with your own hands). Then putty and then prime. The primer will strengthen and remove dust from the surface, and even out the absorbency of the surface.

First stage

The prepared wall surface is marked using a plumb line. The drawn vertical stripe will be the starting one and will set the vertical for all subsequent stripes.

Second phase

The prepared glue is applied in an even layer to the back surface of the wallpaper, and, if necessary, to the wall.

The glue is applied with a brush or roller, the thick glue is leveled with a spatula:

• A strip of wallpaper is applied to the wall in accordance with the markings and smoothed.
• For smoothing, use a rubber roller, a wide brush or a special plastic spatula.
• After smoothing, there should be no air bubbles left under the canvas. The glue squeezed out from under the strip is carefully removed with a clean soft cloth.

The excess length of the strip is trimmed with scissors or a mounting knife. It is important that the knife is perfectly sharp; it is recommended to break off a section of the blade after each cut.

Joining strips

As a rule, cork wallpaper does not require adjustment of the pattern and is simply pasted end-to-end. At the outer and inner corners, the joining of the panels is carried out by cutting in place, using a mounting knife and a metal ruler.

After gluing, the wallpaper is allowed to dry for 1-3 days, depending on the glue used.

Cork wallpaper, how to glue horizontally?

The only difference is in the markup. It is necessary to draw a horizontal line along the entire wall using a laser level.

Gluing self-adhesive cork wallpaper takes less time and does not require messy work with glue.

Gluing them is not difficult:

• The protective film is folded back to a length of 5-10 cm and the edge of the wallpaper is carefully glued to the wall.
• Next, the protective film is removed along the entire length of the strip while simultaneously smoothing the strip to the wall.
• The ends of the strip are trimmed.
• After the wallpaper is pasted, the cork can be additionally protected with a layer of varnish or wax.

The video for this article shows in detail the entire process of working with cork wallpaper.

Cork wallpaper is one of the ways to make the interior of your home cozy and unusual, while maintaining environmental friendliness and safety at a high level. In addition, the material will fill the design of the apartment with natural motifs, which have been so popular for several years.

What is cork wallpaper?

Cork wallpaper is an absolutely natural, harmless material made from oak bark. Cork is produced in three variations: wallpaper, panels and rolls. The first type has a paper or non-woven backing underneath the cork surface. The coating has a limited color palette in warm colors, differing only in shades.

Production technology

Cork wallpaper is made from oak bark, which is removed from the trunk every decade, after which the tree continues to live and begins to grow again. The bark is crushed and pressed under high temperature, during which an adhesive substance is produced, thanks to which the resulting material is applied to a non-woven or paper base.

Characteristic

Cork sheets have quite convenient parameters, which are somewhat different from conventional wallpaper coverings.

Peculiarities

Cork coverings are an absolutely natural surface, which gives them the right to be considered harmless, which means they are suitable for decorating children's rooms and are not harmful to allergy sufferers.

• Unlike many other materials, cork wallpaper boasts high noise insulation properties.
• An important feature can be considered the ability to retain heat in cold weather and vice versa, coolness when it is hot outside.

Cork wallpaper can be divided into two types, those covered with wax and those not. Such materials differ in price and characteristics. A surface protected with wax does not absorb odors, but is more expensive. Canvases without a protective coating are called porous; they are not recommended for use in kitchens and rooms where there may be unpleasant odors.

What types are there?

On paper or non-woven basis

The most common type of cork wallpaper. The material does not cause difficulties during repairs and has a relatively low cost compared to slabs and rolls. Like other types of wallpaper, in this case there is a base on which oak veneer is applied after going through the preparation procedure.

Self-adhesive

The coating has a base of adhesive paper and a protective film. The cork is applied directly on top of the paper. This type of coating greatly simplifies the work. When finishing, you should be especially careful when applying the canvas to the surface of the walls and accurately measure the joints, since there will be no opportunity to make adjustments.

In addition to walls, self-adhesive wallpaper can be used to decorate door and window openings or update furniture.

Without base

The most environmentally friendly, but at the same time very fragile material. The base performs a connecting and strengthening function; this type of canvas does not provide it. The coating is made from compressed pieces of tree bark, which are glued together with a substance released when heated.

Liquid

Liquid cork wallpaper is packaged and sold in the form of a mixture that consists of oak bark chips and an acrylic-based substance. This type of decoration can decorate the interior and exterior of a building.

The composition is applied to the wall with a spatula or spray, the tool is determined by the desired final effect.

The photo shows a children's room with a classic design. The decoration and filling of the room is designed in warm colors from light beige to brown.

Advantages and disadvantages

Cork coverings have many advantages. However, disadvantages should also be taken into account when choosing a material.

Photos in the interior of the rooms

To the hallway

Considering the ease of maintenance, cork wallpaper will be one of the best ways to decorate a hallway. The material can be combined with other types of wallpaper. Using self-adhesive wallpaper, you can decorate places that are most vulnerable to dirt.

To the kitchen

To decorate the kitchen, you should use wax-coated cork wallpaper, otherwise it will quickly absorb odors. Since the material is not afraid of moisture, wallpaper can be used to decorate the work area, namely the apron. The design of the dining area will also be successful; natural materials will make the interior more comfortable.

The photo shows a minimalist kitchen in light colors. The corner wall, decorated with cork wallpaper, is convenient for placing children's drawings and souvenirs.

To the bedroom

An interesting way to decorate a bedroom. Cork wallpaper has a soft, warm surface and is perfect for decorating a bedside area, for example, at the head of a bed. Cork will look harmonious in a modern, country and eco-style interior.

On the balcony

Good choice of material for balconies and loggias. Cork wallpaper is not afraid of bright light and high humidity, and will also eliminate street noise. The colors allow you to decorate the interior in a light or dark palette. The finish can be combined with other materials, such as liquid wallpaper or wood panels.

In the living room

Cork wallpaper will support the natural theme in the interior of the living room or hall. Finishing can be done around the entire perimeter of the room or to highlight only certain areas, for example behind the TV or sofa.

Using self-adhesive wallpaper, you can decorate some elements or cut out some shape that will decorate the wall, such as a tree.

In the nursery

For a children's room, cork wallpaper is good in many ways. Firstly, this is an environmentally friendly material, you don’t have to worry about allergic reactions or harmful substances.

The photo shows a children's room. The wall is decorated with houses cut out of self-adhesive wallpaper.

The material will maintain a comfortable environment, keeping you warm or cool, and the surface of the walls will always be warm and soft. The spring look of the wallpaper allows you to decorate the children's interior in different styles.

What can you combine with?

Bamboo coating harmoniously coexists with other finishing materials; especially successful combinations are obtained with natural materials. Considering the texture of the material, the design will not be pretentious or overloaded.

Presentation in different styles

Country

Taking into account the peculiarities of the stylistic direction, cork will fit well into a cozy rustic style. The interior uses natural materials both for finishing and filling the room. The walls can be decorated with a combination of cork and wooden boards, plaster or another type of wallpaper.

On the picture

When creating eco-style design, natural materials are used. Combinations can be varied, for example, with untreated wood. You can fully bring eco-style to life in spacious rooms.

Ethnic style is filled with mystery and unusual details. Subdued lighting and themed decorative elements will complete the interior picture.

The interior can combine cork and vinyl wallpaper with a beautiful pattern or imitation of Venetian plaster.

Loft

Urban style walls will look equally harmonious with or without decoration. Cork will make the loft interior softer and more comfortable, while maintaining the “zest” of the stylistic direction.

Pattern and colors

The color palette of cork is not very diverse, however, it allows finishing in light or dark colors. The range starts from light gray and sand and ends with dark brown and ocher.

The pattern may vary, the surface can be uniform, interspersed and of different densities. To add color, the surface can be painted or varnished.

Finishing of non-standard surfaces

In addition to walls, cork can decorate other surfaces and decorative elements. Also, with the help of self-adhesive sheets, you can update some pieces of furniture, thereby making them unique.

Ceiling

An unusual way of finishing will make the design of the room more interesting. For standard low rooms it is better to use a light-colored coating. In this case, the finishing will not make the ceilings visually lower, but will only stand out with an unusual texture.

The photo shows an interior in a modern style. A strip of cork wallpaper on the ceiling visually stretches the space without making it dark.

It looks interesting to decorate the walls with cork covering, which extends to the ceiling. This technique makes the room higher and unites the planes.

Interior doors

An interior door can be updated and made more interesting by decorating it with self-adhesive wallpaper. In addition to the aesthetic side, the coating will increase the noise insulation performance of the door. Decoration can be done by finishing the door completely or decorating it with partially cut out figures.

The photo shows a living room with complex wall decoration made of cork, liquid wallpaper and mirrors. The combination of materials makes the space larger and more interesting.

How to glue?

What kind of glue?

Cork is quite a heavy material; in order for it to adhere securely to the wall, it is necessary to use a special adhesive. There is an adhesive specifically for cork; it takes into account all the nuances of the material. If it is not possible to purchase such glue, you can choose another composition intended for heavy types of coatings. You can also use acrylic-based glue.

Gluing technology

The technique of working with cork wallpaper is somewhat different from other types and has its own nuances.

1. Before gluing it is necessary to prepare the surface. To do this, the wall is cleaned of the old finish, leveled and primed.
2. Using a level or plumb line, a vertical line is marked, which will serve as a ruler for even gluing of the canvases. The line is marked from the middle of the wall and is equal to the width of the canvas.
3. It is necessary to prepare the material. The wallpaper is cut into sheets of the required length, after which they need to be left to rest on the floor for a while.
4. The glue is applied to the wall, a portion equal to the width of the canvas, after which the strip of wallpaper is pressed to the surface.
5. The canvases are glued end-to-end starting from the horizontal line in both directions.
6. If glue gets on the front side of the canvas, it should be allowed to dry and carefully removed.

Video

Cleaning and care

Cleaning and preventative maintenance is carried out using a damp cloth or sponge. You can use a vacuum cleaner or a dry cloth. Chemical and abrasive detergents should be avoided. Heavy contamination can be removed with sandpaper.

Photo gallery

Considering the characteristics of the material, we can say with confidence that this is an excellent option for interior decoration. Not every coating can boast such high performance in relation to humidity and sunlight. Cork can be used to decorate not only living rooms, but also a balcony or loggia.

Wallpaper is one of the most popular materials for interior decoration. There are more than ten types of them. Cork wallpaper is a natural, environmentally friendly material. They create a cozy and comfortable indoor microclimate. Cork fits perfectly into any interior from classic to rustic style. We'll talk about installation features, advantages and disadvantages of cork wallpaper further.

Benefits of cork wallpaper for the home

To make cork wallpaper, natural cork is used, that is, oak bark. Cork oak is popular in countries such as Italy, Portugal, and Spain. This material has a porous structure, due to which it has unique physical characteristics, such as:

• high strength;
• excellent heat and sound insulation characteristics.

The wallpaper manufacturing process involves grinding the bark, pressing and heating. When the cork is exposed to temperature, a resin begins to release, which glues the material together. It is thanks to it that the material takes on a roll or sheet form.

Another option for cork wallpaper is with a backing. The previously prepared cork mass is applied to a thick paper or non-woven base. In the process, patterns or textures are created; to further decorate the coating, color pigment is added to it.

The first and most important advantage of cork wallpaper is its environmental safety. The material is absolutely harmless and even good for health. Wood is an excellent regulator of indoor humidity and has a beneficial effect on the microclimate.

Among the advantages of wallpaper made from cork, we note:

• high level of reliability and strength - resistance to mechanical damage;
• the presence of wax impregnation ensures dirt and dust resistance, practically no marks remain on the wallpaper;
• do not require special care or washing;
• have good soundproofing characteristics;
• the thermal insulation properties of cork wallpaper allow you to maintain optimal microclimatic conditions in the room;
• the attractive appearance of the wallpaper is ensured by the unique natural pattern created by the material;
• the absolute safety of the material expands the scope of its application; cork wallpaper is an ideal option for a children's room, since the coating is hypoallergenic and allows air to pass through well;
• cork has antiseptic properties, mold does not form on it, insects and microorganisms do not grow on it;
• cork wallpaper does not fade and tolerates direct sunlight;
• the material is not prone to burning due to the application of special impregnations.

Cork wallpaper goes well with different types of tiles, natural and artificial stone. The material is pleasant to the touch, makes the room cozy and comfortable.

Despite this, cork wallpaper has certain disadvantages. To apply wallpaper, you need to prepare a perfectly flat surface. Since the sheets are quite heavy, at least two people install them. The cork covering adheres firmly to the wall, and if it is necessary to dismantle the covering, problems arise. Cork wallpaper has a limited range of colors and colors, most of them are natural, matching the color of wood. The cost of wallpaper is quite high compared to similar finishing materials, however, this disadvantage is compensated by its long service life.

Characteristics and types of cork wallpaper

In relation to the composition, cork wallpaper is divided into:

• baseless type coating - consists exclusively of cork, such canvases have only a roll base, are highly fragile and lower cost;
• cork wallpaper with a paper or non-woven base - denser in thickness, available in rolls of 550 cm, characterized by good ductility, ease of installation, and does not crumble, compared to the previous version;
• slab versions of cork wallpaper - they are more expensive, have standard dimensions of 3 by 6 cm, and are easy to install;
• cork wallpaper on a self-adhesive base - suitable for wooden surfaces, walls made of fiberboard or plywood, differs by the presence of a backing.

Cork slab wallpaper contains one or more layers of cork. They are processed using grinding equipment. There are wallpapers with colored splashes and painted cork plates. For the bathroom, wax-coated slabs are used. In addition, this material is often used to decorate the ceiling.

Cork has a natural porous structure; the material is stain-resistant, but absorbs moisture. It is not recommended to glue cork wallpaper in the kitchen or bathroom. Wax impregnation or a special vapor-permeable varnish gives the coating additional moisture resistance. The cost of such wallpaper is slightly more expensive than regular wallpaper.

Cork wallpaper photos and scope of use

The material has universal characteristics, therefore it has a wide range of applications. Cork wallpaper options are used:

• for finishing children's rooms - due to its environmental safety, natural composition, and resistance to dirt, this material is an ideal coating for a room where children live;
• in the living room and bedroom, cork wallpaper creates cozy and comfortable conditions for rest, relaxation and receiving guests;
• since wallpaper is resistant to mechanical stress, it is often installed in the hallway;
• Wallpaper with an additional wax coating is used in rooms with high humidity, such as the bathroom and kitchen.

In addition, cork is an excellent option for finishing public spaces: restaurants, cafes, shops, cinemas, etc. The too high cost is fully compensated by good performance characteristics.

How to choose cork wallpaper for your home

Cork wallpapers are quite expensive, so their choice must be approached with special responsibility. We recommend giving preference to trusted manufacturers with a good reputation. Some of them provide product warranties.

When choosing wallpaper, carefully inspect the packaging; the structure of the material should be uniform. Do not choose wallpapers that are too thick, as they are more fragile.

If you have a choice between baseless wallpaper and paper or non-woven material, we recommend giving preference to the second option. Cork wallpaper without a base is practically not used due to its increased fragility.

Paper-based cork wallpaper rolls are lightweight, increased strength, and easy to install. The material is most often produced in the form of rolls.

Non-woven wallpaper is more durable and wear-resistant. Their cost is slightly higher, but it is fully compensated by their performance properties.

In relation to the color palette, cork wallpapers do not have much variety. The color range is limited to yellow, brown and their shades. Choose a color in relation to the style parameters of the interior design.

Choose wallpaper with detailed instructions from the manufacturer. Require certificates confirming the quality and environmental safety of products.

Immediately select an adhesive composition for cork wallpaper. Solutions like PVA glue are too weak and will not hold the fabric properly. Choose special compositions for cork wallpaper; some manufacturers indicate recommendations on the type of adhesive for certain wallpapers.

Tool for installing cork wallpaper

To hang cork wallpaper, you need the following tools:

• construction plumb line or level - with its help they control the quality of work;
• rulers with pencil;
• stationery knife for cutting wallpaper;
• a tool for applying glue, most often a comb-shaped spatula;
• containers for glue;
• clean rags - for leveling wallpaper;
• roller - it is used to process seams;
• glue for cork wallpaper.

When choosing glue, we recommend choosing a composition with an acrylic base. The instructions for the glue indicate the proportions and method of application. Most often, the composition is applied both to the wall and to the wallpaper. To set the glue, press the wallpaper against the surface for a long time. It is not recommended to use glue that contains water.

Preparing walls for gluing sheet cork wallpaper

Pre-clean the wall from the previous finish. Level the walls and repair cracks. Any irregularities or depressions will be visible after gluing, so you need to get rid of them. In addition, the presence of unevenness leads to peeling of the wallpaper. The maximum difference is 2-3 mm.

If the condition of the walls is satisfactory, then it is enough to use ordinary gypsum-based putty to finish them. If there are irregularities of more than three millimeters, the walls are first sanded, then puttyed and completely grouted.

After the putty has dried, the surface is sanded with a mesh or a special machine. After this, clean the surface from dust and apply a primer. This composition reduces the absorption of glue and improves adhesion between the wallpaper and the wall. Wallpapering work is carried out at an optimal humidity of 50% and a temperature of 18-24 degrees. Before gluing cork wallpaper, it must be kept in the room where repair work is being carried out for at least 24 hours. Thus, the coating will acclimatize and take the desired shape. Otherwise, there is a risk of deformation, swelling or warping of the coating.

Do-it-yourself gluing and installation of cork wallpaper

Initially, prepare all the tools for work and start cutting the canvas. In order not to lose precious centimeters of material, make markings on the walls and, in relation to it, determine an economical cutting scheme. When creating markings on walls, use a level.

The most difficult part is cutting the cork wallpaper. Cork is a rather fragile material; cutting it requires a sharp knife. Otherwise, the cuts will be sloppy. Place the wallpaper on a solid base and cut it on it.

Pre-arrange the cutouts for shaped elements in the form of sockets and switches. Cork wallpaper is glued taking care of the joints, the seams are processed using a special roller, the result should be a perfectly continuous surface.

If the contact version of the glue is used for work, then follow the instructions below for installing cork wallpaper:

• apply glue to the surface and level them;
• cover the underside of the wallpaper with glue;
• leave them for 10 minutes;
• Start gluing the wallpaper from the bottom, gradually moving to the top.

When working with cork wallpaper, consider the following factors:

1. In corner areas, cork wallpaper does not bend, as it is impressively thick. The two canvases fit tightly together.

2. Be especially careful while working, as glue that gets on the outer part of the wallpaper is almost impossible to remove.

3. After work, apply a wax or varnish coating to the wallpaper.

There are two methods of wallpapering:

• vertical;
• horizontal.

In any case, the key to successful wallpapering is the correct marking of the walls and cutting of the canvases. Wallpaper should be laid starting from the corner or floor. To cut off excess wallpaper, use scissors, as it is quite difficult to do this with a knife. If there are air bubbles, remove them by puncturing them with a needle, while using a syringe, carefully pour glue inside.

The drying time for wallpaper based on cork is about 48 hours; during this time, the presence of drafts in the room is unacceptable. Duration of operation of the coating is 12-15 years. After installing the wallpaper, be sure to coat it with vapor-permeable varnish. If there are stains, they are removed with sandpaper.

Installing cork wallpaper video:

To make your home more natural and natural, it is not at all necessary to choose a log house for construction. A simpler solution is to use cork wallpaper for the walls. Let's consider the features of choosing such coatings and options for their placement in the interior.

What it is?

Just a few years ago, cork wallpapers were not very popular, but now they are chosen quite often. Such coatings are made using cork oak, or more precisely, its bark. It grows on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, in Africa, Portugal, Italy, and Spain. Portugal is a recognized leader in the production of a wide variety of cork materials. Such wallpapers are also created in Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.

Advantages and disadvantages

Cork materials have many advantages:

• Variety of patterns, designs. Thanks to this, you can choose a coating that will ideally match a specific interior design. These materials always have an optimal temperature and are pleasant to the touch.
• Fire resistance. Cork wallpaper is resistant to fire, and at the same time it also prevents the spread of flame. Such coatings retain their original appearance, freshness for many years, and have no unpleasant odor.
• If you want to make your walls less soundproof, cork wallpaper may be an ideal option. They are even purchased for music studios.
• Durability. The structure of these materials has a unique property: they do not wear out and maintain their integrity for decades. What makes such coatings popular is their resistance to high temperatures, liquids, and chemicals.

• Cork materials absorb radiation from technical devices. This wallpaper is ideal for rooms where there are computers: offices, work rooms.
• These materials are environmentally friendly. They are often used in kitchens and children's rooms. Cork helps create a special microclimate, which has a very good effect on human health.
• Such wall coverings provide heat and sound insulation in the room. For this reason, they are well suited for panel buildings with increased noise permeability.
• Cork wallpaper provides a leveling effect. Due to the sufficient thickness of such coatings, they can be used to hide small defects in the walls.
• These coatings do not collect dust and are not electrified.

However, wallpaper made from cork has not only advantages. There are some disadvantages of such coatings:

• These materials should be waxed. Otherwise, various odors will still be absorbed into them.
• Cork coatings are not resistant to various mechanical damages. You need to remember this when choosing such materials for the room where children live - it is quite possible that the baby will want to scratch such an interesting surface.
• Some nuances when gluing such wallpaper on walls. Such coatings should not be bent, otherwise creases will occur. They can only be glued with special glue. Before gluing, it is recommended to store the wallpaper for some time to allow it to rest.
• Quite a high cost. Some people end up choosing cheaper wall coverings.

We can conclude that the benefits are much greater. This is why consumers are beginning to choose cork flooring more and more often.

Characteristic

The bark is removed from the plant, after which the “raw materials” are crushed and subjected to hot pressing. Heating releases natural glue - the binder in the finished coating. Cork wallpaper is created as follows: cork oak bark is applied to thick paper and a non-woven base.

In some cases, a special varnish or protective wax is also applied to the surface. This contributes to a significant increase in the wear resistance of coatings, Prevents mold, mildew, and waterlogging. Wax and varnish retain all the properties of cork for a long time; they will not interfere with air exchange. In some cases, the cork is additionally painted.

Kinds

There are three types of cork coverings. They differ from each other in the structure of the canvas, area of ​​use and size:

• Cork roll wallpaper for walls- the most common type. Consumers choose such materials especially often. These coatings come in three and two layers. In the first case, a foil layer is added to the layers of base and veneer that are already present, which is not very thick. It is located between them. There are voids and pores in the layer at the top, so there is a play of light, a beautiful shine. The foil can be silver, copper, gold.

• Liquid cork coatings in appearance it can be compared to liquid plaster. Using such materials, you can make the surface as smooth as possible and disguise various defects. There are no joints, which is also very convenient. These coatings include acrylic glue and cork chips. These wallpapers are universal and can be used in a variety of rooms.

Liquid materials are very convenient in the sense that if minor defects occur, you do not have to replace the entire coating. It is enough to carry out spot repairs.

• Consumers also choose cork panels. They consist of two layers. The top one is a thin veneer, which is additionally impregnated using a wax composition. Such materials are suitable for rooms with high humidity. The bottom layer is pressed cork.

Since there is no base, these coatings are considered quite fragile.

Colors and textures

Cork coverings are very pleasant to touch; they are associated with naturalness and nature. The natural pattern of such material is quite monotonous, but there are also tinted wallpapers.

There are different options available to consumers: from dark brown to sand tones. Cork is characterized by various small inclusions. Common shades are brown, gray, ocher. Many people choose natural colors because, if necessary, they can quickly find a similar coating and replace the wallpaper.

Another reason for the popularity of such materials is that they create a special atmosphere in the room and are combined with a wide variety of interior design options.

Decor options

The use of cork-based wall wallpaper in rolls and other types of similar coverings is possible in a variety of rooms:

• Kitchen. If you have chosen cork coverings for this room, you should also make sure that the kitchen set also has a natural pattern and natural color. The ideal style for a kitchen with cork wallpaper is classic.

• Kids room. Thanks to their remarkable soundproofing properties, naturalness, and freshness, such coverings are an excellent option for a children's room. Since there will be no disturbing sounds, the child's sleep will be sound and pleasant. These materials are hypoallergenic, which is also very important for babies.

However, be careful that little fidgets do not spoil the coverings or tear them off.

• Living room. Cork will make this room original and at the same time cozy and bright. Gathering with family and friends in such a room will be even more pleasant.
• Cabinet. As already noted, cork covers provide excellent sound insulation, so they are very well suited for such spaces. Since there will be no distractions from extraneous sounds, you can fully concentrate on your work.

What to combine with?

Cork covers go very well with a wide variety of surfaces: reeds, bamboo, wood, textiles, plaster, decorative stone. The natural color of the material can be combined with beige, sand, and brown shades. Cork coverings are especially often used for rooms decorated in a classic style. However, other options are also possible. You can purchase tinted wallpaper and combine it with any design you like.

How to choose?

When choosing suitable cork wallpaper, you should take into account the overall design and type of room. You should not use such coverings in small rooms - it is better to purchase lighter wallpaper for them from other materials, so the space will visually expand.

Alternate cork with coatings made from other materials, otherwise the design will be dull. Monochrome is no longer in fashion. Some combine beautiful patterns cut from wallpaper with cool shades.

Pay attention to the manufacturer of wall coverings. Products from well-known brands are more expensive, but their quality is usually much higher.

How to stick?

Cork coverings must be glued with care and attention. It is recommended to take into account the following expert advice:

• Unpack the wallpaper in the room where it will be hung. This way the material will be able to adapt, its temperature and humidity will stabilize.
• When planning to wallpaper, first prepare the surface. To do this, you need to remove the previous finish, putty the wall, apply a primer to it, and let it dry completely.
• A few hours before work, cut the wallpaper into strips. Place them on a surface that should be perfectly flat - this way you will eliminate the possibility of deformation. Then you will need to fix the markings on the wall.

• Do not forget that you need to stick the coverings from the window to the door structure.
• It is recommended to glue cork materials with an assistant. One of you will apply the glue, the other will glue the wallpaper.
• Such coatings must be pressed quite firmly to the surface. Make sure there are no air bubbles every time. You can use a rubber roller. If there are bubbles, you can pierce the coating where air has accumulated. Particular attention should be paid to the joints.