MF-SG-03 · Revision A · Prefinished cork tiles
Specifying New Generation cork tiles
Natural variation. A warm surface underfoot. Specify the tile, its format and the adhesive system as one coordinated interior finish.
Choose the finish
New Generation Cork is a prefinished, adhesive-backed cork tile range. The published product construction includes a decorative cork veneer, high-density agglomerated cork core, factory finish and micro-bevelled edges. Installation is glued down. [1, 2]
| Range example | Published nominal dimensions |
|---|---|
| Core / Calais Cream | 305 x 305 x 6 mm or 600 x 300 x 6 mm. [1] |
| Premier / Calais Cream | 600 x 450 x 8 mm or 600 x 300 x 10 mm. [2] |
| Premier / Madeira White | 600 x 600 x 6 mm. [2] |
| Premier / Twist Olive | 600 x 450 x 8 mm. [2] |
Choose the range and exact tile
The wider NG range includes Sandstone, Grey Stone, Calais Cream, Calais Alloy, Twist Olive, Madeira White, Madeira, Copenhagen, Harmony and Traditional. [3] Confirm availability, dimensions and batch before ordering. Review several tiles together: colour and texture vary naturally, and a single sample is an indication of the supplied material. [4]
Scope of this guide
This guide covers prefinished NG tiles. Raw cork, Comcork sheets and other cork systems require their own specification. Dimensions above are examples, not a size schedule for every colour.
Start with the substrate
For this guide, specify dry interior floor areas. Refer wet areas, exteriors, walls and other specialist applications for a separate product and system assessment. The following requirements coordinate preparation before the flooring installation.
| Substrate | Preparation and acceptance |
|---|---|
| Concrete and screeds | Prepare a sound, smooth, clean and permanently dry surface. Remove contaminants and coatings that impair bond. Repair holes and cracks with a compatible method. [5] |
| Levelling compounds | Use an accepted levelling system and allow it to dry and cure before laying cork. Do not use contact adhesive to fill uneven areas. [5] |
| Timber boards or framed floors | Assess structural stability, fixing and underlay requirements. Resolve movement and uneven joints before the adhesive work. [5] |
| Plywood and particleboard | Confirm suitability of the sheet assembly; inspect for swelling or delamination. Prepare joints and fasteners before installation. [5] |
| Existing resilient or tiled finishes | Default to removal or an agreed overlay. Obtain specific acceptance of any retained finish and the proposed preparation before pricing. |
| Moisture, heating and exposure | Record moisture results against accepted supplier and adhesive limits. Obtain project advice for underfloor heating, strong sunlight, moisture risk or unusual temperature conditions. |
Before work starts
Approve the colour, format, laying direction and junction details. Confirm stock and batches, substrate acceptance, moisture test method and limits, any acclimatisation requirements, and adhesive instructions. Agree responsibility for floor preparation and the finished levels at adjoining surfaces.
Build the complete system
Prefinished tile. A complete bonded installation.
- 01Factory surface finishRetain the selected prefinished surface
- 02Decorative cork tileVeneer and high-density cork body in selected format
- 03Tile adhesive backingFactory-applied backing is part of the bonding system
- 04Substrate adhesive and primerTradies Own contact adhesive and primer as directed
- 05Prepared subfloorAccepted dry, smooth and stable base
Typical NG installation concept, from exposed face to substrate. Follow the current tile, primer and adhesive instructions. [1, 5]
| Published reference | Meaning for specification |
|---|---|
| Adhesive system | Use the supplier-specified primer and contact adhesive. The published guide ties NG warranty to its supplied primer and glue. [5] |
| Factory finish | Prefinished NG tiles require no additional varnishing as part of the published installation. Any site topcoat needs written approval. [5] |
| Layout | Approve a trial set-out with staggered joints and a blended tile selection. Coordinate cuts, thresholds and perimeters before laying. [4, 5] |
Performance belongs to the assembled floor
Confirm the required slip performance, fire evidence and acoustic criteria with the project designer. Obtain current reports that match the selected tile, thickness, adhesive and relevant floor assembly. Avoid assigning a generic rating from a marketing claim. Resolve stair details, rolling loads, transitions, expansion provisions and wall installations separately where they are part of the project.
Suggested specification clause
Copy into the project specification
Provide New Generation prefinished cork tiles to the scheduled dry interior floor areas, installed by Medida Forma. Specify the exact range, colour, format, thickness and laying pattern in the finish schedule. Submit a multi-tile sample and current product and adhesive information before ordering. Include accepted subfloor preparation and the supplier-specified primer and contact adhesive. Inspect tiles before laying and refer defects before installation. Blend the accepted material and complete junctions, perimeters and transitions to approved details. Retain the factory finish unless an alternative treatment is approved in writing. Protect the completed floor and provide product, warranty and maintenance documents at handover.
Project selection schedule
| Selection | Project information |
|---|---|
| Finish code / location | Rooms and floor extent; separate stairs or walls |
| Tile selection | NG range, exact colour and supplier product reference |
| Format / quantity | Nominal length x width x thickness; order allowance |
| Sample / layout | Approved sample, batch blend, direction and stagger |
| Subfloor / adhesive | Preparation, moisture acceptance, primer and contact adhesive |
| Junctions / levels | Perimeters, thresholds, trims and adjoining finishes |
| Evidence / handover | Required reports, warranty terms, care and spare tiles |
Care, handover and warranty
Care
Sweep or vacuum with a soft brush attachment. Use a well-wrung microfibre mop with a mild pH-balanced cleaner suited to the factory finish. Remove spills promptly. Avoid soaking, steam mops, abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals. [6] Confirm any commercial cleaning process before use.
Handover
Provide product and batch references, installed layout, moisture and substrate records, primer and adhesive details, current warranty terms and care instructions. Agree any retained spare tiles for later repairs. Protect the floor from grit and dragging loads, and confirm suitable furniture protection and mats with the supplier. Have future coating or sanding assessed before work, particularly on coloured veneers.
Workmanship warranty
Medida Forma installations carry a 7-year workmanship warranty covering delamination and other installation defects, provided the issued care instructions are followed. Structural movement in the building is not covered. Manufacturer product warranties apply separately.
Performance evidence
Review the current supplier warranty conditions for the selected product and use. Warranty duration is not a slip, fire or acoustic rating. Obtain actual certificates and test reports where required, rather than treating general sustainability or performance descriptions as project evidence.
Sources
- [1] NG Calais Cream product information: construction, dimensions and installation system.
- [2] NG Premier Collection: product-specific format and thickness options.
- [3] New Generation Cork range: range overview and current selections.
- [4] Cork Imports policy and information hub: natural variation and sample interpretation.
- [5] NG Installation and Maintenance Guide: supplier installation, adhesive and care guidance.
- [6] Cork Imports cleaning and maintenance: routine cleaning of cork floors and walls.
MF-SG-03 Revision A, 11 November 2026. This guide is not manufacturer certification or a project construction specification. Confirm current manufacturer instructions, and obtain evidence for the actual assembly, before tender or construction issue.
Talk to us about the specification.
Request physical samples, a showroom visit, a studio presentation or support with substrates, junctions and budget pricing for your project.