A Step by Step Guide to Installing Cork Board Walls

Start by selecting your cork material—rolled cork sheets or mounted cork panels—based on your desired thickness and application. Use a level and measuring tape to ensure accurate alignment of the surface. Mark your wall accordingly.

Prepare your wall surface by cleaning it thoroughly and making sure it is dry. For best results, use a strong adhesive or construction glue to secure the cork to the wall. If you're using panels with backing, follow manufacturer instructions for installation.

Cork is not only durable and eco-friendly, but also offers excellent acoustic and thermal benefits. With a variety of sizes and thicknesses available, you can build a fully functional corkboard wall that’s as practical as it is beautiful.

Below, find our simple step-by-step guide to installing cork board walls. Add warmth and function to your home with an eco-friendly, anti-microbial choice for walls and flooring. Resistant to moisture and hypoallergenic by nature, cork walls are a safe material commonly used in home decor and interior design. Get started today with your own DIY cork wall!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Cork roll or cork sheet
• Adhesive
• Utility knife
• Hook blade
• Masking tape
• Seam and strip cutter
• Tape
• String & chalk (plumb line)
• Roller

CORK PREPARATION

• Measure your wall or desired area to be covered
• Cut your cork sheet or cork roll roughly 2-3 inches longer than needed to ensure a perfect trim at installation
• Massage out any end curl in your cork material – this will eliminate any puffing, which can prevent your cork sheet from completely adhering to the wall surface
• Precisely cut your cork sheet or roll to your desired measurements. Be careful! Always be sure to cut off the factory edge and keep your materials clean for installation!
  • First, score your cork roll using a utility knife to trace over your exact measurements
  • Next, use a hook blade – holding at an angle – to slightly undercut the edge. Cut completely through your cork material.
• If you need to install multiple cork sheets or rolls onto to a larger wall, use masking tape on the floor to match up your pieces, overlapping them by an inch or so. Use a seam and strip cutter  to cut your seam, creating a tight fit between the two cork pieces.
• Before moving to install on the wall, mark your cork rolls with tape stretched across the seam. Cut to separate. You now can match these markers during installation to ensure a proper fit.

WALL PREPARATION

• Remove all dust and dirt from your wall. Clean your wall thoroughly prior to installation to prevent any failure in adhesive! Test your adhesive in a small area to ensure surface is ready for installation.
  • Painted surfaces – slightly sand down to help adhesive grip
  • Porous surfaces – prime prior to applying adhesive
  • Wallpapered surfaces – remove wall covering and sand off any residue
• Use a plumb line to determine a vertical guideline for installing your cork. Use chalk to mark this line.

INSTALLING CORK ONTO THE WALL

• Hold up your cut cork roll to the wall along the marked vertical line. Outline the remaining edges.
• Apply cork adhesive to wall one area at a time. Adhesive must be wet for cork installation. If adhesive dries to wall prior to installation, scrape off and reapply.
• Carefully line up your cork roll to its final resting spot on the wall, and press onto adhesive.
• Finally, use a wall roller to firmly press the material onto the wall, working out any bubbles.

Enhance Your Cork Wall Setup

To get the most out of your cork wall installation, consider how you'll use the space to display important items or organize your thoughts visually. Whether you’re adding a single panel or covering an entire wall, the ability to mount documents, notes, and visuals with pushpins makes cork a highly versatile and efficient solution.

Plan your layout ahead of time to match your space’s needs—be it a classroom, home office, or creative studio. Cork panels can be trimmed or arranged to fit custom dimensions, and the surface provides a firm grip for tacks and pins. Use appropriate tools to secure each piece during installation and ensure a smooth attachment to your chosen backing material.