Cork Sheets – Which Thickness Is Right for Your Project?
Cork sheets are extremely versatile and can be used for pinboards, wall coverings, insulation, underlays, craft projects, furniture construction and model making. But which thickness and cork grain are best suited to your project?
The right cork sheet depends on the intended application, the required stability and the desired surface finish. While thinner cork sheets are flexible and easy to work with, thicker sheets offer greater strength and improved thermal and acoustic insulation.
In this guide, you'll learn which cork sheet is best for different applications, which grain size to choose and what to consider when selecting, cutting and installing cork sheets.
Benefit from over 30 years of experience with natural cork and find the ideal cork sheet for your project.
5 mm
Ideal for:
- Craft projects
- Model making
- Wall decoration
- Lightweight pinboards
- Furniture and drawer liners
- Coasters
- Decorative applications
10 mm
Ideal for:
- Pinboards
- Wall coverings
- Backing for dartboards
- Sound insulation
- Decorative applications
- DIY projects
Properties:
✓ Highly versatile
✓ Good stability
✓ Easy to work with
15 mm
Ideal for:
- Premium pinboards
- Dartboard backings
- Craft and DIY projects
- Furniture making
- Tool inserts
- Decorative applications
Properties:
✓ Excellent stability
✓ Highly durable
✓ Ideal for demanding applications
20 mm Cork Sheets
Ideal for:
- Dartboard wall protection
- Machine pads
- Furniture making
- Tool inserts
- Sound insulation
- Creative projects
Properties:
✓ Very high stability
✓ Excellent sound insulation
✓ Suitable for heavy-duty applications
30 mm Cork Sheets
Ideal for:
- Technical applications
- Vibration damping
- Insulation projects
- Machine pads
- Custom-made solutions
Properties:
✓ Excellent load-bearing capacity
✓ Outstanding vibration damping
✓ Ideal for industrial and technical applications
40 mm Cork Sheets
Ideal for:
- Vibration isolation
- Thermal and acoustic insulation
- Mechanical engineering
- Technical applications
Properties:
✓ Excellent vibration isolation
✓ Outstanding insulation performance
✓ Ideal for demanding industrial applications
50 mm Cork Sheets
Ideal for:
- High-performance thermal insulation
- Sound insulation
- Machine foundations
- Industrial applications
- Custom projects
Properties:
✓ Maximum stability
✓ Excellent thermal and acoustic insulation
✓ Designed for heavy-duty industrial use
|
Application |
Recommended Thickness |
|
Crafts & model making |
5 mm |
|
Coasters |
5–10 mm |
|
Pinboards |
10–15 mm |
|
Dartboard backing |
10–15 mm |
|
Dartboard wall protection |
15–20 mm |
|
Wall decoration |
5–10 mm |
|
Furniture making |
15–20 mm |
|
Tool inserts |
15–20 mm |
|
Sound insulation |
20–50 mm |
|
Thermal insulation |
30–50 mm |
|
Machine pads |
20–50 mm |
|
Custom applications |
Depending on the application |
Why Does Korkie Use Fine-Grain Cork Sheets?
At Korkie, we primarily offer fine-grain cork sheets with a grain size of approximately 2–3 mm. For selected projects, even finer grain sizes may be available upon request, depending on stock availability.
The fine grain creates a smooth, even surface while providing excellent stability and a wide range of applications.
The Advantages of Fine-Grain Cork Sheets
The fine cork granules can be compressed much more densely during manufacturing. This results in cork sheets that are durable, stable and easy to work with.
Our fine-grain cork sheets are ideal for a wide variety of applications, including:
- Pinboards and memo boards
- Wall coverings
- Model making
- Craft and DIY projects
- Furniture making
- Coasters
- Tool inserts
- Dartboard backings
- Skateboard deck surfaces
- Custom technical applications
Fine-grain cork has proven particularly effective for pinboards, as drawing pins and push pins can be inserted securely while the surface remains stable and durable.
Why Don't We Offer Coarse-Grain Cork Sheets?
Coarse-grain cork sheets are manufactured from larger cork granules. This creates larger gaps within the material, making it impossible to compress the sheets as densely.
Based on our experience, coarse-grain cork sheets are often:
- Less stable
- More prone to breaking
- More difficult to machine
- More susceptible to edge chipping
For these reasons, we have deliberately chosen to offer high-quality fine-grain cork sheets. They provide superior material quality, a smoother surface and far greater versatility for a wide range of applications.
Our Recommendation
For almost every application—from pinboards and wall coverings to technical projects—we recommend fine-grain cork sheets. Their uniform structure, excellent stability and ease of processing make them the ideal choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professional users.
Manufacturing Size of Cork Sheets
During the manufacturing process, cork sheets are produced in large panels with a maximum size of approximately:
940 × 640 mm
At this stage, the sheets are untrimmed, meaning the edges have not yet been cut cleanly and may show slight dimensional variations or irregular edges.
This format is used exclusively during production and is not intended as a standard commercial size.
Standard Commercial Size
Before being offered for sale, cork sheets are trimmed to a precise, uniform size.
The standard commercial size is:
910 × 610 mm
The clean, accurately trimmed edges provide consistent dimensions, making the cork sheets easier to handle, cut and install.
This size has been the established industry standard for high-quality cork sheets for many years.
Which Cork Sheet Is Right for Your Project?
Cork sheets are available in a range of thicknesses. The ideal thickness depends on the intended application, the required level of stability and the technical requirements of your project.
At Korkie, we regularly stock cork sheets in the following thicknesses: 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 (remaining stock), 30, 40 and 50 mm.
In addition, custom thicknesses are often available on request. For example, we regularly supply customers with 16 mm cork sheets that are manufactured specifically for their individual applications.
1 mm Cork Sheets
Especially thin and flexible
Ideal for:
- Craft projects
- Protective liners
- Tile coasters
- Furniture protection
- Scratch protection
- Creative projects
Properties:
✓ Extremely flexible
✓ Minimal material thickness
✓ Easy to cut
3 mm Cork Sheets
The versatile all-rounder
Ideal for:
- Drawer liners
- Craft projects
- Model making
- Decorative applications
- Furniture protection
- Lightweight wall coverings
Properties:
✓ Flexible
✓ Durable
✓ Versatile for a wide range of applications
5 mm Cork Sheets
Perfect for creative projects
Ideal for:
- Wall decoration
- Coasters
- Model making
- Craft projects
- Decorative applications
- Lightweight pinboards
Properties:
✓ Stable yet flexible
✓ Easy to work with
✓ Ideal for DIY and decorative projects
10 mm Cork Sheets ⭐
Our Recommended Choice for Pinboards
Ideal for:
- Pinboards
- Memo boards
- Dartboard backings
- Wall decoration
- Home offices
- Schools
- Kindergartens
Properties:
✓ Our most popular thickness
✓ Excellent pin-holding performance
✓ Durable and easy to work with
15 mm Cork Sheets
Enhanced Stability
Ideal for:
- Premium pinboards
- Dartboard backings
- Tool inserts
- Furniture making
- DIY projects
Properties:
✓ Excellent stability
✓ Highly durable
✓ Ideal for demanding applications
20 mm Cork Sheets
For Workshops & Technical Applications
Ideal for:
- Dartboard wall protection
- Machine pads
- Vibration damping
- Furniture making
- Technical applications
Properties:
✓ Very high stability
✓ Excellent vibration damping
✓ Suitable for workshop and industrial applications
25 mm Cork Sheets
Limited Stock
This thickness is available only while stocks last.
It is particularly suitable for:
- Technical applications
- Special projects
- Custom constructions
Properties:
✓ Limited availability
✓ High stability
✓ Ideal for specialised applications
30–50 mm Cork Sheets
For the Most Demanding Applications
Ideal for:
- Thermal insulation
- Acoustic insulation
- Machine foundations
- Vibration damping
- Industrial applications
- Custom-made solutions
Properties:
✓ Maximum stability
✓ Outstanding thermal and acoustic insulation
✓ Designed for demanding industrial applications
Good to Know
Can't find the cork sheet thickness you need in our shop?
Just get in touch with us. Depending on the material and the manufacturer, custom thicknesses and made-to-measure cut sizes are often available on request.
This version reads naturally in English while matching the professional tone of the rest of your guide.
➡️ Need a Custom Size? Contact Us
✂️ 1–3 mm Cork Sheets
Easy to Cut with Scissors
Thin cork sheets can be cut easily using sturdy household scissors or high-quality craft scissors.
For straight cuts, a utility knife and a straightedge are also an excellent choice.
Ideal for:
- Craft projects
- Model making
- Drawer liners
- Coasters
- Decorative applications
🔪 5–10 mm Cork Sheets
Cutting with a Utility Knife
For cork sheets 5 mm thick and above, we recommend using a sharp utility knife together with a sturdy metal ruler or straightedge.
For the best results, make several smooth, controlled passes instead of trying to cut through the cork sheet in a single cut.
This produces clean, straight and precise edges.
Ideal for:
- Pinboards
- Wall decoration
- Dartboard backings
- DIY projects
🪚 15 mm and Thicker Cork Sheets
Cutting with a Saw
Thicker cork sheets are best cut using a suitable saw.
Depending on your project, the following tools are recommended:
- Jigsaw
- Band saw
- Scroll saw
Use a fine-toothed saw blade and work with a steady, even feed rate. This helps produce clean cut surfaces while keeping the edges smooth and stable.
Ideal for:
- Tool inserts
- Machine pads
- Insulation projects
- Custom-made applications
Good to Know
The sharper your cutting tool, the cleaner the cut. Replace dull blades in good time and always use a stable cutting surface to achieve precise results.
When working with thicker cork sheets, it's a good idea to test your cutting method on a leftover piece first. This allows you to check the cutting technique and achieve the best possible finish before cutting the final workpiece.
Find the Right Cork Sheet Thickness
|
Thickness |
Typical Application |
|
1 mm |
Crafts & protection |
|
3 mm |
Drawer liners & model making |
|
5 mm |
Wall decoration & decorative applications |
|
10 mm |
Pinboards |
|
15 mm |
Dartboard backings |
|
20 mm |
Workshops & technical applications |
|
30–50 mm |
Insulation & industrial applications |
Found the Right Cork Sheet?
Discover our range of high-quality cork sheets in various thicknesses and find the perfect option for your project.
Not sure which thickness is right for your application? Use the "Any Questions?" section on the relevant product page or contact us directly for personal advice.
The more information you can provide about your project—such as the intended application, required dimensions, substrate or preferred cork sheet thickness—the better we can recommend the most suitable product.
Together, we'll find the perfect cork sheet for your project.
🖌️ 1. Prepare the Substrate
Careful substrate preparation is the most important step in achieving a strong, durable and long-lasting bond.
The substrate should be:
- Clean
- Dry
- Sound and stable
- Level
- Free from dust and grease
Any uneven areas, loose paint, dirt or other contaminants should be completely removed before installation. This ensures that the cork sheets lie flat across the entire surface and achieve optimum adhesion.
Highly Absorbent Substrates
Highly absorbent surfaces such as plaster, plasterboard (drywall) and mineral substrates should be treated with a suitable primer (deep penetrating primer) before applying the adhesive.
This reduces absorbency, strengthens the substrate and promotes an even bond with the contact adhesive.
Our Tip: Allow the primer to dry completely before applying the contact adhesive.
Preparing the Cork Sheets
Before installation, we recommend storing the cork sheets in the room where they will be installed for approximately 24 hours. This allows the material to acclimatise to the room conditions and helps ensure the best possible installation result.
Before applying the adhesive, mark the exact position of the cork sheets. For larger installations, outline the area with a pencil or painter's tape. This allows the adhesive to be applied only where needed and makes positioning the cork sheets much easier.
Recommended Tools
For clean and accurate results, we recommend:
- Utility knife with a sharp blade
- Metal ruler or straightedge
- Carpenter's square
- Glue roller or notched trowel
- Pressure roller (optional)
- Sanding block for finishing the edges
Suitable Substrates
✔ Concrete
✔ Plaster
✔ Primed plasterboard (drywall)
✔ Wood and wood-based panels (e.g. OSB, MDF and plywood)
✔ Existing stable cork surfaces
🪣 2. Applying Contact Adhesive Correctly
For installing our cork sheets, we recommend using a contact adhesive. Unlike conventional adhesives, a contact adhesive does not bond immediately after application. Instead, it creates a permanent bond only when both coated surfaces come into contact.
Apply the adhesive evenly to both bonding surfaces—the back of the cork sheet and the prepared substrate.
Suitable Application Tools
- Glue roller
- Paintbrush
Immediately after application, the adhesive appears white. Allow it to flash off completely until the adhesive film becomes transparent. Only then is it ready for bonding.
Important: Once the two adhesive-coated surfaces touch, the contact adhesive forms an immediate and permanent bond. In most cases, the cork sheet cannot be repositioned or adjusted afterwards. Carefully align the sheet before bringing the surfaces together.
Another advantage of contact adhesive is its long open time. If the coated surfaces are kept clean and free from dust, they can usually still be bonded up to 24 hours after the adhesive has been applied.
Fresh adhesive residue can normally be removed with water. Always follow the manufacturer's application and safety instructions provided on the adhesive packaging.
💡 Good to Know
For cork sheets, we recommend an adhesive consumption of at least approximately 250 g/m², depending on the cork thickness and the type of substrate.
Please always follow the adhesive manufacturer's application instructions for the best possible installation results.
🧱 3. Installing the Cork Sheet
Once the substrate and cork sheet have been fully prepared and the contact adhesive on both surfaces has dried until completely transparent, you can begin the installation.
Important: The room temperature should be at least 18 °C (64 °F). For the best results, we recommend a relative humidity of approximately 50–60%.
Carefully position the cork sheet in its final location. As soon as the two adhesive-coated surfaces come into contact, the contact adhesive forms an immediate and permanent bond. The sheet cannot normally be repositioned or adjusted afterwards.
For this reason, place the cork sheet onto the substrate gradually and with care. Then press it down evenly over the entire surface. Finally, rub the complete surface firmly by hand or use a pressure roller to ensure a strong, full-surface bond.
Please Note
- Do not allow the adhesive-coated surfaces to touch before the cork sheet is correctly positioned, as they will bond immediately.
- Apply the contact adhesive only to the areas that will actually be bonded.
- Remove fresh adhesive residue immediately with a damp cloth.
- Do not allow uncured adhesive to come into contact with water during installation.
- Always follow the manufacturer's application and safety instructions provided with the adhesive.
Ready for Immediate Use
Once installed, the cork sheet is firmly bonded to the substrate and can generally be used or further processed immediately.
💡 Korkie's Expert Tip
A well-prepared substrate is the foundation of a successful cork installation. The more carefully you prepare the surface, the easier the installation becomes and the more professional and durable the final result will be.
Taking a little extra time during preparation will ensure your cork sheets perform beautifully for many years.
💡 Expert Tip from Our Workshop
During the flash-off time, make sure the adhesive-coated surfaces remain clean and dust-free. Even small amounts of dust, dirt or loose particles can reduce the bond strength and compromise the quality of the finished installation.
💡 Korkie's Expert Tip
For larger cork sheets, we recommend working with two people. This allows the sheet to be positioned accurately and placed onto the substrate in a controlled way, reducing the risk of the adhesive-coated surfaces making unintended contact.
Cork Rolls or Cork Sheets – Which Is the Better Choice for Your Project?
Both cork rolls and cork sheets are made from high-quality agglomerated cork and offer excellent natural properties. The best choice depends primarily on your intended application.
Cork rolls are ideal for covering large, continuous surfaces and offer excellent flexibility during installation. Cork sheets, on the other hand, provide greater rigidity and dimensional stability, making them the preferred choice for smaller projects, pinboards and technical applications.
Cork Rolls
Ideal for
- Large wall surfaces
- Wall coverings
- Camper van and motorhome conversions
- Thermal insulation
- Acoustic insulation
- Surface protection
- Flexible applications
Advantages
✔ Available by the metre
✔ Fewer joints
✔ Quick installation on large surfaces
✔ Easy to cut
Cork Sheets
Ideal for
- Pinboards
- Dartboard backings
- Tool inserts
- Furniture making
- Craft projects
- Coasters
- Technical applications
Advantages
✔ Excellent dimensional stability
✔ Available in a wide range of thicknesses
✔ Ideal for custom cutting
✔ Versatile for many applications
Our Recommendation
Cork Rolls
The best choice for covering large, continuous surfaces with as few joints as possible.
Cork Sheets
The ideal solution when stability, custom-cut pieces or smaller projects are your priority.
💡 Korkie's Expert Tip
Many projects benefit from combining cork rolls and cork sheets. Use cork rolls for large surface areas such as wall coverings, and complement them with cork sheets for pinboards, tool storage boards or decorative accents.
Can I Cut Cork Sheets with Scissors?
Yes. 1 mm and 3 mm cork sheets can usually be cut easily using sturdy household or craft scissors.
For cork sheets 5 mm thick and above, we recommend using a sharp utility knife. For thicker cork sheets of approximately 15 mm and above, a jigsaw, band saw or scroll saw is the best choice for achieving clean and precise cuts.
Which Cork Sheet Is Best for a Pinboard?
For standard pinboards, we recommend our 10 mm fine-grain cork sheets. They hold drawing pins and push pins securely while providing excellent stability and long-lasting performance.
For larger pinboards or areas that will be used frequently, 15 mm cork sheets offer additional strength and durability.
Can I Paint Cork Sheets?
Yes. Cork sheets can be painted using suitable wall paints or varnishes.
Please note that an opaque coating may partially or completely cover the natural cork texture and appearance. If you wish to preserve the distinctive look of cork, we recommend using a transparent or lightly tinted finish instead.
Can I Use Cork Sheets as a Dartboard Backing?
Yes. 10 mm to 15 mm cork sheets are an excellent choice as a dartboard backing, helping to protect the wall from stray darts.
For additional wall protection and improved impact absorption, thicker cork sheets can also be used, depending on your requirements.
Are Cork Sheets Waterproof?
Cork is naturally resistant to moisture thanks to its unique cellular structure. However, cork sheets should not be exposed to standing water or prolonged direct moisture unless they have been properly sealed.
For use in bathrooms, kitchens or other high-humidity environments, we'd be happy to advise you on the most suitable cork product and installation method for your project.
Are Other Cork Sheet Thicknesses Available?
Yes. In addition to our standard thicknesses, we can often supply custom and intermediate thicknesses on request, depending on availability.
For example, we regularly supply 16 mm cork sheets for specialised customer projects and technical applications.
If you require a specific thickness that is not listed in our shop, simply contact us—we'll be happy to check the available options and help you find the right solution.
Why Does Korkie Only Offer Fine-Grain Cork Sheets?
We have deliberately chosen to offer fine-grain cork sheets with a grain size of approximately 2–3 mm. They provide excellent stability, are easy to cut and machine, and are ideal for pinboards as well as many other applications.
In contrast, coarse-grain cork sheets are often less densely compressed, making them more prone to breaking, edge chipping and damage during processing. For this reason, we believe that fine-grain cork sheets offer the best combination of quality, durability and versatility for most projects.
Which Adhesive Is Recommended for Cork Sheets?
For installing our cork sheets, we recommend WAKOL D 3540 Cork Contact Adhesive (Item No. 7110). It provides a strong, permanently flexible and reliable bond on a wide range of suitable substrates.
Please always follow the manufacturer's application instructions to achieve the best possible installation results.
Need Advice About Your Cork Project?
Not every project can be answered with a general recommendation. Depending on the intended application, substrate or material thickness, different solutions may be suitable.
Please send us a brief description of your project. The following information is particularly helpful:
- the intended application,
- the required dimensions,
- the existing substrate,
- the required material thickness,
- and any special material requirements.
Have You Already Found a Suitable Cork Sheet?
On every product page in our shop, you will find the “Need Advice?” section. You can use it to send us a question directly about the relevant item.
This means we immediately know which cork product you are referring to and can provide faster, more specific advice.
Whether you need help choosing the right material thickness, require a custom cut or have questions about installation and processing, we are happy to support you with more than 30 years of experience with cork.➡️ Contact Us
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