Yes, when you can't find consistent information about cork flooring and when retail establishments haven't a clue, it can be confusing.

Look closely at the laminated construction of some cork tile. Sometimes the color and design are under a clear PVC or other clear film wear surface. Specifications ought to be able to tell you what the wear surface is made of and its typical thickness.

You also have the option of natural cork tile that is stained and waxed or unfinished that is then 'decorated' and finished on site with a two part commercial waterborne polyurethane. (see, more confusion).

I have experience adhering genuine sheet linoleum to sheet cork underlayment, but no experience adhering cork tile to such. Would it work?...perhaps... What you need to know is that cork tile with a cork backing must be installed with a contact-type adhesive or what the tile manufacturer specifies. When using contact adhesive, the adhesive is applied to the back of the tile and to the substrate. After the adhesive has dried for the amount of time required, the tile can be set in place. Look for installation instructions on the manufacturer websites you visit for detailed information.

Best of luck.

Glennsfc,
Thanks for replying to questions.
It's so difficult to decide whether appearance or durability is more important. Maybe I'll buy a few tiles and play around with them (duh).

canishel
Why not consider floating your cork floor right on your vinyl sheet?

UniqueWoodGuy,
Thanks for your suggestion.
Now I'm leaning towards floating cork instead of glue type. Apparently, the distinction between glue and floating is similar to the old Chevy vs Ford debate. Each has its advocates.

As far as putting the cork over vinyl, no. There are at least three layers of flooring now. The additional level would not look good against the adjacent flooring. There are other parts of the house that affect this decision as far as floor heights are concerned. I can't fix the other screwups; all I want to do is make the variations look intentional.

You mentioned off-white. Not sure where you're located, but if you can get Torly's, they make a gorgeous Burl African Ivory that comes in squared edged planks and beveled edge planks. We've got it with the bevel edge and it's really sharp. I like what the burled patterns do for the floor as they have so much variation.

Silvercanadian,
Torly's stuff is gorgeous! There are no dealers around here, but I sent Torly's an email.

Thanks for the info.

We take possession next week and my intention is to take pics before we get all of our furniture in. So, once I get pics of our ivory cork, I'll come back and post a pic here for you. We've got Torly's in our current house as well, but it's one of the tan shades which isn't what you're looking for so you'll have to wait until we're in the new place for the pic!

Either of you have pictures of your cork?? I'd love to see pictures and see how you like it so far!! Canishel, I'd love to hear what you went with. I too am having the same tile vs floating debate.

RockiesMama,
I'm going with floating, probably APC's Apollo White. It's not really white, just the lightest cork color they make.
Won't be installed until Sept/Oct, so no pix.

If anyone has any comments about my choice, please let me know.
Thanks.

Here is a link that might be useful: apc cork

Go to houzz.com, and do a search for "cork" or for "cork floor." You'll see some looks you like, and probably some you want to avoid.

attofarad,
Thanks for the reference!

awesome website! Thanks attofarad