Cork bark comes in a few different shapes, and picking the right one makes building a terrarium, mounting orchids, or finishing a craft project a lot easier. Here is a plain, no nonsense guide to what each type does and roughly how much to buy.
The main types of cork bark
Flats. Flat slabs that lean against the back of a tank, lie flat for orchid mounts, or stack into hides. The most popular pick and the easiest place to start.
Rounds (tubes). Hollow tubes that make instant hides, tunnels, and climbing spots. Great for snakes, geckos, and inverts.
Half rounds. Tubes split down the middle. They sit flush against glass for hides and ledges, which suits smaller reptiles and frogs.
Panels. Large sheets for covering real surface area, like a full terrarium background or a living wall for orchids and bromeliads.
Branches. Natural climbing structure. Use them as perches, bridges, and anchor points for vines or mounted plants.
Micro pieces. Small bits and chunks for filling gaps, propping up decor, and detail work on mounts and crafts.
Substrate and chips. A natural, springy top layer for bioactive setups that holds humidity and resists mold.
How much cork bark do I need?
Cork is sold by weight, so here is a rough starting point. Every build is different, but this gets you close:
- Small enclosure, 10 to 20 gallons: about 3 to 5 lbs
- Medium enclosure, 29 to 40 gallons: about 5 to 10 lbs
- Large enclosure, 50 gallons and up: 10 lbs or more
- Orchid mounts: 1 to 2 lbs covers several plants
- Full background or living wall: plan around the square footage of the wall
When in doubt, round up. Leftover cork always gets used, and buying a little extra saves you a second shipping charge.
Which type for which job?
- Reptile hides and tunnels: rounds and half rounds
- Terrarium background: flats or panels
- Climbing and perches: branches
- Orchid and plant mounts: flats, rounds, or branches
- Bioactive floor: substrate and chips
- Detail work and gap filling: micro pieces
Not sure? Grab a bundle
If you would rather not pick every piece yourself, our bundles pair the most popular cork together for common setups and take 5% off the total. They are the quickest way to get a full kit in one go.
Shop the cork bark bundles, or if you just want a good mix of shapes and sizes, try a Sellers Choice mixed box.