Cork is best installed on-grade or above-grade levels. Basements have a risk of occasional moisture migration from the slab. Moisture can cause glue-down tile to delaminate and cup. As a result, cork is not recommended for this application. Talk to your flooring specialist as you may be able to use a floating floor over a moisture barrier (a floating floor is not attached to the sub-floor and rests on top of the moisture barrier.)
For more information on cork flooring, please visit our blog, Flooring Guide.