The Pros and Cons of Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is becoming popular, as it’s a green, renewable resource that doesn’t require old-growth forest or tropical rainforest lumber like hardwood floors do. Cork flooring is also biodegradable, meaning that it will break down into the environment at the conclusion of its life cycle.

If you’re thinking about cork flooring installation, read on to find out the advantages and disadvantages of using this material for your home.

Cost

Cork flooring runs $2 up to $12 per square foot. The price will depend on the quality of the cork, the quality of the finish and the thickness of the material. If you bring in a professional for cork flooring installation, this will add another dollar or two per square foot.

This is roughly the same as the cost of bamboo and less than most hardwood flooring. Some people go the DIY route with cork flooring to save a bit of money.

Appearance

Cork flooring has a natural and warm look that will fit with a wide range of spaces. Newer techniques have made cork that appears very similar to other surfaces like marble, hardwood and concrete. Similar to vinyl, a skilled installer can tailor the look of a cork floor to almost any style and use any color to fashion custom designs.

Maintenance

Cork flooring is fairly easy to take care of if installed properly. It only requires regular vacuuming or sweeping to remove dirt, debris and any other small particles. Mopping the floor every so often is also a smart idea.

Any spills on a cork floor should be cleaned up immediately to avoid staining. Sealing the cork floor does protect the surface some, and the seal coat needs to be periodically renewed. That said, sealing isn’t a perfect solution, and cork flooring can become discolored if not properly cared for. It’s also possible for high humidity to result in the flooring tiles to pop out or curl.

Durability

One of the drawbacks of cork flooring is its durability. If you have pets, one particular problem results from dog and cat nails scratching the surface. Moving heavy appliances or furniture can also result in damage.

However, keeping pet nails trimmed and using coasters on the bottom of furniture pieces can mitigate these problems. Refinishing the surface periodically also helps to give the flooring a new look and smooth over many of the imperfections.

Cork flooring installation

This material is made either from slices of cork or granulated cork that is mixed with a resin binding. Traditional cork flooring consists of tiles that are affixed to the floor with glue, similar to vinyl. Newer laminated cork consists of a combination of materials along with lock edges for a floating floor installation. The simplicity of installing cork flooring makes it a favorite among DIY enthusiasts.

Are you looking for beautiful cork flooring at a low price? Then check out The Wholesale House. We’re a premier destination for everything from carpet to hardwood to cork flooring. Stop by our showroom today to see everything we have on offer.

Categorised in: Cork Flooring

This post was written by Writer