Cork Flooring-Pros, Cons, Types, Installation Method
Cork Flooring:
- The cork which is used for flooring comes from the bark of a cork oak tree.
- Retains its natural properties regardless of processing
- An eco-friendly and green flooring option
- Renewable resource
- Beautiful, lightweight, and warm to touch
- Softer than hardwoods
Pros of Cork Flooring:
- Environment-friendly option and biodegradable
- Easy to install and maintain
- Excellent thermal and sound insulator: reduces noise transmission within rooms
- Offers more flexibility providing unique comfort in movement
- Anti-allergic and insect resistant
- Can be refinished several times
- Naturally resistant to fire
Cons of Cork Flooring
- Easily gets scratched or damaged
- Might not last as long as hardwood floors
- Likely to fade in direct sunlight
- Not a pet-friendly option
- Must be sealed to prevent swelling
Types of Cork Flooring
SOLID CORK BOARDS/TILES: Solid wood species
ENGINEERED FLOOR with 3 primary layers being the top layer with veneered cork
Flooring Style
PANELS: Available in various sizes with 1’x3’average
STRIPS: 5″wide x 48″long
TILES: usually square tiles 12″x12″ or 18″x18″
Aesthetics
Floor Surface Texture
DISTRESSED-surface has a textured feel, creating a rustic appearance
HAND SCRAPED-made to look old and worn, hand-scraped texture
SMOOTH: Smooth finish
WIRE BRUSHED-Scraping the surface with a wire brush, gently weathered and rustic look
Color
NATURAL CORK/UNSTAINED
STAINED WITH COLOR
Available in light, medium, and dark colors
Thickness
Varies from 12mm-20mm depending upon the type of construction, installation usage, etc.
Installation Type
- Click/Interlocking
- Floating Glue Joint
- Glue down
- Nail Down
