Cork Flooring

What is Cork?

Cork is simply the bark from the cork oak tree, and, much like bamboo, cork flooring is fast becoming a trendy option for homeowners. Cork is best known for being a renewable resource; the cork tree is not destroyed during the harvesting of the cork, but rather the bark is simply peeled away from the tree. The tree bark grows back, and is available for harvest again in about nine years, as mandated by governmental agencies.

Known for its resiliency, cork is surprisingly tough. Used to cap wine bottles, it has the ability to bounce back into shape after being squeezed or stepped on. Because of the honeycomb-like shape of cork, the many little pockets of air act as a cushion under the feet. Cork flooring is made to withstand the weight of heavy objects, and unlike hardwood flooring, can often self-seal dents and minor scratches made to the surface.

Benefits of Cork Flooring

When homeowners consider which flooring to use, they often first think about the factors of cost and durability. Unfortunately, many eventually realize their mistake when their expensive hardwood floors become damaged by water, pets, or furniture.

Choosing cork for your flooring will give you the best of all worlds. You can sometimes save considerably because of its renewability, protect the environment, and even improve your health and your home’s resale value.

• Environmentally Friendly - If you are interested in protecting the environment, you’ll be happy to know that the cork oak tree is not harmed in the production of cork flooring. The bark from the tree is harvested approximately once a decade; considering that a cork oak tree lives to be about 200 years old, it produces much more usable resources than one oak or walnut tree.

• Allergen Resistant - Those with susceptibility to allergies will like that cork is known for repelling dust mites and other allergens. Cork has a natural substance in it called Suberin. This waxy substance is anti-microbial, and repels mold and termites.

• Resale Value - Many homeowners who switched from carpet to tile only to be disappointed in their floors always being cold can now rejoice. Cork flooring is well known for its thermal insulation properties. The material is soft and warmer underfoot than tile, and is comforting to your bones and joints as you walk on it. It also may help your resale value by adding soundproofing qualities, as the honeycomb structure aids in eliminating the extra noise that tile creates in an open expanse.

Installation Options

There are two types of cork flooring installation available: floating or glued. The condition of the floor you are covering and whether it is existing flooring or sub-floor will be the primary factors in determining which installation to use in your home.

• Floating - Floating boards that interlock, much like the newest laminate floors, are a popular option for installation over most types of sub-floors, as well as dirty or grimy existing floors. The floating cork can be installed over existing vinyl sheets or tiles, or above sub-floors that may be slightly cracked, uneven, or otherwise not perfectly clean and prepared.

• Glued - Installing cork with glue is recommended for smooth and clean sub-floors that have been properly prepared with sealing or sanding if needed. There can be no dirt, wax, or other residue on the surface prior to installation.

Care and Maintenance

Surprisingly, little needs to be done to keep your cork floors looking beautiful for years to come, though like all floors, there are some important points to remember.

• Keep excessive moisture from coming into contact with your floor, and install moisture barriers when installing cork in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
• Though the finish on cork floors can become scratched, they are more resilient than hardwood floors. Avoid dragging items across the floor, and use footpads to lessen the compression marks made over time by heavy furniture such as pianos.
• Remember that cork flooring can fade in excessive direct light, though many older floors can be refinished.