Before You Buy Cork Flooring
Making a flooring purchase is a big decision, so it's important to do plenty of research before you select a new floor for your home. Your lifestyle, your home's decor, your family, and your budget are just a few of the things that can dictate which flooring products are best for you.
If you have any concerns about purchasing cork flooring, America's Floor Source is here to help address them. Read on to learn what you should consider when shopping for a cork floor.
Comfort of Cork Flooring
Cork is a soft material that absorbs footsteps, making it both quiet and comfortable. Because of the shock absorption qualities of cork, it is ideal for any room in your home where you or your family does a lot of standing (such as your kitchen) or crawling (such as in a playroom).
In addition to cork being soft, quiet, and comfortable, it is also a great insulator. Unlike ceramic flooring, cork flooring does not allow the heat inside your home to escape through the floors. This makes cork a great choice for those who live in cold climates.
Durability of Cork Flooring
During the manufacturing process, cork floors are coated with multiple layers of hard-wearing acrylic. This protective coating allows cork to stand up to the wear and tear of everyday life, looking good for years. By adding a new coat of polyurethane once every several years, you can make sure your cork floor will wear well and look great for decades.
Cork floors are typically more durable than hardwood floors. They provide more cushion and warmth underfoot than hardwood flooring and are also easy to maintain.
Cork is mold, mildew, and insect resistant, as well as fire retardant. Since it is hypoallergenic, cork flooring is the perfect type of flooring for people who have bad allergies. In addition, the natural makeup of cork makes it virtually impervious to water and other forms of moisture.
Environmentally Sustainable
Cork is a truly "green" building material.
Cork is harvested from the Cork Oak Tree, native to the Mediterranean region of the world. The part of the tree used for making cork floors is the bark. The bark can be safely removed every seven to fifteen years, when it naturally starts to split, causing no harm to either the tree or the surrounding habitat.
The cork used to produce most cork floors is actually the waste product from the production of cork wine stoppers.
Aesthetics
Cork offers a room a look that can be similar to both tile and hardwood, but uniquely cork. Although normally seen in variations of the natural cork coloring, cork is also available in an array of colors, from the subtle to the arresting.
In addition to color, one of the biggest differences in how a cork floor looks is how it is cut and applied. Cork is available in both planks and tiles. The two different styles can help create very different looks in a room.
Cork planks create a similar visual impact as hardwood or bamboo on your floor.
Cork tiles create a variety of attractive patterns and can be installed on walls or the floor.
Discoloration
When exposed to large amounts of direct sunlight, cork floors can change color. By using proper window treatments, or installing cork floors in darker interior rooms, one can minimize this effect. In addition, cork will naturally discolor due to age, so don't expect your cork floors to hold their color for many years to come.
Cost
If you're cost-conscious, you should note that cork is more expensive than its vinyl or carpet counterparts. However, it is a less costly alternative to hardwood and can offer a similar high-class look.
Unwanted Indentation
A common concern about cork flooring is indentation from heavy furniture. Cork is relatively durable, but heavy objects can leave noticeable and permanent indentations on the floors. It is important to place coasters underneath large pieces of furniture to help distribute the weight and prevent leaving unsightly imprints behind.
Total Cost
The square-foot or square-yard price of your cork is just one component of the entire project cost. Here's a list of other issues that can play into the final cost of your cork floor:
- Furniture Removal and Replacement
- Removal and Disposal of Old Floor Covering
- Sub-Floor Preparation (if necessary)
If you have any additional questions and would like to have one of our salespeople address your cork flooring concerns, feel free to give us a call at 877-237-2317 or send us a note through our contact us form.
