Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is rarely the first thing that comes to mind when replacement flooring is being considered, but for kitchens and bathrooms it can be the perfect choice. This is because the durability of cork flooring is second to none, plus it is warm underfoot and resistant to moisture when sealed properly. What makes natural cork flooring an even more attractive choice is that it comes in a wide range of styles, colors and finishes.
Choosing the right types of cork flooring
Cork flooring generally comes in one of two forms, as described below:
- Cork tile flooring – cork tiles are very simple to lay in any room and are widely available in a range of sizes and colors. This type of cork flooring is best suited to bathrooms and smaller kitchens but it is also commonly used in loft conversions.
- Cork plank flooring – cork planks are much larger than tiles and can be awkward to work with in smaller areas. For this reason they are much better suited to larger kitchens and any other rooms that would benefit from a wood planking effect.
Once you have decided whether to have cork tile flooring or cork plank flooring you then need to decide on finished or unfinished cork. Finished cork flooring is already sealed and lacquered when you receive it but this added benefit does add to its price. If you prefer however you can buy unfinished cork and apply the sealant and lacquer layers yourself.
Cork flooring installation
Until relatively recently, cork flooring installation involved cork pins, glue, and quite a lot of mess. Today however most people opt for a newer form of flooring called floating cork flooring. The term ‘floating’ is used because the cork tiles or cork planks aren’t actually nailed or glued to the underlying floor. They simply sit on the floor making them incredibly easy to remove should you need to. The floating cork flooring sections (tiles or planks) are held together with a ‘click’ system, much like the tongue-and-groove system used to join laminate flooring. So to install natural cork flooring you simply click the sections into place and add beading around the edges to hold the entire floor down.
Apart from looking very stylish, cork flooring is a great thermal insulator. This means it is warm to walk on and it will help to keep heat within the room it is installed in. Cork is also a sustainable product and an environmentally friendly one. In fact, one tree can be harvested for up to 200 years – which is more than can be said for most other types of hardwood. So, not only does cork flooring benefit your home, it also benefits the environment and the world around you.
