4 Advantages of Cork Flooring

Summary: Cork flooring is becoming a more popular option for homeowners for a number of reasons. A cork floor is generally easier to lay out and install. Cork floors are more damage prone particularly if you try to move a heavy object across it.

Q: I'd like to install cork flooring in my kitchen. I've never done it before but would like to get your opinion on whether or not cork offers any advantages or disadvantages over other flooring options. One of the reasons I'm looking at a cork floor is because of ease of maintenance and it's environmentally friendly.

A: The more I research cork flooring the more I wish I would have known about it when we did our last renovation. It's got a lot more positive attributes than it does negative and offers a lot to you - the homeowner.

And part of it is I remember some of the 'older' cork floors. They were nothing to write home about. But they have come so far with colors and designs and durability that it's hard to look past cork.

But, like you insinuated in your question, that doesn't make cork flooring right for every application. Here are some basic things to keep in mind when considering cork floor tiles.

Environmentally Friendly

As you mentioned, cork is an ideal product when it comes to being easy on the environment. Bamboo is another product that comes to mind also.

Cork is actually a term for the bark of the cork tree. They can harvest this cork (government regulations state every 9 years) without harming the tree itself. The bark regenerates itself and can be harvested again.

But, while the product itself is regenerated relatively quickly that doesn't mean the product is completely environmentally friendly, which is something that kind of goes unsaid in much of the literature. For example, cork tiles are usually laid down with adhesives. Also, many cork flooring manufacturers recommend that the cork be sealed after insulation. Not all of them have to be, but I would recommend it also.

Manufacturers also offer floating cork floors that use a tongue-and-groove-like option to 'click' the tiles together with no adhesive underneath These types of tiles are actually what the industry refers to as 'planks' and are nearly three feet long in most cases.

All in all, a cork floor is easier on the environment than many flooring options.

Softness

One of the first things you'll notice if you have a cork floor tile in your hand or underfoot is that it's soft. Much softer than anything on the market. Of course, this is a double-edged sword.

The softness is great if you are standing for any length of time. Also, the softness of cork is due to small air pockets in the product itself. Manufacturers claim that these pockets do not lose softness over time. So, if you stand in one spot on the floor or have something heavy on the floor for an extended period of time and then move it - the floor will 'bounce back' and smooth out to it's original smoothness. Obviously, if a regular wood floor is dented - it's dented for good.

Of course, cork isn't indestructible. One of it's downsides is that it can be cut relatively easy. So, if you move something heavy across the top of the tiles (piano, cabinet, etc.) you're asking for trouble - and damage.

However, don't think that because of this cork is somehow 'weak'. There are many instances of a cork flooring installation in higher traffic areas under public use.

Easier Installation

I would definitely consider installing a cork floor yourself as long as you have basic skills. The biggest issue you are going to run across (and this will be the case for any sort of tiled floor) is doing your layout lines.

Once you have the lines where you want them it's simply a matter of rolling out or brushing on the adhesive for the cork floor tiles to stick to the subfloor (either concrete or wood). Also, cork is a LOT lighter than tiles. And, unlike regular tile floors, you don't have to lay out special subflooring (a concrete backerboard like HardyBoard).

Cost

Like almost any product the cost of putting down a cork floor depends on the types of tiles you buy, finish, size and if you are able to put the floor down yourself.

Installing the cork floor yourself can likely save you $2.50 to $3.50 per square foot.

There are cheaper cork flooring options but again, you generally get what you pay for. With a cork floor I'd recommend buying more quality because you can save on the installation costs.

Water/Insect Resistant

If you live in a humid environment or an area with termite/insect problems cork would be a good choice because it has a substance called suberin, which naturally helps the cork from moisture breakdown. Also, insects don't like this natural substance. Also, if allergies are a problem in your home cork is hypoallergenic.