cork vs. wood flooring

Cork is a very light weight and low density material, with some very specific properties of its own: it’s soft, moderately resilient and particularly thermal insulating and sound proofing. Whenever these properties are important, cork is an excellent option as floor covering material.

A truly renewable product

Cork is the bark of the cork oak, a very common treen in countries like Spain, Portugal or Morocco. When its outer layer is removed, the bark regenerates and the tree is ready for harvesting within nine years. The cork’s removing doesn’t harm the tree, which make cork an entirely renewable resource.

Moreover, the cork used in flooring comes mainly from the cork wine bottle industry wastes, making cork flooring a product of recycling…

Cork flooring Pros

If sound proofing and thermal insulation are important to your floor application, cork may be a better option than wood or bamboo flooring.

Cork flooring allows very comfortable floors, even in bare feet, something only surpassed by radiant heated floors (but not by wood floors).

Cork Flooring Cons

Cork has– relatively to wood flooring, bamboo and other options – some important disadvantages: without a careful maintenance it scratches and yellows easily, and has a more limited lifespan.

Installation

The installation is an easy DIY job. Common 12" (30cm) squares allow a particularly easy installation. But you should pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions. There are very easy ways of installing cork flooring (even without glue) but warranties demand a proper installation …

New colors and appearances

Cork tile fooring Cork is no more just brown. Its appearance hasn’t change much with new manufacturing technologies, and some people do not love it, but if you like, there is now a varied set of colors.

Warranties and durability

Ten years of limited warranty is a common rule for cork flooring. Don’t expect larger warranties, and do not expect the cork floor to last in perfect conditions longer than the warranty. Only in little used rooms, with a very careful maintenance, that may happen.

Maintenance and precautions

Cork floors are very prone to scratches, and tend to yellow and fade when in direct contact with sun. In terms of maintenance, wood (hardwood) flooring is a better option…

Pay attention to manufacturer’s instructions involving maintenance, to avoid scratching, indentation, yellowing and signs of wear: protect your floor from excessive light and wide fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Humidity is an enemy of cork floors and spills should be wiped up quickly. Wet maintenance is forbidden, and you should sweep or vacuum frequently to avoid the buildup of damaging particles. Use proper and large protectors under the furniture’s feet or office chairs.

Whenever the floor starts to show signs of wear, you should renew the finish, adding a new coat, to prolong the flooring lifespan.

Prices

Cork flooring involve slightly cheaper prices than those of most woods. Prices in the range $3-$6 per square feet are common.

Uses

Cork flooring is largely used in family rooms, kitchens and office rooms. To avoid potential problems caused by humidity, abrasive dirt and particles, cork flooring isn’t used in bathrooms, basements or entryways.