Cork flooring isn’t a radical idea.Cork flooring has just lately gained popularity in the United States, despite the fact that it has been used for decades.
There are numerous varieties of flooring to select from. Cork floors, on the other hand, may be the greatest choice if you value ease of upkeep, affordability, and natural materials. Cork is hypoallergenic and can help you avoid getting the sniffles if you have allergies. One of cork’s more unusual uses may make you feel as if you’re walking on air: flooring made of cork.
By skimming through this page, you can have your tools ready for some fascinating ideas about flooring made of cork. This article will provide you with some suggestions and recommend the Best Remodeling company just for you.
Table of Contents
I. What is cork flooring?
Cork is made from the bark of the cork oak tree, which is taken from living trees in commercial plantations on a regular basis. As a result, cork is an entirely natural, regenerative, and easily replenishable material. Cork is crushed, compressed, and shaped into sheets joined with resins to make flooring goods.
If you really want a warm, appealing flooring material with a relaxed, informal appearance, cork is a fantastic alternative. Cork is a rather soft substance that develops a coat of wearing over time, therefore it is not the correct flooring choice if you insist on a flawlessly spotless floor.
II. Costs of Cork Flooring
Cork flooring planks or tiles can cost ranging from $2 to $12 per square foot, based on the thickness of the plate, the cork quality, and the polish quality. Professional installation is relatively inexpensive, costing between $1 and $2 per square foot.
The average cost of installing cork flooring in a 100-square-foot room is $950, or $9.50 per square foot, across the country. This is about the same price as a bamboo floor and slightly less than typical hardwood floors. However, unlike hardwood or bamboo, cork flooring allows many homeowners to save money on professional installation.
III. Advantages & Disadvantages of Cork Flooring
Pros
Soft, cushioned surface
Cork offers a soft, springy feel under your bare feet that is both comfortable and low-impact. It’s also a fantastic choice for areas where you spend a lot of time on your feet, such as a home office with a standing desk.
Installation is simple for most do-it-yourselfers, whether you choose cork tiles with an adhesive or those with a tongue-and-groove method, which helps keep costs down. And, after the floor is installed, cork’s thermal characteristics keep the room warm even in cold weather, potentially lowering your winter heating expenditures.
Cork floating floors are perfect for areas of your home where you’ll be standing for long amounts of time, such as kitchens, laundry rooms, and workshops, because they function as a cushion underfoot and reduce strain in your back and legs.
Pricing that is comparable
Cork flooring costs between $2 to $8 per square foot, which is comparable to other flooring options such as bamboo or carpet. However, when compared to the costs of some hardwood flooring, cork will almost surely save you money.
Vinyl and laminate flooring are less expensive, but they don’t always provide the same benefits, especially if you want to use natural materials in your home.
Natural Materials Were Used
The bark of the cork oak tree is used to make cork floors. These materials are environmentally friendly, allergy-friendly, and biodegradable, which means they will naturally decompose after their time in your home is up. They’re also long-lasting, with cork floors lasting up to 40 years if properly cared for.
Cork adds a natural appearance to your home that works with a variety of styles. If you like soft pastels, the cork will go well with them.
Cork tiles complement a wide range of interior design styles
Cork flooring comes in a variety of colors and grain patterns, allowing for endless design choices. Cork may be used to create almost any floor theme that can be created with paint or ceramic tiles, such as checkerboards, stripes, or chevrons.
Allow your imagination to run wild! Some owners even experiment with the cork’s pattern to produce a look that resembles exotic wood grains such as tiger maple or stone striations such as marble or granite.
Whatever design you choose, you’ll love the startled looks on your guests’ faces when they first walk into a room.
Water-Resistant
Cork is used to seal wine bottles since it is naturally water resistant. As a result, it’s a great option for places where kids may play or eat. Just make sure to mop up any spills as soon as possible.
Simple to Maintain
Regular sweeping and vacuuming, as well as mopping with water or a mild wood floor cleaner, are all you need to keep your cork flooring clean. Harsh chemicals (such as ammonia or bleach) might do serious damage to your cork.
Solid Longevity
Cork is naturally springy and often returns to its original shape, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. Small scratches, unlike hardwood, will fade into the design of the floor.
Noise is reduced with cork flooring
Cork’s acoustic qualities make it an excellent choice for any home where echoing is an issue—for example, in minimalist designs with hard laminate floors, few rugs, and draperies, or in apartment buildings where downstairs neighbors shout out at the slightest footfall.
The pitter-patter of small feet becomes a bit less thunderous with a layer of cork underlayment, and the material’s pliancy, together with whatever cork underlayment you choose, would be an added bonus should any tot happen to stumble. Installing a cork floor in bedrooms, bathrooms, and laundry areas is a great idea, whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.
Cork flooring is environmentally friendly
Some homeowners are concerned about promoting deforestation or harming the environment by installing hardwood floors in their houses. Unlike most other trees, cork trees, which are native to Spain and Portugal, have a type of bark that regenerates after harvesting and can be trimmed again in nine years.
Cork floor tiles are created from cork wine-stopper scraps and are a fully sustainable solution for homeowners looking for environmentally friendly materials. This means you can enjoy all of the advantages of natural cork flooring without having to worry about the environmental effects of your home’s flooring materials.
Cons
Sensitive to Light
If you want to keep your curtains closed to let in natural light, cork flooring may not be the best choice for your home. Floors that are exposed to a lot of sunshine are known to fade and develop bright patches over time, and no one wants a discolored, patchy floor.
To Avoid Swelling, It Must Be Sealed
While cork is naturally water-resistant, if your flooring is left wet for long enough, it will absorb liquids. Once the liquid has been absorbed, your cork floors may expand or come apart. This can be expensive, as flooring repairs might cost up to $500.
Not as long-lasting as some types of flooring
Although cork is a long-lasting substance, synthetic materials such as vinyl and linoleum can sustain the weight of big things better than cork. Moving heavy furniture, such as a couch, around your living room could leave lasting dents on your cork floors.
Cork, like other forms of hardwood that expand and contract with the seasons, can expand and contract as a result of moisture.
It won’t be ideal for pet owners
Cork is probably not the greatest material for your floor if your dog likes to zoom around the home or if your cat wants to stretch and scratch. Your pet can easily cause irreversible damage to portions of your floor.
When installing a cork floor, polyurethane or wax sealants are usually included. Every two to three years, these must be reapplied.
IV. Maintenance of Cork Floors
The following is a general outline of proper cork floor maintenance, which just necessitates frequent vacuuming and moist mopping:
- Vacuum, sweep the floor once a week.
- Mop the floor once a month with a damp mop, but don’t use a lot of water.
- Clean the floor with a damp mop and a PH-balanced detergent or mild soap, making sure there are no abrasives such as grit or sand on the surface.
- Harsh cleansers, such as abrasives, oil, or ammonia-based cleaning agents, should never be used. Use only cleaning products that have been recommended by the manufacturer.
V. Selecting a Professional Remodeling Company
Remodeling is an excellent method to raise the value of your home while also creating a lovely green space where you can relax.If you are struggling to come up with cork flooring ideas by yourself, you can search for some related Remodeling companies or the constructor to address your problem.
There are a plethora of remodeling companies to choose from on the Internet, or you can browse for some businesses in your area. It’s a problem if you try to find a remodeling company on the Internet and nothing comes up. When you read the feedback of the company you want to hire and notice a lot of positive feedback, that’s a good clue that they’ll do a fantastic job with attractive design related to your hobbies.
Remodeling Pros NW is the top-ranking remodeling company I’ve experienced and their service totally satisfied me. Therefore, I would like to share with you guys and the makeover project later will absolutely attract your eyeballs at first sight due to their best service for creating many small bathroom ideas. I hold the belief that such a value-for-money home improvement cost won’t let you down!
To contact Remodeling Pros NW for a detailed quote and consultant about master bathroom ideas here is some information you might need:
Phone: 206 617 6607
Email: info@remodelingprosnw.com
Website: https://remodelingprosnw.com/
Working Hours: Monday- Friday 9:00-18:00