Cork Flooring: Some Basics You Should Know

Cork Flooring
by My Dream Home Registry

Cork flooring is one of the most remote flooring options out there today. For whatever reason, cork flooring never did quite catch on like regular wood flooring did, or even to the point of vinyl and laminate flooring. The reason why? There really is no given reason why cork flooring never did quite gain the popularity of its counterparts but it is important nevertheless to realize that cork flooring is just as viable a flooring option as any other material out there on the market.

If you are looking for a new option for flooring in your home, you should consider the many different benefits that cork flooring options. In order to help you along the way to a final decision, here are a few basic facts about cork flooring for you to consider:

COMFORT

Cork flooring is one of the most comfortable options for flooring in your home. The hard wood and ceramic flooring that is available in many homes is bad for your body in a sense, leading to sore muscles. There is not as much pliability under a wooden floor or a ceramic floor as there is with a cork floor, so when you take steps every time you set your foot on a cork floor helps absorb the shock of the step.

This makes it perfect for athletes or those who are nursing injuries, long and short term.

HEALTH

Cork flooring is one of the better options for your health as well. If you have allergies, cork flooring is great options as it does not allow mildew and mold to fester without being seen like many other flooring options do. Cork flooring does not attract dust or pollen, and the floors do not let small fibers go to irritate your sense. In addition, cork floors are hypoallergenic and they resist static electricity.

If you have issues with carpet fibers and the little mites that come in carpet, cork flooring is a good option. There is no place for them to hide, so when you sweep or clean, you sweep them away and don't have to worry about them anymore, getting into your eyes and nose and causing problems.

DURABILITY

Cork flooring is one of the more long last options for flooring in your home, if you know how to care for it. If you want a floor that can outlast you, cork flooring is a great option but you have to make sure that it is well maintained. There are professionals who specialize in caring for cork floors or you can get the materials to care for your cork floor on your own.

Cork flooring is not as prone to scratching or chipping as hard wood is, either so your mind can rest a tad bit more when it comes to the hap hazardous habits of your little ones.

EFFICIENCY

If you don't like the feeling of a stone-cold floor on an equally cold day, you should consider the benefits of cork flooring for your flooring needs. Cork flooring is known to be an excellent insulator, helping to keep the warmth and the cold in the house where it belongs. If you are looking at creating an energy efficient home, cork flooring is the floor covering option for you.

VARIETY

Whatever you need as far as flooring goes; chances are that you will have that option in cork flooring. You can buy cork flooring in just about any color and you can buy the cork flooring in planks like hardwood flooring or in tiles like linoleum or vinyl flooring. Cork flooring comes with a vinyl topcoat or a natural topcoat; either one is fine but people choose the vinyl-covered option for easier cleaning. This option is a bit more expensive than the natural, unfinished cork.

Whichever way you slice it, cork flooring is an excellent option for any person who is looking for a relatively inexpensive option for flooring in the home. Cork flooring not only more comfortable and insolent than regular flooring or carpeting, but it gives you the freedom of expression and versatility that vinyl and laminate flooring offer, with twice the quality. If you want a good, long lasting floor you should consider investing in cork flooring.

Installing and Maintaining Flooring More Easily (Cork Flooring)

Cork Flooring
by Ray J. Walberg

A lot of people out there when thinking of cork flooring, visualize a bulletin board. But that's not reality. Available at a large number of shades and color ranging from light to dark, the cork flooring has a beautiful material and texture. Custom designed to fit any type of interior décor; cork flooring comes at a variety of patterns and textures that includes pergo flooring like wood grain and marble patterns.

Advantages of Cork Flooring

A good insulating material, cork flooring keeps your house cool in summer season and warm in winter. Cork flooring brings down the energy bill in your home during winter due to its energy efficiency, which is more than that of discount wood flooring or Armstrong laminate flooring. Cork flooring also brings down the noises in another floor or room, as it's a good sound insulator.

In addition the material of cork flooring feels softer than stone or wood flooring, Bellawood or ceramic tiles. Your feet will feel wonderful on the cork flooring itself. A good place to put the cork flooring is in the kitchen. It's the place where you probably spend most of your time standing. Chances of breaking your brittle utensils if you drop them are lower than on stone flooring or tiles. Its resistance to fire is definitely an added bonus.

The cork wood tree's bark is used to make the cork and it is environmentally beneficial. These trees can mainly be found in Portugal and Spain. Without harming or cutting the trees, its barks are simply stripped away thus it doesn't affect the number of trees in anyway. The bark that has been stripped is replaced by new ones and in about nine years gets ready for the taking again.

Cork Flooring Installation

Cork flooring can be installed easily. The material is either glued or nailed during installing. Cork flooring can be done over concrete or wood. Making sure that the sub floor is dry is an essential criterion. To control moisture and prepare the surface, it's always helpful to apply a sealer. Cork tiles are easier to install as they can be simply peeled away and stuck again.

The adhesive can be spread with the help of a paint roller on the sub floor and the tiles can be placed next. The seams are hardly noticeable and one can use sharp knives to cut angles or corners for the perfect fit. Roll a 100 pound weighted floor roller on it once the tiles are properly placed. The floor roller can be rented from any tool-renting place. For added protection a clear urethane can be placed on the tiles as it helps to make the floor more water resistant.

Cork Flooring Maintenance

Maintaining cork flooring is easy as it's pretty easy to clean. Clear away the dirt by a sweep of broom and mop it with a damp cloth when required. After some years the finishing might start to wear off. Lightly sand the floor with floor sanders. After sanding thoroughly, give a urethane coating for floor protection. To make the floor more water-resistant add several urethane coating.