Cork Flooring: Pros and Cons of Cork Flooring

by Karen Lawson

Cork Flooring: Pros and Cons

Cork flooring offers a resilient alternative to traditional carpet and hardwood floors. A product of trees that can live for 500 years, the material used for cork flooring is actually bark naturally shed every nine to 15 years. Choosing a cork floor can provide benefits and drawbacks. Here are some things to consider when deciding if a cork floor is right for your needs.

First, the Good News

Cork flooring provides and attractive and resilient alternative to traditional flooring materials. It can also be used as sub flooring to provide "spring" beneath hardwood and carpeted floors. When used as a flooring surface, it provides cushion and "give" not provided by less flexible flooring materials, including ceramic tile, hardwood and cement.

Hypoallergenic

Cork flooring is hypoallergenic and resistant to the mold and mildew commonly associated with other types of flooring. Cork flooring is made from the bark of cork oak trees, which is resistant to invasive organisms as a means of protecting the trees This does not mean that cork floors remain 100 percent problem-free. It is important to follow manufacturer's guidelines for installation and maintenance of your cork flooring.

Versatile and Durable Flooring

If you are looking for attractive flooring that blends with your decor and stands up to a busy household, a cork floor can be a great choice. Available in dozens of natural tones and man-made colors, cork flooring requires little maintenance and is typically more durable than wood. Cork flooring provides more "give" than hardwood, and is warmer to the touch, too.

Potential Drawbacks

Cork flooring costs more than linoleum and carpeting, and there are potential issues concerning its use and placement. A significant issue with cork flooring can occur when heavy furniture is placed on it. If you're going to place heavy objects on cork flooring, it is important to use coasters under furniture legs to distribute the weight, or your cork flooring could become indented with imprints from heavy furniture. Similar damage can occur if heavy objects are dropped on cork floors.

No Wet-Mopping

You can't use a wet mop to clean cork floors as any water absorption can damage cork flooring. Spills and stains can be cleaned with a damp rag. Cork flooring is typically finished with polyurethane, which protects it from damage, but as with other flooring, removing spills promptly can reduce the possibility of permanent damage.

Potential Discoloration

Cork floors can change color if exposed to direct sun, and may gradually discolor due to age. When planning how to use cork flooring, consider sunlight exposure. Protecting your cork floor from long hours of strong sunlight can prevent discoloration.

Comparing Costs and Warranties

When selecting cork flooring, check manufacturer's warranties and compare cork to other types of flooring suitable for your floor. Cork offers an unusual appearance, warm surface, and can enhance most decor, but it can be permanently damaged by heavy objects and sustain discoloration if consistently exposed to strong sunlight. Evaluate your planned use of cork flooring by considering its benefits and potential flaws to determine if cork flooring is an appropriate investment for your home.

Cork Flooring