Cork Flooring Unveiled: Types, Benefits, and Tips

Cork flooring is a fantastic choice for those seeking eco-friendly, stylish, and practical options. With its unique blend of comfort, durability, and aesthetic appeal, cork can transform any space. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of cork flooring, discuss installation methods, and reveal why so many people love this sustainable material. Let’s dive into what makes cork flooring so awesome!

Types of Cork Flooring

Generally speaking, cork flooring comes in three different mediums: cork tiles, cork planks, and cork sheeting.

1. Cork Tiles: These individual tiles can be arranged in various patterns and come in different sizes and thicknesses. They are often finished with a protective layer for durability.
2. Floating Cork Planks: These planks use a click-lock system, similar to laminate flooring, making them easy to install without adhesive. They offer a seamless look and are great for DIY projects.
3. Cork Sheets: Typically used in commercial spaces, these sheets provide a smooth, continuous surface. They are glued down and usually require professional installation.

Each one can be installed in a variety of different ways, and like most wood flooring types, they can also be constructed as either solid or engineered products. 

Cork Flooring Installation

Installing Cork Tiles

Cork tiles are installed using the glue-down method. 

Start by ensuring the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Spread a suitable adhesive evenly on the subfloor and carefully lay the tiles, pressing them firmly into place. It’s essential to leave a small gap around the room’s perimeter for expansion. 

After installation, allow the adhesive to cure fully before walking on the tiles. This method provides a stable, durable surface and is ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic.

Fortunately, lots of manufacturers are now offering peel-and-stick cork tiles for the DIY crowd. These come in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors, and you install them the same way you install peel-and-stick carpet tiles! 

Installing Floating Cork Planks

Floating cork planks are popular for their ease of installation, as they feature a click-lock system similar to laminate flooring. 

Begin by laying an underlayment to provide cushioning and moisture protection. Then, fit the planks together, locking them in place without any adhesive. This floating method allows the flooring to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes, making it suitable for most environments. 

It’s a great choice for DIY enthusiasts due to its simplicity. Plus, as a “floating floor”, they can be installed over existing surfaces, which is super convenient.

Installing Cork Sheets

You can also purchase cork flooring in sheets or rolls. 

These are most frequently used for commercial applications or as an underlayment, but they can make an amazing surface as well. 

Installation involves applying a strong adhesive to the subfloor and carefully laying the sheets to avoid air pockets. Professional installation is recommended to ensure a seamless finish and proper adhesion. 

The Cost of Cork Flooring

The exact cost of cork flooring varies depending on several factors, such as type, quality, and brand. On average, prices range from $3 to $12 per square foot. 

Cork tiles and sheets tend to be on the lower end, while floating planks, which are easier to install, may be priced higher. Overall, cork flooring is a budget-friendly option that offers durability, comfort, and sustainability, making it a worthwhile investment for your home.

Reasons to Love Cork Flooring

1. The best cork floors are surprisingly durable

While cork isn’t usually thought of as the most durable flooring option in the world, it’ll surprise you. With basic care and maintenance, it can last for generations.

2. Cork can stand up to some heavy traffic

You might be surprised to hear that cork floors can handle heavy traffic extremely well. The relative softness of cork floors is an advantage when it comes to taking abuse—its “elastic memory” helps it keep its shape, resist dents and gouges, and repair minor damage.

Did you know that cork floors have been installed in places that receive extremely heavy traffic, including IKEA? All we know is this: if it can handle thousands of IKEA shoppers, it can handle your pets and kids.

3. Cork floors can be sanded and refinished

Accidents do happen, but don’t despair! 

Many types of cork floors (specifically those over 4mm thick without a laminate finish) can be sanded down and refinished. If you have a click-together product, though, you can just take out any damaged planks and replace them.

4. Cork floors can be water-resistant

Cork floors are naturally water-resistant, and sealers can be added to make them even closer to competing with traditional waterproof flooring options. Your cork floor should hold up just fine as long as you don’t abuse it, let it get saturated, or install it somewhere excessively damp. 

5. Cork is very easy to clean

If you have concerns about maintaining your new floors, relax! Cork flooring is easy to maintain and clean. It’s impervious to dust, and with periodic sweeping, dry-mopping, and sealing, it can last for ages.

6. The best cork flooring advantage: it’s sustainable

Want to do your part to save the planet? Start with sustainable flooring! 

Unlike similar flooring products, cork floors don’t come from wood at all—they come from bark. It takes a cork tree 20–25 years of growth to be ready for its first harvest, but after that, its bark can be repeatedly harvested every 9 years or so for up to 250 years. 

Plus, if you’re concerned about long-term environmental impacts, you’ll be glad to hear that cork is also biodegradable. Our children and grandchildren will have plenty of leftover non-biodegradable waste products to deal with—but cork won’t be one of them. 

Conclusion

If you’re ready to install new floors in your home and you’re looking for something durable, eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, sound-dampening, warm, and affordable, think about cork! After all, the best cork flooring advantage is it offers endless advantages. 

Whenever you’re ready to get started, find a flooring retailer in your area—they can help you with all the specifics.