Easy to maintain, affordable, comfortable, and versatile are just a few traits of cork flooring. There are more unique characteristics that we will see shortly. Cork floors are undeniably one of the most comfortable and elegant wooden floors. This is thanks to their cushion-like feel under the feet and countless choices. If you are planning to install flooring for your home or office, make sure you consider cork floors.
What is Cork Flooring?
Before we look into the pros and cons, let’s first see what cork flooring is. Cork floorboards are made from the bark of Quercus Suber, commonly called cork oak trees. The barks are harvested once every few years, which are then boiled, ground, and pressed into sheets using adhesive resins. They are then kiln-baked to become hard-wearing cork floors.
Cork floors are available as both unfinished wooden floorboards and as engineered floorboards with a protective top layer. Moreover, they also come as floating floors and glue-down options.
Pros
1. Beautiful Floors
One of the most lesser-known facts about cork floors is they are beautiful wooden floors. They are available in many different styles, designs, textures, colours, and finishes, leaving you spoilt for choice. Since they can imitate the look of exotic wooden floors, they are the best choice if you are on a strict budget. You also get them in tiles and planks, so it’s easy for you to get the look of the flooring you desire.
2. Sustainable Floors
Cork floors are among the most sustainable and eco-friendly floors as they are harvested from the cork oak trees only once every nine years, without harming them and allowing them to keep growing further. Moreover, as cork trees can live up to two centuries, cork is a long-term renewable resource.
3. Durable Floors
Cork floors are more durable than hardwood floors. With proper maintenance and care, cork floors can last for more than 40 years. Moreover, since cork floors are naturally soft, they are much more resistant to regular foot traffic when compared to hardwood floors. They are also resistant to cracking and abrasions. Cork floors are also waterproof.
4. Healthy and Hypoallergenic Floors
Cork floors are healthy flooring options if you struggle with allergies and asthma. It has antimicrobial properties and is resistant to insects and germs. In addition, cork floors do not encourage the growth of mildew and moulds as they are hydrophobic (resist moisture). Besides, they do not release VOCs or other toxic chemicals into the air. Hence, they help maintain the air quality inside the home.
5. Safe Floors
Cork floors are safe floors as they resist fire. They contain a wax-like substance called Suberin, which is naturally fire-resistant. They ignite only at very high temperatures, making it a safe flooring option.
6. Comfortable Floors
Cork floors are comfortable floors. Cork has a unique cellular structure, containing 90% air which contributes to its softness. This same structure traps heat, making it a natural insulator. Further, they absorb sound and is also an excellent noise reducer.
Cons
1. Light Sensitive
Cork floors are sensitive to sunlight. They can turn yellow and fade with direct exposure to sunlight over a long period of time. They are often not the best option for the outdoors or areas that have prolonged sun exposure.
2. Needs Sealing
Just like other timber floors, cork floors need sealants for protection. Though cork floors are resistant to scratches, they can’t escape dents from furniture and high heels. They also need regular maintenance like mopping and vacuuming to improve their lifespan.
Conclusion
Despite a few downsides, cork floorings are stylish, comfortable, and affordable. Contact Stanton Flooring if you are looking for premium cork flooring service in Sydney. We have a huge collection of premium cork floors that’ll match your home decor.