Nowadays, the selection of floor coverings for the living area is huge and offers the right choice for every taste. In addition to parquet, laminate and tiles, there are already modern alternatives, such as floors made of concrete or cork, which are in no way inferior to the classics. Every floor covering has its advantages and disadvantages, which play an important role in the selection. In today's article we present the cork floor as a real all-rounder indoors that impresses with its insulating effect and great robustness. Read on to learn more about cork as a flooring option.
What is cork?
Cork is a 100 percent natural, recyclable material with outstanding properties. The raw material is obtained by peeling the outer bark of the cork oak without damaging the tree. Cork therefore offersa huge advantageCompared to wood: no tree has to be felled for extraction or production. The cork oak is a deciduous tree that grows primarily in the western Mediterranean. For this reason, cork is mainly harvested in Spain and Portugal. The bark is peeled off by hand every 9 years and further processed, leaving no waste product.
The material cork is very elastic, robust and has many positive properties that make it perfect for the production of floor tiles. On the one hand, cork panels have a very good sound and heat insulating effect and are water-repellent. So it's no wonder that cork is still used as a bottle stopper. The surface is also particularly easy to clean and antistatic. This means that it does not absorb dust or dirt and is a good choice for living spaces from a hygienic point of view.
Cork as floor covering in the living room
There are two options for indoor cork flooring: the material is either laid and sealed in the form of tiles or installed as parquet using a click system.
The classic cork tiles are a soft floor covering that is very resilient. This is a sustainable product that impresses with its longevity and robustness. During installation, the tiles are glued to the substrate and then sealed. Adhesive cork can be found in different sizes, shades and colors. You decide for yourself whether you want a natural brown tone or a modern version in white or gray.
In comparison to cork tiles, the already sealed planks of cork parquet or prefinished cork parquet are clicked together using the click system. This installation has many advantages: On the one hand, you protect the environment by not using glue, and on the other hand, the cork floor can be installed floating in this way. This means that the cork planks are not glued to the subsurface and can be quickly removed at any time. There are also various modern design options available for prefinished cork parquet.
The advantages and disadvantages of cork flooring
If you value natural materials and sustainable furnishings, a cork floor is the right choice. In addition to naturalness, the floor covering has much more to offer. We have summarized the pros and cons of indoor cork flooring below.
These are the advantages
Cork panels have an insulating effect. Their special structure absorbs the temperature of the environment and stores heat. This means that the cork floor is always warm underfoot and saves you some of your heating and energy costs.
The cork floor also acts as sound insulation and is so soft that you can walk barefoot. Thanks to its elasticity, cork ensures a high level of walking and standing comfort, which is also gentle on the joints.
Cork boards are impermeable to water, which makes them less vulnerable than other floor coverings such as laminate. Since its surface is antistatic and does not absorb dust or mites, the cork floor is also suitable for children and allergy sufferers.
Another advantage of cork as a floor covering is that it is easy to care for. You can even repair your cork floor yourself if some of the cork panels are already damaged, scratched or stretched. The damaged area can be easily cut out and replaced. And the best thing is that the repaired areas are barely visible.
The surface of the cork floor resembles a carpet and, in contrast to stone or wooden floors, is completely non-slip. It is therefore ideal as floor covering for children's rooms.
Thanks to modern processing and printing techniques, cork parquet can be designed into any look and pattern, so that everyone can make the right choice for their own four walls.
The disadvantages
Since cork is a natural material, it reacts to climatic changes. Therefore, it can expand or contract, requiring the use of expansion joints during installation.
Cork tiles are rather unsuitable for wet rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms. However, with full-surface bonding it can also be used in these areas of the home.
Because of the soft structure of cork, heavy furniture can leave marks over time. That's why felt bases for the feet of sofas, tables and chairs are advisable.
If the cork floor is exposed to direct sunlight, the surface can fade over time and lose its attractive appearance. A possible solution is thick curtains for the windows.
The raw material cork is mainly harvested in the Mediterranean region, which is why it has a higher price. Depending on the properties and quality of the material, the price per square meter including labor costs can be between 35 and 130 euros.
How to lay cork flooring?
At theLaying corkNo insulation underlay is required due to the insulating material properties. If you are also planning underfloor heating, you should choose a variant based on hot water.
Even hobby DIY enthusiasts can lay cork flooring without much expert knowledge. So you don't always have to have a professional do it. The easiest way to do this is with prefinished cork parquet, which has a click system. You don't need cork glue like you do with cork tiles and cork parquet and laying is very quick. You click the entire floor covering into place, plank by plank.
If it is a cork floor that is to be glued, you should first consult with an expert and find the right adhesive.
The modern floor: concrete, stone or wood look?
Thanks to modern printing technology, cork flooring can take on any desired look. From wood to stone to concrete, everything is possible. In this way, the great properties of the material can be combined with onemodern lookcombine.
Cork flooring with a wood look, for example, is a wonderful idea for interior design in the living room or bedroom. Everyone knows that wood makes the room feel warmer and creates a pleasant atmosphere. Concrete and stone, on the other hand, look modern and are currently very trendy. Combined with the warm feeling that cork provides, you end up in the happy medium.
The right care
Anyone who is looking for an easy-care floor covering for their apartment/house would fall in love with cork flooring. The antistatic property guarantees more cleanliness in the household compared to other floor coverings. Occasional vacuuming and wiping are sufficient for cleaning. Even larger dirt can be easily removed with a damp cloth and the right cleaning agent.
Every now and then it is also recommended to apply a care oil to the cork floor or re-seal it. However, you should only use natural oils, waxes and water-based sealing varnishes for sealing.
Tips for caring for and maintaining cork floor coverings:
- Do not use abrasive cleaners, neutral soap or cleaning products with solvents such as acetone to clean the cork floor
- Do not expose the cork floor to excessive moisture and pay attention to the formation of waterlogging
- Treat your cork flooring to a thorough cleaning every few months
- Equip the feet of your furniture with felt bases
- Lift your furniture to move it instead of moving it across the floor
Where does cork flooring fit best?
Do you want to live sustainably and rely on natural materials when designing your apartment? Then cork flooring is exactly the right covering for the floors in your home. Cork tiles or parquet are best suited to living spaces where a cozy atmosphere should prevail. A cork floor in the living room, bedroom or children's room creates living comfort and also feels very pleasant on the feet. Depending on the quality of the material and the type of installation, the cork floor can also be onegood variant for kitchenand be bathroom.
In the picture gallery you will find a few more ideas as inspiration for interior design with cork as a floor covering. Whether dark, light, with a wood look or a natural look – the possibilities are almost endless.
