Cork tiles were a surprisingly popular flooring option in the 1970s, but visions of peeling corners and sad avocado bathrooms drove them to the interior sin bin for several decades. Fortunately, it’s back, and the rebirth is due to advances that render peeling edges and ecologically damaging glue obsolete. However, why pick cork flooring in the first place?
Cork is a natural substance, making it a sustainable flooring option. At the end of its useful life in a house, the cork will decompose and biodegrade, so you never have to feel awful about replacing it or the possibility that future owners of your home would remove it in favour of less environmentally friendly materials. Many of the most recent advancements in cork flooring are pre-coated with a chemical that renders them waterproof. Cork’s smoothness is a delight underfoot, and it is much warmer than tile or stone. The softness also prevents furniture scratches and allows it to rebound from the weight of table legs and the like. Lastly, and probably most crucially, cork flooring Geelong is a cost-effective alternative that can compete with nearly every other flooring material (with the exception of vinyl and linoleum) on pricing.
However, there are a few cons of cork flooring, such as; Cork is a soft substance and can thus be readily scratched. Cork should be avoided by pet owners for this reason, as sharp claws are the primary problem. The only other disadvantage is that cork can discolour when exposed to direct sunlight, although it is simple to restore to its natural form.
Cork flooring is offered in two primary forms: tiles that are adhered to the floor and sealed with water-resistant polyurethane, and pre-sealed click planks. The latter is superior for several reasons: they can be laid over pre-existing, flat floors, allowing for easy replacement of unwanted floors; they don’t require additional maintenance once they’re installed; they don’t require environmentally-unfriendly glue because their innovative form allows them to click together and stay locked in place, and they are the softest and most bouncy option due to their many thick layers. As far as appearance is concerned, cork is only available in various colours of brown, however certain locations also provide whitewashed cork. This is a positive development, as cork in its natural condition is beautiful. You may choose from several grades of cork, ranging from the cheapest, which has minimal patterning, to beautiful ‘champagne’ types with abundant texture.
What is the nicest feature of cork floors? You can utilize them virtually everywhere that strikes your fancy. Due to their softness beneath bare feet, sturdiness, and water resistance, you are most likely to encounter them in restrooms. However, in really humid bathrooms, you must ensure that as much air as possible enters, since excessive humidity can distort the floors. However, you need not stop there; cork flooring would be an excellent alternative to wood in a kitchen, bedroom, or even living room, and its softness makes them ideal for children’s bedrooms and playrooms. The only significant factor to consider is foot traffic since little scratches and scuffs will add patina over time. If you are dedicated to a flawless finish, you can sand the floor and refinish it to revitalize it.
