So, you are rooting for information about cork flooring, because of the faded carpets or the non-functional hardwood flooring in your house. For home owners like you, there are a variety of options such as natural or floating cork flooring to replace the existing flooring in your house.
Advantages
If you are using hardwood flooring in your house, then you may be well aware of what is an efficient wood floor-killer. Mold and mildew, which prefers moist environment, and insects like termites are the natural enemies of the wood flooring.
Resistance
The cork floor is known for its anti-bacterial properties and is preferred because it is known to resist mold, mildew and termites. In rooms, such as kitchen and basement where the chances of water seeping under the flooring and making it moist are high, using this may prove to be the right choice.
Insulator
You may prefer this material over others for its insulation property. It prevents the heat, present in the house from seeping out through the floor. During the cold months of winter and in the homes located in the cold areas, this definitely proves to be of utmost importance. This factor may help you in deciding whether to replace your old, worn-out and flooring with the cork.
Sound Absorber
For those living in the apartments in the midst of neighbors, who believe in using a chisel and a hammer every now and then, the cork floor could provide ample insulation. It would not only dampen the shallow noise reaching you to invade your privacy or give you migraine, but also the vibrations that are travels through floors and walls of your apartment.
On the other hand, it may help you in making the lives of your neighbors much easier by protecting them from the floor-shaking thumps and bumps that your Tarzan might cause, while he jump from the trees of his imaginary world to the jungle floor to challenge the mighty gorilla (his dad).
Fire-resistant
Although it is naturally fire-resistant, it is sure to burn when the temperature crosses its tolerance limits. It will burn, however, it won't give off toxic fumes.
Color
Though there are not as many variations as there are in laminates, rich golden-yellow to darker nutty brown shading that the cork is available in does the trick. In addition you can try natural, stained or painted cork in small to large granule for the look you want.
Maintenance
Durability may induce you to choose this material to cover the floor of your house. It requires very low maintenance as compared to the other types of flooring such as hardwood flooring. If you accidentally drop the knife onto it, there is no cause to worry, as the scratch will mend on its own. In addition to many natural tones, it is also available in several artificial colors, so selecting one that suits your home decor perfectly, is easy.
Warranty
For added durability, make sure that the flooring you are going to purchase is sealed with a high quality UV varnish. You may also need to re-seal the floor now and again. The best part of this deal is that many of the manufacturers offer warranties of 25 - 35 years.
Disadvantages
Damage
If you take out a chunk of this material, the scar produced remains permanently. If you have pets, then this flooring is not for you. Using mop to clean the it is a sure way of damaging it, because it absorbs water. Heavy furniture can leave permanent marks on it, so using coasters to distribute their weight evenly, is necessary. You can extend the life of this flooring by refinishing it with a polyurethane coat after it has been used for 5-10 years.
Refinishing
Generally, cork flooring is 3/16th of an inch thick and it is not an easy job to sand it and apply the new coat. You have very restricted options if you consider the number of times you can refinish it, as it is made of material that is prone to crumbling.
Cork, as a material for flooring, is soft and springy under the feet. If you still have some doubts regarding its installation, discussing it with the expert help at the shop will surely, set your mind at rest. Certainly, it is not a decision to take hastily. So, do your research before installing it in your house.
