Cork flooring has become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners in recent years. Made from the bark of the cork oak tree, cork is a sustainable, eco-friendly material that offers a unique look and feel for floors. However, like any flooring material, cork has both advantages and disadvantages to consider. This extensive review covers everything you need to know about the pros and cons of cork flooring.
Pros of Cork Flooring
Natural and Sustainable Material
One of the biggest benefits of cork flooring is that it is made from a natural and renewable resource. The bark of the cork oak tree is harvested every 9-12 years without harming the tree itself, which can live for over 200 years. This makes cork a very sustainable flooring option.
Cork oak forests also help prevent desertification and absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. So by choosing cork floors, you can reduce your carbon footprint and environmental impact.
Comfortable and Soft Underfoot
Cork floors have a famously soft, warm, and comfortable feel when walked on barefoot. The cell structure of cork contains millions of tiny air pockets that make it gently cushioning and slightly spongy.
This gives cork a similar underfoot feel to carpets, but with the easy maintenance of wood or tile floors. So for bedrooms, playrooms, living spaces, and other areas where you’ll be barefoot, cork provides unbeatable comfort.
Excellent Noise Reduction
With its sound-dampening air pockets, cork effectively absorbs footsteps, furniture noises, and other impacts. This makes it an incredibly quiet flooring material perfect for multi-level homes.
Cork floors reduce both airborne and impact noise transmission between rooms. So you don’t have to worry about loud footsteps or noisy upstairs neighbors.
Great Thermal Insulation
Cork is also an excellent thermal insulator, meaning it helps regulate temperature. Its honeycomb cell structure traps air to prevent heat loss.
This makes cork floors warm in winter and cool in summer. Combined with cork’s comfort underfoot, this temperature regulating effect makes it a cozy choice for any space.
Hypoallergenic and Antimicrobial
Cork contains an antimicrobial agent called suberin naturally. This waxy substance repels insects, molds, mildew, and microbes. Cork won’t harbor bacteria or allergens either.
That makes cork floors ideal for bedrooms, children’s rooms, and allergy sufferers. Cork’s hypoallergenic and antimicrobial properties also contribute to good indoor air quality.
Moisture and Water Resistant
Unlike hardwoods, cork flooring resists water damage and warping from moisture. Its protective suberin layer makes cork naturally resistant to spills, leaks, and high humidity.
Bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and other damp areas are no problem for water-resistant cork floors. They can even handle direct water exposure for several hours in the event of flooding.
Durable and Long-Lasting
Properly cared for, cork floors can last 50 years or longer. The dense cell structure gives cork good resistance to dents and impressions from heavy furniture or high traffic.
While not as hard as stone or ceramic, cork holds up well to daily wear-and-tear. Protective finishes prevent scratches and scuffs on the surface over time.
Easy Maintenance and Repairs
Cork flooring doesn’t require specialized cleaning products or excessive maintenance. Regular sweeping or vacuuming is sufficient for daily care.
Minor scratches and scuffs can be buffed out of finished cork floors. Waxing and resealing the finish every few years will keep floors looking like new. Damaged planks can also be easily replaced as needed.
Extensive Style and Color Options
From traditional tiles to modern planks, cork comes in a vast array of patterns, textures, and colors. New digital printing technology offers virtually unlimited custom designs.
Natural cork tones range from light to dark brown. But coatings and dyes can produce colors like reds, blues, greens, greys, and blacks. So there’s a cork look for any decor.
Naturally Fire and Insect Resistant
The waxy suberin in cork contains fire-retardant properties that make it naturally resistant to catching fire and burning. This inherent fire resistance meets code for use in high-traffic public buildings.
Cork’s antimicrobial protection also repels termites, ants, and other wood-boring insects. This eliminates the need for chemical treatments or protective barriers during installation.
Rustic, Warm, and Inviting Appeal
With its organic patterning and color variations, cork has an attractive natural appearance that feels cozy and welcoming. The rich, raw texture provides rustic visual interest.
Cork’s sound absorption and underfoot softness also enhance the overall feeling of relaxation and homeyness. So cork flooring helps create a comfortable, inviting atmosphere.
Good Value for the Cost
Considering its many benefits, cork flooring provides a comparable value to solid hardwood, engineered wood, and laminate floors. Prices are very reasonable, especially for a high-end material.
Cork costs $3-9 per square foot installed depending on the plank size and quality grade. That’s on par with average prices for other popular mid-range flooring options. The longevity and ease of maintenance of cork also add to its value over time.
Cons of Cork Flooring
Susceptible to Indentations
One of the downsides of cork’s softness is that it’s prone to showing indentations from furniture legs, high heels, dropped objects, etc. Heavy appliance wheels can imprint into cork over time.
Using coasters and felt pads under furniture legs can prevent most indentations. But cork will never be as resistant to impressions as harder floors like tile or laminate.
Needs Resealing Regularly
While cork itself is water-resistant, the protective surface finishes are not. Urethane and other coatings wear down over time and need to be reapplied every 3-5 years. Without regular resealing, cork floors can become susceptible to staining and moisture damage.
Frequent resealing does require some maintenance commitment. But it’s relatively simple and inexpensive to have cork floors professionally resealed.
Not Good for Wet Areas
Although cork can withstand occasional moisture, prolonged direct water exposure degrades the flooring adhesives over time. So cork should be avoided in wet rooms like bathrooms and laundries.
Kitchens are borderline – cork can work well if spills are cleaned up promptly. But other waterproof floorings like tile or vinyl may be better choices for kitchens.
Not the Most Durable Option
Under heavy traffic, cork will show signs of wear sooner than harder options like stone, ceramic or hardwood. Porcelain and natural stone are better for commercial spaces with extremely high foot traffic.
For residential use, cork offers adequate durability for most homes. But high-traffic entryways or playrooms with rambunctious kids might be better suited to ultra-durable laminate or vinyl flooring.
Tricky DIY Installation
Cork flooring uses specialized glues and techniques for installation. This makes DIY installation challenging – poor adhesion can cause planks to separate or lift over time. Professional installation is recommended to ensure proper bonding and longevity.
Floating click-together cork planks are beginner-friendly. But gluing cork tiles or planks directly to the subfloor is best left to the pros. The cost of professional installation offsets some of cork’s DIY appeal.
Can Fade in Direct Sunlight
Like other natural materials, cork will gradually fade or discolor when exposed to consistent strong sunlight. Window treatments are recommended to control UV exposure.
Fading is gradual, so some change in tone can be expected over decades. But keeping cork floors out of direct sun will help preserve their rich color for longer.
Limited Hardness and Wear Layer
Cork flooring is relatively soft compared to stoneware or porcelain. Even with protective finishes, the surface will dent and scratch more easily than harder materials.
Most cork planks feature a thin cork wear layer atop a wood-based core. Thicker wear layers provide better resistance to compression marks but cost more. Overall cork can’t match the hardness and durability of ceramic or porcelain for heavy residential use.
Difficult to Refinish
Due to its thin wear layer, re-sanding and refinishing cork floors typically can’t be done more than once or twice. The material simply isn’t thick enough to allow aggressive refinishing like solid hardwoods.
With care and prompt refinishing when needed, cork won’t require heavy sanding frequently. But the option for extensive refinishing down the road is limited compared to thicker wood floors.
Resale Value Not as High
While cork flooring has grown in popularity and offers good value, it may not increase resale prices as much as some flooring types. Hardwoods, for example, typically offer a higher return on investment.
However, cork also won’t decrease home values. For those seeking the benefits of cork for their lifestyle, its moderate resale impact isn’t necessarily a major drawback. But it’s worth noting for investment purposes.
Can Be Stain-Prone
Cork contains tannins that can interact with certain substances to cause stains. Spills like wine, coffee, or oil need to be wiped up quickly on cork floors to prevent possible staining.
Thoroughly sealing cork planks during installation and maintaining the finish helps protect against stains. But cork is generally more prone to absorbing stubborn stains than less porous options like tile or vinyl.
Cork Flooring Pros and Cons Compared to Other Flooring Materials
How does cork flooring stack up against popular competitors like hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and more? Here’s a helpful comparison of the pros and cons:
Cork vs. Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood Pros:
- Very long-lasting when properly maintained – can last 100+ years
- Can be repeatedly sanded and refinished
- Retains excellent resale value
- Large variety of wood species available
Hardwood Cons:
- Expensive – costs $4-15 per square foot installed
- Can warp or become damaged due to moisture
- Hard, slippery surface lacks cushioning
- Can creak loudly and cause noise transfer issues
Cork Pros vs. Hardwood:
- More affordable – costs $3-9 per square foot installed
- Softer and more comfortable underfoot
- Better insulation against noise and temperature changes
- Naturally resistant to moisture and spills
Cork Cons vs. Hardwood:
- Less durable for heavy traffic
- Can’t be refinished as many times
- More prone to showing dents and scratches
- Lower resale value appreciation
Cork vs. Laminate Flooring
Laminate Pros:
- Very affordable – $1-5 per square foot
- Easy DIY installation with floating planks
- Highly durable and scratch-resistant wear layer
- Wide range of realistic wood and stone looks
Laminate Cons:
- Looks obviously artificial up close
- Hard, “clicky” sound when walking on it
- Poor moisture resistance leads to bubbling
- Not environmentally friendly
Cork Pros vs. Laminate:
- Quieter and more comfortable underfoot
- Better thermal and acoustic insulation
- Realistic natural texture and appearance
- Sustainable, eco-friendly renewable material
Cork Cons vs. Laminate:
- Pricier for higher-end products
- More prone to scratches and dents
- Not as long-lasting in high-traffic areas
Cork vs. Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury Vinyl Pros:
- Extremely durable and scratch-resistant wear layer
- Completely waterproof and spill-proof
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Affordable, starting around $2 per square foot
Luxury Vinyl Cons:
- Plastic material lacks natural appeal
- Can feel cold and hard underfoot
- Loud “hollow” sound when walking on it
Cork Pros vs. Luxury Vinyl:
- Warm, soft, and naturally quiet material
- Better insulation against noise and cold
- Attractive natural colors and textures
- Sustainable and hypoallergenic
Cork Cons vs. Luxury Vinyl:
- Less durable and prone to indentations
- Not waterproof enough for wet rooms
- Needs resealing every few years
Cork vs. Tile or Stone Flooring
Tile/Stone Pros:
- Extremely durable, long lasting, and easy to clean
- Completely waterproof for wet areas
- Tons of style options from rustic to modern
- Holds value very well for resale
Tile/Stone Cons:
- Hard, cold, and noisy when walked on
- Dropped items can crack or chip tiles
- Challenging DIY installation
- Higher cost, especially for natural stone
Cork Pros vs. Tile/Stone:
- Warm, soft, and very quiet material
- Gentler on feet and dropped items
- Easier DIY installation with floating planks
- Naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial
Cork Cons vs. Tile/Stone:
- Less durable for heavy residential traffic
- Not waterproof enough for bathrooms
- Prone to some dents and scratches over time
Cork Flooring FAQs
Still have questions about the benefits and drawbacks of cork floors? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is cork flooring expensive to install and maintain?
No, cork is reasonably priced. Installation costs $3-9 per square foot depending on the product quality. That’s comparable to mid-range hardwoods. Maintenance is low cost – regular sweeping/mopping and resealing every 3-5 years.
How long does cork flooring last?
With proper installation and care, cork can last 50+ years. The planks themselves are quite durable. But the finish needs periodic reapplication to maintain water resistance. Lifespan also depends on traffic levels.
Can you install cork flooring over concrete?
Yes, cork can be glued down to sealed, level concrete effectively. Floating click-lock cork planks are also great for concrete subfloors. The warmth and softness of cork helps increase comfort over hard concrete.
Is cork flooring good for bathrooms?
Cork is not the best for bathrooms as prolonged moisture exposure gradually weakens flooring adhesives. Smaller baths with good ventilation are borderline OK, but tile and vinyl are better bathroom choices overall.
Does cork flooring add resale value?
Cork won’t increase value as much as materials like hardwood. But installed cork won’t detract value either, especially if in good visible condition. Cork offers lifestyle benefits that appeal to many buyers too.
Can cork flooring be refinished?
Cork can be lightly refinished and recoated to renew the surface, but the thin wear layer limits sanding to 1-2 times max. This maintains appearance but isn’t possible long-term like solid wood refinishing.
Is cork flooring scratch resistant?
Cork is softer than wood, tile, and vinyl, so it’s more prone to dents and scratches from heavy objects. But when properly sealed, cork resists surface scuffs well from regular foot traffic and furniture rearrangement.
Is cork flooring pet friendly?
Yes, cork is naturally antimicrobial and won’t absorb odors or stains. The soft surface is gentle on pet paws as well. Claw scratches may occur but can be easily buffed out. Overall cork is an excellent pet friendly flooring.
Is it hard to install cork flooring?
Gluing cork tiles requires some skill to ensure proper adhesion, so professional installation is usually recommended. But modern floating cork planks with click-lock systems are reasonably easy for DIYers to install after watching some tutorial videos.
Conclusion
Cork flooring offers a unique combination of sustainability, comfort, acoustic performance, and natural beauty. Its soft, hypoallergenic feel underfoot plus noise and temperature insulation provide unrivaled livability. Durable construction ensures decades of life with minimal maintenance needs.
While no flooring is perfect, cork’s weaknesses are moderate. With proper care, regular sealing, and furniture padding, issues like indentation and staining can be minimized. Weighing all the pros and cons, cork stands out as an eco-friendly flooring that enhances wellness at home.
For those seeking the ultimate warm, quiet, comfortable, and inviting living space flooring, cork is a top choice to consider. Its renewable origins and long lifespan also mean cork floors are a wise investment for health and sustainability.