Cork Flooring vs Carpet: Cost Analysis and Long-Term Value

Not sure how to decide between carpet and cork? Understanding their cost and long-term value is a great first step in making a choice.

Each flooring type has its own selling points when it comes to installation, maintenance and durability.

We’ll begin with a summary of their main qualities and differences, which will be analysed in more detail below.

Summary

Overview of Cork Flooring

Cork comes from the bark of cork oak trees and is a fully eco-friendly material. Known for its natural cushiony consistency, thermal insulation and hypoallergenic properties, cork flooring is comfortable to walk on and has an elegant, unique appearance.

Initial Costs:

The initial cost of materials varies depending on factors such as quality and thickness, typically starting at about 50 GBP/m² in the lower range. 

The cost of professional installation likewise varies: a typical value could be something like 30 GBP/m², and 50 GBP/m² for glue-down installation.

Maintenance and Lifespan Costs:

Cork can last a long time but requires periodic sealing to stay resistant to water  and prevent problems. The cost of resealing it every few years can add up, impacting long-term expenses. However, if well maintained, cork flooring can last 15 to 30 years.

Common applications

Cork flooring is popular in both residential and commercial buildings, and in all kinds of spaces: living rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms, offices and many others.

Homeowners appreciate how cork can make a room much cosier. Its hypoallergenic and antimicrobial properties—thanks to a chemical substance called suberin—make it an excellent choice for those prioritising clean air.

Due to its sound absorbing properties, cork is also often used in playrooms and libraries. Kitchens also benefit from its softness, making time spent cooking more comfortable for your legs and feet.

Pros and Cons

The Pros:

• Comfortable
• Good insulation from sound and temperature
• Resistant to water
• Antimicrobial
• Hypoallergenic
• Eco-friendly
• Resilient
• Durable

The Cons:

• Susceptible to fading and scratching
• Requires periodic sealing

Overview of Carpet Flooring

Carpet is a classic flooring choice that comes with a choice of many textures, colours and styles. Similarly to cork, it provides warmth and good sound insulation, making it popular in bedrooms and other living spaces. Carpet can be made from natural fibres, like wool, or synthetic materials, like nylon and polyester.

Initial Costs:

As with cork, the cost of carpet depends heavily on many factors. You may be able to find inexpensive options, like basic synthetic carpets, for as little as 10 GBP/m², while higher-end wool carpets can cost 50 GBP/m² and more. 

Installation can add something like 10 GBP/m², but it could also be significantly more than that, depending on details like the type of carpet, shape of the area, etc. All this gives a total initial cost ranging from about 20 GBP/m² to 60 GBP/m² or more.

Maintenance and Lifespan Costs:

Carpet requires regular vacuuming, and deep cleaning may be needed once or twice a year. While more prone to wear and tear than cork, it can last 5 to 15 years, depending on material quality and maintenance.

Common applications for carpet flooring

Carpet is frequently used in bedrooms and living rooms, helping to provide warmth and comfort, and to reduce noise. Its cosiness is favoured in areas where comfort is the main priority, such as playrooms and home theatres.

Carpets are also popular in office spaces, helping to make them quieter and more welcoming. Although carpet can be used on stairs and hallways, frequent foot traffic may cause significant wear. Carpet is generally to avoid in humid spaces like bathrooms and kitchens, to prevent mould and other problems.

Pros and Cons

The Pros:

• Warm and soft
• Good at dampening sound
• Offers a wide variety of styles

The Cons:

• Shorter lifespan than cork
• More susceptibility to stains and allergens

Cost Comparison: Cork vs Carpet

• Upfront Costs: Cork and carpet can overlap in price range. While budget-friendly carpets are generally cheaper than cork, higher-end carpets may be more expensive.
• Long-Term Costs: Cork typically outlasts carpet, especially when properly maintained, having the advantage when it comes to potential long-term savings. On average, carpet may need replacement after a decade, whereas cork flooring can last twice as long. Carpet also requires professional deep cleaning, which can be a significant expense, whereas cork's main maintenance expense is resealing.
  
  
• Value for Money: If durability is an important consideration, cork offers better long-term value. On the other hand, carpet includes cheaper options, even if it may not offer the same lifespan.

Factors That Can Influence Costs

• Quality and Grade: Both cork and carpet come in different grades. Higher-quality cork planks or tiles, often with added protective layers, cost more but can last longer. Likewise, the materials for carpets vary, along with their prices, with wool being more expensive than synthetic options.
• Area Size and Installation Complexity: Many factors influence the installation cost of any flooring type, including floor condition, transport costs, and room layout.
• Other Factors: Environmental factors, for example, such as humidity or temperature, can have a negative impact on your flooring, making it last less. Naturally, higher foot traffic will result in greater wear.

Conclusion

If you are undecided between cork and carpet, don’t forget to carefully consider budget, maintenance, and long-term value.

Cork tends to be more cost-effective over time due to its longevity, while carpet offers a softer surface that is still effective at providing warmth, at a potentially lower initial cost, but with a shorter lifespan. If you prioritise eco-friendliness, longevity and the other attractive qualities cork possesses, however, it may be your ideal choice.

Portuguese Treasures offers a wide range of cork flooring with different designs, as well as cork flooring accessories to help protect and extend your flooring’s resistance and durability.