Cork Kitchen Flooring: Pros and Cons You Need to Know

When we really think about it, hard, cold tiles don’t go all that well with a nice, cozy meal, do they? Cork kitchen flooring might be the warm, quiet, and eco-conscious upgrade your home needs. 

Although cork is traditionally used in living rooms and bedrooms, it's becoming more popular in kitchens, and there’s no doubt that its comfort, sustainability, and modern appeal have been making a lot of fans.

In this article, we’ll give you a full view of the pros and cons of cork kitchen flooring to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your home.

What makes cork flooring a great option for kitchens?

Cork is a soft and light natural material, which starts out as the bark of a tree suitably known as the cork oak. When used for flooring, it typically comes in planks or tiles, with a finish that gives it more protection against water. It’s completely renewable, and a favourite among environmentally minded homeowners.

One of the reasons why it’s becoming more popular in kitchens is that - precisely because they’re often busy places - the comfort and sound absorption of cork make it an appealing alternative to harder surfaces.

Pros of Cork Flooring in Kitchens

✅ Comfortable Underfoot

Cork is easy on your feet and legs: its naturally cushioning texture makes it perfect for long cooking sessions or standing at the sink.

✅ Warm and Quiet

Unlike tile or stone, cork retains heat and absorbs sound, which will make your kitchen feel cozier and significantly reduce noise from footsteps or clanging dishes.

✅ Eco-Friendly

Aside from being biodegradable and recyclable, harvesting cork doesn’t damage the tree. So, if sustainability is one of your priorities, cork is one of the greenest flooring options in the world.

✅ Naturally Resistant to Mould and Mildew

Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, cork helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and moulds - a very important benefit around food.

✅ Slip-Resistant Surface

When sealed properly, cork offers a slightly textured surface that improves traction, even if the floor gets a little wet.

✅ Stylish

Cork flooring is available in a great variety of colours and finishes, including planks that look like wood and fit all kinds of modern and rustic styles of design.

So, what about the downsides?

Cons of Cork Flooring in Kitchens

⚠️ Not Waterproof

Cork should be properly sealed. Though it does have some natural resistance to water, it isn’t waterproof, so it can absorb liquid spills, which eventually damage it over time. With sealing and some care, however, it will be fine.

⚠️ Requires Some Maintenance

The flooring should be resealed every 12 - 18 months to stay water-resistant and in good condition; neglecting this can lead to warping or staining. This shouldn’t be too much work, however.

⚠️ Susceptible to Dents and Scratches

Heavy appliances, pet claws, or dragging furniture around can damage the cork’s surface, which is softer than tile or vinyl; furniture pads may come in handy.

⚠️ Fades in Direct Sunlight

UV rays can cause discolouration over time, so it’s worth considering protecting the section of the floor exposed to direct sunlight with carpets or rugs.

Tips to Maximize Cork’s Benefits in the Kitchen

If you’re intrigued by the idea of cork but worried about its vulnerabilities, these tips will help avoid any problems:

• Choose factory-sealed planks or have yours professionally sealed after installation;
• Use rugs or mats near the sink, stove, or dishwasher to catch spills and protect high-traffic spots;
• Clean up spills as soon as you can to prevent moisture from soaking in;
• Use furniture pads under heavy appliances or chairs to avoid dents;
• Schedule regular resealing (ideally once every year) to maintain water resistance and finish.

With a few precautions, the downsides of cork are manageable - and certainly not deal-breakers.

Is Cork Flooring Right for Your Kitchen?

If you value comfort, quiet, and sustainability, cork is a fantastic option for your kitchen flooring. And if you’re able to clean up spills relatively quickly and follow the maintenance routine, the downsides shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience. Even for homes with pets, kids, or a lot of foot traffic in general, it’s worth taking into account the effects of day-to-day wear.

Over the years, after getting to know by experience the pros and cons of cork flooring, homeowners find that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

Portuguese Treasures offers a wide range of cork flooring suitable for kitchens, as well as cork flooring accessories to help protect and extend your flooring’s resilience and durability.