Guide to choosing the best cork flooring

More and more homeowners looking for comfortable, sustainable and long-lasting flooring solutions are discovering the marvellous qualities of cork. If something that is both elegant and easy on your feet sounds good to your ears, this could be the perfect fit for your home.

In this short guide, we’ll give some important pointers on how to choose the best kind of cork flooring for each space in your house, with recommendations for certain areas like kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.

Why Choose Cork Flooring?

Cork is a natural product, made from the bark of the cork oak tree. As the tree isn’t harmed and regenerates after harvesting, it’s also completely sustainable.

The natural properties of cork – which we’ll explore in more detail below – make it a fantastic option as a flooring and wall tile material. It’s also often used in hardware and home products of different kinds.

The Main Benefits of Cork

Before getting specific about how to take the best advantage of each cork flooring type, let's take a look at what makes cork such a great all-round option for your house:

• Sustainability. Cork is a renewable resource and a natural fit in an environmentally conscious home.
• Comfort. It provides a soft surface that your feet will appreciate.
• Insulation. Cork absorbs sound and helps to keep a stable temperature, making rooms quiet and pleasant.
• Hypoallergenic. It contributes to the quality of air and repels dust and mould.
• Durability. When well sealed and maintained, cork can last for decades, even in busy areas.

What Types of Cork Flooring Are There?

Cork floorings come in different forms, each with its pros and cons:

• Floating Cork Flooring: Planks or tiles that snap together and "float" above the subfloor. It’s easy to install, and a fun DIY project if you prefer to do it yourself.
• Glue-Down Cork Flooring: The planks or tiles are glued directly to the subfloor, which lasts longer and is better for rooms that can get wet easily, like kitchens and bathrooms.
• Pre-Finished vs. Unfinished Cork: The choice here is between floorings with a protective layer already applied, or requiring sealing after installation, giving you flexibility in the finish you use but also a little bit of extra work.

Choosing the Best Cork Flooring for Each Space

Now let’s take a closer look at the question of how to choose for each of the different rooms in your home.

1. Kitchens: Floating or Glue-Down Cork Flooring

The kitchen is often the busiest room in the house, so your flooring should be resistant to both liquids and ware, and easy to maintain. On the other hand, cork's softness is very convenient in kitchens, where people sometimes stand for long periods.

• Recommended Type. Ideally, glue-down cork flooring, as they’re more watertight. In kitchens, moisture is always a factor, and the glue-down system, when properly sealed, resists spills of liquids better.
• Why Cork? Cork is, again, soft on your feet, which really does make a difference during long cooking sessions. It also helps to keep your kitchen warm during cold months, and to minimise noise from clattering dishes and appliances.
• Top Pick. Look for glue-down cork tiles with a polyurethane finish (like the Loba EasyFinish Matt), as they’ll provide extra protection against spills, without sacrificing the natural look and feel of cork.

2. Bathrooms: Sealed Glue-Down Cork Flooring

Bathrooms are inevitably humid, and even though cork is resistant to water, it needs careful sealing.

• Recommended Type. Sealed glue-down cork flooring is the best option, as it has fewer gaps vulnerable to moisture than floating cork. Apply multiple layers of polyurethane or a similar water-resistant sealant after installation, for extra protection.
• Why Cork? Cork is warm and cushiony, and makes stepping out of the shower a real pleasure! It also fights microbes, which is a big bonus in bathrooms, where mould is a concern.
• Top Pick. Choose water-resistant cork flooring that has been pre-sealed (such as our Natural Glue-Down Cork Floors) or an unfinished cork and finish it yourself with a moisture-proof sealer.

3. Bedrooms: Floating Cork Flooring

The bedroom is for relaxing, and for comfort. It’s also where you spend a lot of time barefoot. Cork’s warmth and softness make it a great choice.

• Recommended Type. Floating cork flooring is perfect for bedrooms, as it’s simple to install, soft under the feet, and gives you excellent insulation against noise, helping to create a peaceful environment.
• Why Cork? Cork will help to keep your bedroom warm during cooler months. It’s also hypoallergenic and great for people sensitive to dust.
• Top Pick. Opt for a floating floor with a natural finish to add warmth and texture. Preferably a pre-finished option, which will reduce the need for maintenance.

Factors to Consider

• Durability. For high-traffic areas, like kitchens, look for a thick wear layer and a resilient finish.
• Moisture Resistance. In areas like bathrooms or kitchens, opt for glue-down cork and make sure to seal it well.
• Aesthetics. You have a lot of diversity to choose from when it comes to style! Whether you prefer a natural, stained, or patterned look, you’re sure to find something that suits you.

Maintenance Tips

• Regular Cleaning. Vacuum or sweep regularly to remove dust.
• Prevent Water Damage. Wipe up spills quickly and avoid using too much water when cleaning.
• Re-Seal Periodically. Cork floors in areas with a lot of activity or prone to moisture may need to be resealed every few years.

Conclusion

Cork is a many-splendored thing, and these versatile floorings work well in a variety of spaces, from a hectic kitchen to a cosy bedroom. 

Just don’t forget to consider the specific needs of each room for better results!