Is cork flooring suitable for a kitchen?
Yes! It is the most common application of cork flooring today. Because kitchens are higher traffic areas, you will need to follow cleaning regimens more strictly, and refurbish the finish more frequently.
Is cork flooring suitable for a bathroom?
Yes, but you will need to take extra precautions. Floating floors are not recommended- only the tile should be used. After installation it is important to caulk the perimeter of the room prior to installing molding or baseboard. This will prevent spills from damaging the sub-floor or walls.
Are cork floors affected by changes in moisture and temperature?
Just like other wood floors, cork is subject to expansion and contraction in response to climatic changes. As a rule, cork flooring is more stable than wood flooring. Wood floors expand across the grain, concentrating it in one direction. Cork expands/contracts in all directions and with proper acclimation, installation and maintenance expansion and contraction will be less noticeable with a cork floor.
Is it possible to install a cork floor over radiant heat?
Yes. Cork is a natural insulator and will slightly affect the transmission of heat. The floor may take longer to warm up, but will hold the heat more efficiently. Only a floating floor system should be used, and the surface temperature of the floor should never exceed 85 degrees. It is important to follow installation guidelines.
Will my children/pets damage my cork floors?
Cork floors are coated with a finish that can be scratched by toys and pet claws. Only you can know how actively your floors are used. Because cork is resilient and will move away from pressure, the surface will be less subject to abrasion than a similarly treated hardwood floor. Just like any other flooring material, cork can be punctured by sharp objects.
Subscribe