Cork is considered a natural, environmentally friendly flooring option that has gained popularity with home and business owners over the past decade. It is valued for its distinctive looks, its resistance to different types of molds, fungus, bugs, and even fire, and its ability to absorb heat and sound. In addition, cork's cushioning properties make it a favorite of persons who suffer from arthritis and other joint pains. Though there are many positives about cork flooring, it is important that you also consider the concerns about cork as a flooring choice before committing to it for your home or office.
Cork flooring requires a sealant after installation in order to keep it waterproof and stain and UV resistant. Some flooring require a sealant application every five to 10 years. The sealant adds cost to the flooring project. Plus, some people with environmental sensitivities may not be tolerant of the polyurethane finish, as it can affect air quality for a period of time. This sealant can also diminish some of cork's natural fire retardant characteristics.
Furniture Floor Pads
While cork is durable, it is not as dense as laminate flooring and care should be taken to avoid sustained, direct pressure from heavy furniture or appliances, high heeled shoes, animal claws, or other sharp objects. You can mitigate the pressure from heavy household items by placing coasters or felt pads underneath the legs to better distribute the weight.
While the day-to-day maintenance of a cork floor requires simple sweeping, special cleansers must be purchased if the floor needs a more thorough cleaning.
Sealed cork is water resistant, but not water proof. Wet mopping is not recommended because water absorption can damage most cork floors. Spills and stains should be cleaned with a damp rag or a special solvent paste wax.
Direct sunlight over long periods of time can color fade a cork floor. Darker flooring is particularly susceptible to fading in sunlight. Protecting the floor from direct sunlight and applying polyurethane sealant can help stop this effect.