Cork Flooring Pros and Cons
Cork Flooring Pros and Cons
Pros and cons of cork flooring
Cork flooring offers a unique combination of comfort, eco-friendliness, and natural insulation, making it an appealing choice for many homeowners. Its softness underfoot, sound-dampening qualities, and resistance to insects and allergens add to its appeal.
However, cork is softer and less durable than other flooring options, requiring regular maintenance and protection from moisture and sunlight. Understanding the pros and cons of cork flooring can help you decide if it fits your lifestyle and home environment.
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What is cork flooring?
Cork flooring comes from the bark of cork oak trees, which professionals harvest periodically without damaging the tree. This eco-friendly material feels soft underfoot and naturally insulates, helping to dampen sound and retain warmth.
You can choose cork flooring in glue-down tiles or floating planks, both of which offer durability and hypoallergenic benefits. While cork can dent or fade, you can easily maintain it with regular sweeping and occasional resealing. Cork delivers a distinctive combination of sustainability, comfort, and style for any home.
Pros of cork floors
Here are several reasons why choosing cork flooring over traditional materials like hardwood and tile may be right for you:
Comfortable: Cork’s soft, cushioned surface makes standing easier in spaces like kitchens. It also provides a protective cushion that helps reduce injuries from falls, making it ideal for children’s rooms and homes with older adults.
Insulation: Cork naturally insulates against sound and temperature, helping reduce utility costs while creating a quieter, more comfortable home environment.
Eco-friendly: Cork comes from cork oak trees, and harvesters remove the bark without harming the tree, allowing it to regrow for future use. Cork is also biodegradable and recyclable at the end of its life.
Hypoallergenic: Cork flooring naturally repels dust, dirt, pet dander, and dust mites, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. Its cellular structure contains suberin, a waxy substance with antimicrobial properties that inhibit mold, mildew, and insect growth.
Mold and mildew resistant: Cork naturally repels germs and is hypoallergenic, which helps prevent mold and mildew from developing.
Natural insect repellent: Cork contains suberin, a natural substance that repels insects and prevents their growth and colonization.
Refinishing: You can extend the life of cork flooring by refinishing it when signs of wear appear. Professionals gently sand the surface to remove scratches and dents, then apply new coats of polyurethane to restore its original look and durability.
Cons of cork floors
While cork has its advantages, no flooring material is perfect. Here are some drawbacks of using cork floors:
Prone to damage: Cork can dent and scratch more easily than harder flooring materials, so it requires careful use and protection.
Not waterproof: Cork resists moisture but isn’t fully waterproof, making it unsuitable for areas like bathrooms or basements with standing water or high humidity.
Requires maintenance: To keep cork floors in good condition, you need to reseal them regularly and perform routine cleaning.
Sunlight sensitivity: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause cork to fade or discolor over time.
Furniture risks: Heavy furniture can leave permanent dents or damage unless you use protective pads or move pieces carefully.
Limited styles: Cork flooring offers fewer color and design options compared to other flooring types like hardwood or tile.
Temperature sensitivity: Cork expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity, which can affect its stability if not properly installed.
Cork flooring costs
Cork flooring costs $5 to $15 per square foot with installation, depending on the type, thickness, and installation method. Material costs alone are $3 to $8 per square foot. Labor charges add another $2 to $7 per square foot, with higher costs for jobs requiring old flooring removal, subfloor preparation, complex room layouts, or installation on stairs and multiple levels.
Cork tiles, priced at $3 to $7 per square foot for materials, are glue-down and well-suited for moisture-prone areas due to their solid cork construction and polyurethane finish. They tend to be more durable and offer a broader selection of colors and patterns.
Cork planks, costing $4 to $8 per square foot for materials, are easier to install over existing floors and can be arranged in various patterns but are more susceptible to water damage and have fewer color options.
Cork flooring ratings
Durability ratings, such as 21 to 33 or AC1 to AC5, indicate how much wear the cork flooring can withstand. The higher the number, the more durable and suitable for heavy use. Higher-rated cork flooring typically costs more but offers better long-term performance.
The highest quality cork flooring comes from the Mediterranean, carrying top ratings and certifications, but it’s also the most expensive. Asian cork, made from a different species, is generally less durable. Look for GreenGuard Gold or Global GreenTag certifications to ensure low emissions and safe, eco-friendly materials.
Maintenance & refinishing
Cork flooring is easy to maintain with regular sweeping or vacuuming and occasional damp mopping. Quickly wiping up spills helps prevent stains. The main maintenance task is resealing the floor every few years to protect against moisture, though sealers can’t prevent damage from flooding or prolonged high humidity.
One advantage of solid cork flooring is that you can periodically refinish it, like hardwood, and repair surface imperfections. Floor refinishing costs $1.50 to $7.00 per square foot and involves sanding away flaws and applying a new finish. However, this process isn’t possible with engineered cork, which only has a thin surface layer.
Alternatives to cork flooring
If you’re not sure if you want cork flooring, check out our guide on flooring installation costs to compare and contrast different options. The following table provides costs for other flooring materials:
| Material | Cost per square foot installed |
|---|---|
| Bamboo flooring cost | $7 – $17 |
| Carpet cost | $2 – $8 |
| Concrete floors cost | $3 – $15 |
| Cork flooring | $5 – $15 |
| Engineered wood floors cost | $9 – $20 |
| Epoxy flooring cost | $4 – $10 |
| Hardwood flooring cost | $11 – $25 |
| Laminate flooring cost | $4 – $14 |
| Linoleum flooring cost | $3 – $11 |
| Luxury vinyl flooring cost | $4 – $16 |
| Marble flooring cost | $10 – $40 |
| Standard vinyl flooring cost | $2 – $12 |
| Terrazzo flooring cost | $20 – $50 |
| Tile flooring cost | $10 – $50 |
Cork flooring FAQs
Is cork flooring durable?
Cork flooring offers moderate durability and comfort, lasting 30 to 40 years with proper cleaning, resealing, and furniture protection. Softer than hardwood, it’s prone to scratches, dents, and fading. Proper installation and humidity control help maintain its lifespan, making cork an eco-friendly, comfortable choice that requires careful upkeep.
What happens if cork flooring gets wet?
Cork flooring resists water but isn’t fully waterproof, so flooding can cause warping and discoloration. Quickly wipe up any spills, as prolonged moisture can stain tiles and damage underlying layers. Sealants protect the cork from everyday stains, but for deeper cleaning, use a damp—NOT wet—mop or cloth.
How do you clean cork floors?
Maintain cork floors by regularly sweeping or vacuuming gently. Clean with a damp microfiber mop and a mild, pH-balanced cleaner. Avoid using excessive water and harsh chemicals. Promptly wipe up spills, and place furniture pads and mats to protect against scratches and dents, preserving the floor’s durability and look.
Can you put cork flooring on concrete?
Yes, you can install cork flooring over concrete by first thoroughly cleaning, drying, and leveling the slab. Use a moisture barrier, either polyethylene sheets for floating floors or moisture-resistant adhesive for glue-down tiles. Acclimate the cork before installing to prevent moisture issues and ensure a durable, long-lasting installation.
Getting estimates for cork flooring installation
Follow these tips while gathering estimates for cork floor installation near you:
Get quotes from at least three local flooring companies that have been in business for five years or more.
Choose companies with high ratings and positive reviews on sites like HomeGuide and Google.
Measure your space accurately and provide identical measurements to all contractors.
Ask for a comprehensive cost breakdown, including materials, labor, and any additional fees.
Request information about warranties for both the product and the installation.
Confirm the contractor’s specific experience with installing cork flooring.
Questions to ask cork flooring installers
When interviewing potential installers for your flooring project, ask the following questions:
Do you hold the proper license, bond, and insurance for this type of flooring work?
How much experience do you have installing cork flooring specifically?
Can you show references or photos from your previous cork flooring projects?
How do you prepare the subfloor, and do you test for moisture?
Which installation method—floating or glue-down—do you recommend for my space?
How do you acclimate cork flooring before starting the installation?
Will you remove and dispose of the existing flooring, and does your price include this service?
Can you give me a detailed written estimate with a full cost breakdown?
How long do you expect the project to take from start to finish?
What warranties do you provide for both the product and your installation work?
How will you protect my home during installation, and who handles the cleanup?
Will you move my furniture, and are there any items you won’t move?
How do you make sure the flooring layout looks natural, including color and pattern variations?
What steps do you take to level or flatten the subfloor if necessary?
Where do you plan to cut the cork material, and how will you handle waste and delivery?
How do you address issues like expansion, contraction, or accidental damage during installation?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.