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By Sacha Megan Miller

Homeowners love resilient flooring because it feels so good beneath their feet. Cork flooring has become a favorite among resilient flooring materials for its beauty and superior insulation from noise.

Cork is essentially made up mainly of air, in tiny little pockets between the natural bark of the tree from which it’s taken. Consequently it does not conduct cold or heat like other materials and makes an excellent insulator. What’s more, cork contains a natural anti-allergenic substance, a chemical called suberin that naturally repels termites, mold and other household invaders.

Cork does have one drawback though: It is not suitable for high-traffic areas such as hallways because of its innate inability to withstand a lot of foot traffic. On the other hand, cork’s softness underfoot makes it ideal for kitchens where cooks stand for long periods of time preparing food. The family chef will be much less fatigued (and probably less grouchy) after standing on a cork floor to make dinner.

This type of resilient flooring also can be used in the bathroom, but must be sealed to protect it from water damage. Because of its risk of water damage, cork should not be used for a basement floor since groundwater may seep up through the foundation.

Despite these drawbacks, cork makes a great specialty flooring project do-it-yourselfers to try. Cork flooring comes in planks or tiles and unlike many other flooring materials is easy to trim and repair. Home improvement outlets and hardware stores are happy to provide information and lessons on installing cork flooring. In addition, remember these guidelines:

1. As with all flooring installation, make sure the subfloor is level, flat and dry. Remove all carpet and padding and then gauge the floor to make sure it’s completely flat. Fix imperfections in the subfloor with either leveling compound or a small surface grinder. Let the compound dry completely before proceeding with installation.

2. Seal the subfloor once it’s dry. This will help protect the cork floor from moisture.

3. Water-based adhesive should be used to install cork. Oil-based adhesives can soak through and stain the surface.

4. Store the cork flooring in the area where it’s to be installed for at least 48 hours. As a wood product, cork needs to acclimate to room conditions, especially humidity, to avoid excessive expansion or contraction after installation.

After it’s installed, cork needs to be cared for regularly. Dust and dirt should be swept up regularly with a broom to remove any abrasive particles that could harm the floor. Use a damp mop with mild detergent for more thorough cleaning. Specialized cleaners made specifically for cork floors are also available.

Be alert for any dullness or wearing on the cork surface. Recoat the surface with an acrylic varnish if you find any such indicators to restore the floor’s luster.

In summary, cork can be a more delicate floor covering than most resilient flooring and requires more maintenance and frequent sealing to protect it from moisture and wear. However, its benefits of resilience, insulation, softness, natural hypoallergenic qualities and easy installation make it a popular choice among many homeowners.

About the Author: Sacha is surely an expert contributing publisher publishing regarding household decorating. She really likes buying specialty flooring and also carpet flooring for floors to create a splash of panache in to the room.

Source: isnare.com

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