Cork Flooring FAQ’s
Q. How is Cork made into flooring?
A. A unique process where the bark from the tree is collected, ground up, and with extreme pressure combined with resin made into sheets and put into a kiln. The tile and plank cork flooring consist of a top layer of cork that is bonded to a layer of high density fiberboard core, topped with a protective finish.
Q. What makes cork so eco-friendly?
A. Why cork is so eco-friendly is simple, the process of making it which consists of using the bark. The bark is stripped from the tree and that’s it, the tree is perfectly healthy and fully intact. Simply put; because the tree is never cut down! Strict regulations protect the trees, these include the strictly enforced policy that the tree must be 25 years old BEFORE any bark be removed; furthermore the process can NOT be repeated for another 9 years, ensuring the health of the tree and allowing it to be repeated in future.
Q. How durable is Cork Flooring?
A. People feel that because cork flooring is softer than traditional hardwood flooring that means that cork flooring isn’t durable; wrong. Its because of this unique characteristic that it is extremely durable, with tiny air pockets throughout the flooring springs back to its original composition, making it incredibly resilient to impact. It also has a protective layer on its surface that is composed of polyurethane infused aluminum oxide, similar to finishes used on traditional and bamboo flooring.
Q. Is Cork flooring moisture resistant?
A. Absolutely, What is great about this is that cork is naturally water resistant and has a naturally occuring substance called suberin , this also gives the added benefit of insect and fire repellant.
Q. Is Cork flooring easy to clean?
A. Cork flooring is easily clean, by simply using a dust mop to remove surface dirt and stains, for tougher stains use a damp mop. It is important to never let the water pool up on the flooring and to pick up any spills promptly to ensure no staining.
Q. Is Cork flooring recommended in a kitchen?
A. Yes. With tiny air pockets throughout the cork flooring it feels great to walk on giving slightly to the pressure it’s great for you knees and joints. For the same reason its extremely practical as well, if any accidents occur, ie, a pan falls the cork simply gives and springs back without chipping or cracking like tile.
Q. Can Cork flooring be installed in a Bathroom?
A. Unfortunately the manufacturer will NOT warranty any cork flooring installed in a bathroom due to the excessive moisture.
Q. Can Cork flooring be installed in a basement?
A. Cork is not recommended to be installed in a basement. Cork should be installed on grade or above grade. Avoid installing cork flooring in any are where excessive moisture can occur.
Q. Is Cork flooring recommended if you have pets?
A. Absolutely, It is durable and resilient, offers scratch resistance due to its softness. Again, giving to applied pressure making it impact resistant as well making it a great choice for animal lovers.
Q. Is it easy to install Cork flooring?
A. Yes. It comes in large planks or tiles and simply locks into place and is floated over the sub-floor using an edge joining mechanism so you don’t have to deal with messy adhesives. Cork flooring is also offered with the underlayment already attached saving you a great deal of time.
Q. Can Cork flooring be installed over an existing floor?
A. In most cases, Yes. Since the installation method is floating and not glued this allows you flexibility when deciding to keep or remove the existing flooring. It can be installed on concrete but be sure to check moisture levels before doing so. A moisture barrier is necessary when installing on concrete.