{"title":"Cork Flooring","description":"\u003ch2 id=\"buyers-guide\"\u003eWhat it is, how it's made, and how to choose the right one for you\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"video-playlist-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/playlist?list=PLZPCDpqldN2V_IymM8r93Qv-v2PUp0mfF\"\u003e \u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCork flooring is perhaps one of Nature's greenest miracle floors. Made from all natural and renewable ingredients, cork floors are highly versatile, beautiful, and sustainable. They're priced about the same as most hardwood floors, from $3.99 to $7.54\/SF; plus natural cork flooring is a DIY floor that's easy to install, \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/blogs\/learn\/how-to-clean-cork-floors\"\u003eeasy to maintain\u003c\/a\u003e, and very long lasting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe number #1 reason people like cork flooring is because it feels soft but firm to the feet, and is very quiet.\u003c\/b\u003e The minute you step onto a cork floor your knees and back relax. You'll love the feeling of cork flooring against your body and the quiet insulating qualities it provides whether you stand in the kitchen for hours, practice yoga in your rec room, living room, or bedroom, or just want to sit quietly in your office.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFact: Cork can last for 50+ years in most residential and light commercial applications.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat makes cork so special?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHere are a few of corks amazing attributes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighly compressible and resilient\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent thermal and sound insulator\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNaturally resistant to mold and mildew\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm to the touch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNaturally resistant to fire\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHypoallergenic and insect-resistant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStable in various temperatures\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt is a renewable resource that is biodegradable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtremely versatile with not just many, but hundreds of uses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow is Cork Used?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThere are hundreds of different uses for cork such as bottle stoppers, floats for fishing nets, women's purses, soles of shoes and sandals, and even furniture. It is also used as insulation between the walls and used as cladding on the outside of buildings in Europe. In 1891 an American, John Smith, discovered that it was possible to produce agglomerated cork, opening a new range of applications such as wall tile, flooring, and \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/blogs\/learn\/underlayment-guide-for-eco-flooring\"\u003eunderlayment\u003c\/a\u003e. The agglomeration process involves gluing small pieces of ground up cork together to form larger pieces in various shapes and sizes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCork flooring has been popular in Europe since the turn of the 20th century and can be found in many prestigious locations such as the Library of Congress, the Mayo Clinic and Plummer Building, the offices of several Fortune 500 companies, numerous churches and museums, and the Frank Lloyd Wright Fallingwater residence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRecently, with improved technology, an array of new patterns and colors have become available to meet the demands of today's design trends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow is Cork Flooring Made?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e3 types:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTraditional glue down tiles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTraditional engineered floating planks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ebrand new Waterproof cork (floating and glue down)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOriginally, cork flooring was made in the form of a ¼\" thick tile: 8\" x 8\" or 12\" x 12\". These tiles were made of solid cork and glued down to the subfloor with adhesive. They were also glued to walls for decoration. The finish was mainly oil and wax. Many people report that these original tiles are still going strong even after 50 years or more! Others have complained that the edges can curl up or dry out, become brittle and break off.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSince 2000, cork technology has advanced considerably as a resilient floor covering. Not only has the finish improved, but the way it's installed has also changed significantly. Today, most cork flooring comes in \u003cb\u003etwo basic forms: Traditional engineered cork floors, and Waterproof cork floors.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTraditional Engineered Cork Floors - 3 layers\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eTop layer - veneered cork (1\/16\" to 1\/8\")\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eMiddle layer - high-density fiberboard (1\/4\")\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eBottom layer - agglomerated cork (1\/16\")\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/fr\/collections\/traditional-cork-flooring\"\u003eThe Engineered Cork Floors\u003c\/a\u003e come in the dimensions 12\" wide x 36\" long or 5\" wide x 48\" long, in dozens of colors and styles that can accentuate the natural patterns and textures of cork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMost recently, waterproof cork flooring has entered the market in the form of a floating floor or glued down for high traffic or high moisture areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWaterproof Cork Floors - 3 layers\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eTop layer - veneer layer 1\/128” either UV cured acrylic\/urethane\/ceramic or PET finish\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eMiddle layer - agglomerated cork impregnated with HDPE food-grade sealer (to replace the high-density fiberboard)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eBottom layer - 1\/32” agglomerated cork\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/fr\/collections\/amorim-wicanders-waterproof\" target=\"\"\u003eThe Waterproof Cork Floors\u003c\/a\u003e come in the dimensions 7 1\/2\" wide x 48\" long in dozens of \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/products\/waterproof-cork-flooring-cork-look-amorim-wise\"\u003ebeautiful cork\u003c\/a\u003e look styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePROS and CONS: Traditional Engineered Floating Cork Floors\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEngineered floating cork floors have literally taken over the cork flooring market in the last 15 years for several good reasons:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePROS:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy DIY click installation - cut with a chop saw, skil saw or jigsaw\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo glue required - no nasty fumes or expense\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan be applied directly over most existing flooring below, at, or above grade. (see installation guidelines)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFaster installation than glue-down tiles or most hardwood flooring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWide range of unique styles and colors to choose from\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery stable in most climates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDurable long-lasting finishes require less maintenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo initial sealing required but an additional finish can be applied later\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLifetime warranties on structure, 15 + years on the wear surface\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCONS:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThicker panels may require thresholds in between rooms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubject to buckling if not enough space is left around the perimeter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe high-density fiberboard core is subject to expansion if pet urine, water or food gets between the panels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubfloor preparation can be costly if not level\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePROS and CONS: Waterproof Cork Floors\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWaterproof cork flooring has disrupted the market recently by offering a more moisture-resistant floor without the high-density fiberboard in traditional cork flooring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePROS:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan be installed below, at, or above grade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade without formaldehyde adhesives and emits zero VOCs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMust be glued down in damp areas such as basements, kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasier DIY floating installation–can be cut with a box cutter–no saws needed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSame thermal and acoustic insulating properties as traditional engineered\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeautiful traditional cork visuals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighly stable — less expansion and contraction space needed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo thresholds are needed for up to 3500 SF\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClimate positive — carbon negative footprint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo padding\/underlayment is required over plywood subfloors (see the installation guidelines for details)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy to replace if floated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLifetime structural and 15 year wear warranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCONS:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh temperatures, humidity, or dryness can cause separation unless glued down\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHarder to replace if glued down\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNumerous colors and designs:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTraditionally, all cork flooring was one natural color of light tan, with darker elements throughout. Today, cork flooring is made in numerous colors that involve staining the surface layer or 3D printing on the waterproof cork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe \u003cb\u003enatural cork colors (i.e., not stained) are by far the most popular\u003c\/b\u003e because:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe warm hues blend with most woodwork, cabinetry, and furniture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt hides dirt extremely well\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt hides the seams extremely well\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScratch marks don’t show as much due to the through-body color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTwo ways to research the best color:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrder samples from our website as this is always the most accurate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse our room visualizer to see all of the colors and styles in your own room. You won’t believe how easy this tool is to use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhich design is best?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhen you begin looking at all the intricate designs it can be overwhelming. Some designs are busy, some are quiet, some are plain, some resemble wood or travertine, and some melt into the room beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLooking at small samples is helpful, but you need a good imagination to envision how they will look in your home. Generally, we've found that the \u003cb\u003ecolor is more important than the design\u003c\/b\u003e because the design tends to blend into the color, especially when seen at broad angles and in dim light. If a particular wild design excites you, then go for it. If you're conservative, however, then pick something neutral and quiet, and you will be safe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIt also depends on the lighting and what angle you're viewing it from. \u003cb\u003eIn our experience, the natural cork color (unstained), along with almost any style, works very well in most homes.\u003c\/b\u003e Check out our samples to see how they appear in your own home’s lighting to see how the pattern and color will ultimately appear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCork underlayment\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCork has also become a \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/collections\/cork-underlayment\"\u003epopular underlayment\u003c\/a\u003e to reduce noise and to improve thermal efficiency. Cork underlayment generally comes in 1\/8\" to 1\/4\" thick rolls of 200 SF\/roll. Cork underlayment has become the product of choice beneath ceramic tile, hardwood flooring, carpeting, and other solid surface floors, mainly in apartments and condos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Long is Cork Warranted?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMost residential and commercial warranties offered by manufacturers are for structural integrity which means the top, middle, and bottom layers won't delaminate over the life of the product. Such events are extremely rare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA finish warranty covers any defect in the finish such as peeling, pitting, or factory markings from rollers. Most cork brands warrant their products for 10-25 years. Commercial warranties are usually much less, usually around 5-10 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eKeep in mind, if you have large dogs or kids with skateboards, a residential or a commercial warranty will not cover normal wear and tear or abuse. In general, deep scratches and gouges can be repaired with wood putty, and the natural color variances hide them very well. The same holds for hiding dirt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWarranties for waterproof cork (and for all other types of waterproof floors for that matter) do not cover damages caused by floods from overflowing sinks, dishwashers, laundry, or icemakers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBottom line: go for the best warranty but understand that all flooring warranties only cover manufacturing defects and never pay for removal or re-installation costs unless you can prove negligence on the part of the manufacturer.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eInstallation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGlue-Down cork tiles (solid 1\/4\" cork) are glued to a perfectly smooth level subfloor (for glue-down tile cork flooring we recommend \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/products\/taylor-resolute-resilient-moisture-barrier-adhesive-2-gallon\"\u003eTaylor Resolute Adhesive\u003c\/a\u003e). Floating cork floors (planks, squares, large or narrow tiles) can be installed over most wood or concrete subfloors. Most brands work in the same manner. They can even be installed on top of existing vinyl or laminate flooring. (please refer to the manufacturer's installation guidelines). Waterproof cork in high traffic\/high moisture areas should also be glued down using the Taylor Resolute Adhesive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe edges of cork floating flooring are designed to click together; no glue is required. With only a few tools required, installation is relatively easy for most do-it-yourselfers. Small rooms can be completed within a few hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eConsider a professional if:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eyou're not handy with tools\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eyou want a flawless looking floor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eyour subfloors are uneven and need prep work\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eyou don't have the time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eConsider doing it yourself if:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eyou have some basic skills and own some tools\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eyour subfloors are relatively smooth and level\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eyou have time to do this properly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eyou need to save money\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow much extra should I order?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn general, 10% extra. 5% is for waste which will always be the case and 5% is for the future in case of emergencies where replacements are needed. The latter is for insurance in case that color or style is no longer available in 5 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhile cost may be a factor, getting an extra box or two is always a prudent idea. This is true for all flooring. As retailers since 1991, it's very common for us to receive inquiries for old outdated designs or patterns of flooring to be used in a new addition or for a damaged area. Unfortunately, we have to tell them the bad news that this color or style is no longer available. flooring is a large investment. Isn't it worth protecting?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBeautiful, soft, warm, non-toxic, renewable, insulating, and sustainable, cork is clearly one of the best green floors available. Give it a try in one room and you'll see why.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWant to Learn More?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eYou can read more about cork flooring at our \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/blogs\/learn\/what-is-cork-flooring\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat Is Cork Flooring and Where Does It Come From\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/blogs\/learn\/cork-material-faq\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCork Q\u0026amp;A\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, and our \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/blogs\/learn\/cork-material-guide\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAll About Cork\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e online articles. Go to the Green Building Supply Learning Center to browse our entire collection of articles, FAQs, and white papers for every product. Our article \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/blogs\/learn\/how-to-buy-eco-friendly-flooring\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHow to Buy a Green Floor\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e has more details about installation, and \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/blogs\/learn\/how-to-clean-cork-floors\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHow to Clean and Maintain a Cork Floor\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e gives you details and tools to keep your cork floor looking great.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIf you need samples, estimates or otherwise need help, please \u003cstrong\u003eCALL US\u003c\/strong\u003e at \u003ca class=\"phone-dynamic\" data-toggle=\"tooltip\" data-placement=\"bottom\" title=\"Hours: Central Time, Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Wed: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm\" href=\"tel:+1[shop-phone]\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e1-800-405-0222\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e or email \u003ca href=\"mailto:customerservice@greenbuildingsupply.com\"\u003ecustomerservice@greenbuildingsupply.com\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[],"url":"https:\/\/marmoleum.greenbuildingsupply.com\/fr\/collections\/cork-flooring.oembed","provider":"Green Building Supply","version":"1.0","type":"link"}