Sustainable and Easy to Maintain, Cork Flooring

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Why we have chosen cork as our flooring.

Sustainability

Cork is a naturally occurring material as it grows on Quercus suber (an evergreen oak tree native to Southwest Europe and Northwest Africa). Cork is a secondary tissue found in the bark of Quercus suber and can regenerate within a harvesting season.

Easy to Maintain

Cork is nearly impervious to water (why it makes for great bottle stoppers). Although we do not recommend intentionally getting your floor wet, if moisture does come in contact with the cork tiles, it should not ruin it. Cork will need to be swept and vacuumed regularly like any other floor. 

Soft to the Touch

Not only does cork create a soft visual finish to your home, you will be pleasantly surprised to find how soft cork is underfoot. This can help reduce back pain when standing for long periods. 

Sound and Heat Insulator

The cork flooring essentially provides a sound barrier between the upstairs and downstairs units, as well as helps maintain heat and air conditioning insulation.

FAQs:

  • Is it sealed?

    • Yes! While cork is a durable flooring product, it also requires a clear, top-coat sealer. This sealer helps to protect the cork from dings, scratches, and stains; helps maintain water resistance; and makes it easier to clean. 

  • How does it hold up against furniture?

    • Cork will compress when heavy objects are laid on top of it. This means that while the object is present the air molecules in the cork will disperse elsewhere. Still, when the object is removed the air will redistribute and refill that space allowing any temporary divot to bounce back. The best way to protect your cork against heavy furniture is to place proper padding under the legs of chairs, tables, couches, etc., or place some other type of support underneath the furniture.

  • How does it hold up against pets?

    • Pets should not pose an issue to your cork flooring as long as their nails are kept trimmed and adequately house-trained.

  • What happens if it’s damaged?

    • If naturally finished cork flooring is scratched, it can be repaired by sanding down the scratch and resealing it. If the stained cork is scratched, or if any cork flooring gets stained by household food or liquids, the tile would have to be replaced. Replacing a cork tile is quick and easy, however. 

  • What is the best way to maintain cork flooring?

    • The best way to keep your cork flooring in like-new condition is to protect it and clean it. You can protect it by placing padding under the legs of all furniture, keeping pets groomed and trained, and being cautious of wearing shoes indoors (especially high heels!). Cleaning your floors regularly will also help to protect and maintain the cork. Sweeping or vacuuming will help avoid the presence of tiny rocks or built-up dirt infiltrating the cork, and immediately cleaning up any spills will help prevent stains.