Natural cork finish. Cork flooring: types, sizes, recommendations for selection and care. Pros and cons of cork floors, photos, prices for various types of coverage

The text discusses in detail such a type of material as cork flooring. From the article, you can find out what this type of finish is, what properties and characteristics it has, as well as evaluate the feasibility of using natural coatings in the interior by examining its advantages and disadvantages, consumer reviews, average prices and other factors.

Cork flooring is made from porous oak bark. The extraction of this material does not have a negative impact on nature. The place where the bark was cut continues to grow and renew, which allows this procedure to be performed every 9 years without jeopardizing the condition of the tree. For the production of flooring, raw materials from 25-year-old oaks are used. Younger trees are not suitable for this. The most valuable is the bark cut from 150-year-old oaks.

As the basis for the coating, a mixture consisting of pressed bark is used. As a result of a special treatment inside the furnace, the material is saturated with air. In this case, natural juice contained in micropores is used. It's called suberin. At the next stage, the material is given strength. For the so-called reinforcement, resins and wood dust are used, which are added in several layers.

The finish layer is made of cork or other materials such as veneer or PVC. The scope of flooring, as well as their service life, depends on the properties and characteristics of the top coating.

To protect the coating from wear, as well as to give it a certain design, manufacturers use veneer in combination with cladding with other materials:

• veneer - the thickness of the layer is only 0.5 mm. The coating is applied over the base to the adhesive composition;

• veneer varnished for cork flooring - the lacquer composition increases the life of the finish, which is ideal for living rooms, including bedrooms;
• veneer covered with a protective vinyl film - it prevents scratches and also prevents moisture from entering the material. Thanks to this, the manufacturer's warranty extends to 10 years;
• veneer made from precious woods and covered with a vinyl film - the material is a natural veneer made from expensive woods. For protection purposes, it is covered with a layer of vinyl.

Note! Thanks to modern technology, consumers can buy cork flooring in any design. The photo printing method allows you to apply a realistic imitation of grass, wood, sand, stone, etc. to the surface of the material.

Cork flooring: material advantages

Cork used as a floor covering has many useful properties. This finishing material is lightweight compared to other types of coatings. Cork is characterized by sound impermeability. The material does not transmit noise, so it is suitable even for recording studios. At the same time, the finish has a low level of thermal conductivity, so that the heat of the room does not go to the floor, but is stored inside.

The surface of the cork is elastic and soft. Orthopedic specialists recommend using this type of finish for people with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, as well as as a coating in children's rooms. Cork is safe and environmentally friendly. Its surface does not slip, does not absorb liquids and does not emit harmful substances. In addition, the material has antistatic properties. The cork does not need complex care and perfectly repels dust.

The coating is resistant to liquids and chemicals. The exception is caustic solutions of alkaline origin. Cork does not interfere with natural air circulation. Due to this, the material does not contribute to the growth of bacteria and the exacerbation of allergic reactions in the residents of the house. Cork is not subject to decay. She is not afraid of moisture. If the floors in the house get wet as a result of flooding, the coating will not deteriorate under the influence of the liquid, but provided that the surface has a protective treatment.

Cork is not afraid of temperature changes and is not subject to fading in the sun. Unlike laminate, this material can be laid on open loggias and balconies. This type of coating is very strong and durable. Due to its porous structure, the material reduces the level of friction, therefore, the aggressiveness of external influence factors is reduced.

Cons of cork floors

Like any other type of flooring, cork floors have both advantages and disadvantages. Due to its softness, the coating eventually sags under the weight of the furniture. Especially for bathrooms, manufacturers produce plates with a thickness of 1-1.2 cm. The size of such products is 14.8x14.8 cm. If the coating in the bathroom is thinner, there is a possibility that the bathtub will pierce it through.

Do not walk indoors in rubber-soled or high-heeled shoes, otherwise marks will remain on the surface of the coating. Also, do not lay mats made of latex or rubber on the floor. The trace of these products after a long stay is practically not removed.

Helpful advice! The pits left by chair legs and light furniture will even out on their own. For heavy furnishings, it is advisable to buy soft felt pads that will reduce pressure.

Significant disadvantages include the price of a cork floor. Moreover, the adhesive type of coating will cost much more than cork laminate. On the other hand, due to the simplified installation of interlocking plates, the costs of purchasing the material are partially compensated. As a result, the total cost of coating will be lower than that of natural parquet.

Another disadvantage of cork is flammability. The material itself is not combustible. The flammable component of the floor is its protective coatings, such as paint, varnish, glue. Natural coating has a low level of resistance to moisture. This disadvantage can be eliminated with varnish, sealant or wax impregnation.

Some flooring options (for example, adhesive-type floors) have a complex installation system. Only specialists can provide high-quality performance of such work. In addition, it is impossible to install the underfloor heating system under the cork floor. The material has a high degree of thermal insulation, so heat flows cannot enter the room.

Pros and cons of cork floors, photos, prices for various types of coverage

Manufacturers produce three types of cork that are used as flooring:

• solid veneer - the material consists of solid pieces of wood bark (this type of finish has a high price and is used to decorate ceiling and wall surfaces, as well as niches);
• glomerate - the material looks like sheets, consisting of crushed bark, joined together by gluing (this type of finish is practical and affordable);
• combined cork - consists of agglomerate and veneer, they are glued together under high pressure.

For the production of combined cork, veneer is used that is not suitable for the manufacture of plates. As a result, the finish acquires a decorative appearance and a beautiful texture. Combined cork goes well with other materials.

There are the following types of coatings:

1. Floating or castle floor.
2. Adhesive floor.
3. Technical traffic jam.

They have different properties and are characterized by a specific scope.

Features of cork tiles for interlocking floors

The floating floor consists of slabs interconnected by interlocking joints. The thickness of these panels varies between 10.5-12 mm. The size of the tile is 18.5x90 cm. The finish is laid in the same way as a conventional laminate.

For the manufacture of the base of these plates, crushed crumb is used. Wood or cork is used as a topcoat, which is covered with a layer of paint and a printed image. This type of finish is desirable to use in well-heated rooms, where there are no temperature fluctuations. Sudden changes can adversely affect the condition of the interlocks.

Important! When buying plates, be sure to pay attention to the quality of the interlocks. The integrity of the coating and its durability depend on them.

It is not recommended to use cork floating floors in areas with high traffic, such as walk-through corridors or kitchens. The installation system of the coating is quite simple. If one of the fragments is damaged during operation, a whole row will have to be disassembled. The area from the wall to the place where the defective element is located is subject to dismantling.

Parameters affecting the choice. Properties of various materials. Features of the floor in different rooms. Additional floor modifications.

Cost of floating cork floors: price per meter of finish

Leading manufacturers and suppliers of cork flooring are Spain and Portugal, where porous oaks are widely distributed. Products from Asian countries are in lower demand, since the climatic conditions of this region do not allow growing high quality wood.

Average cost per 1 m² of Wicanders floating cork floors:

Collection name	Price, rub./m²
Originals	1650
Identity	2150
Personality	2150
Cork Veneers	2220
character	2280
Linn	2390
Cork Plank	2450
Homecork	2490
Artcomfort Wood	2500
Artcomfort Stone	2550

Features and specifications of adhesive cork floors

The adhesive floor consists of cork panels with an additional protective coating. The thickness of these elements is 4-6 mm. The material has a two-layer structure. At the bottom there is pressed cork chips, and the finishing layer on the panels is veneer. Elements can be either rectangular (60x30 and 45x15 cm) or square (40x40 and 30x30 cm). This type of coating is suitable for rooms with a high level of humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Before installation, you need to carefully prepare the surface. The base for the installation of the coating must be perfectly flat. Glue is used to fix the panels. In order for the result of laying the coating to be of high quality and durable, all elements must be carefully adjusted. Backlashes are not allowed.

With the help of this material on the floor, you can create decorative ornaments and patterns. When the installation is completed, the cork is coated with a polyurethane-based varnish in several layers. Be sure to process the gaps between the modular elements.

Helpful advice! If one of the fragments is damaged, do not dismantle the entire coating. It is enough to cut out the damaged bar and replace it with a new one.

Average cost of adhesive cork floors: price per m2

The main criterion for choosing flooring is the manufacturer. The following manufacturers are considered the most popular and best on the market:

• Wicanders;
• corkstyle;
• Allied Cork.

Average price of cork flooring Wicanders:

Collection name	Price, rub./m²
Cork Parquet	1230
Eco Cork	1340
Crackle	1400
Nuances	2000
Personality	2050
Identity	2050
exotic	3700

What is the purpose of installing a technical cork on the floor

Technical cork is made from the remnants of production. Therefore, it is not used as a floor finish. The main function of this material is to eliminate defects by filling (granules) or preparing the surface for laying the laminate. In the second case, the cork cloth is used as a substrate that levels the base.

Technical material is available in several forms:

1. Granules.
2. Rolls.
3. Plates.

In addition, technical material is used to create additional sound and thermal insulation.

Technical cork cost:

Form	Size, cm	Material thickness, mm	Price, rub./m²
Roll	100x1000	2	104
		3	163
	100x2500	4	235
plate	91.5x61	4	323
		6	464
		8	547
		10	666

Which is better to buy a cork floor: glued or floating

Adhesive and lock floors differ from each other not only in their structure, but also in their properties.

The adhesive floor panel consists of the following components:

• bases from compressed agglomerate obtained by gluing;
• wood veneer as a decorative coating;
• a thin layer of lacquer or protective vinyl coating that gives the panel a matte or glossy surface.

Advantages of adhesive coating:

1. It is not afraid of the influence of humidity and temperature changes, as well as contact with water.
2. Installation in rooms with a high level of humidity or lack of heating is allowed.
3. The material is easy to cut, which facilitates the installation system.
4. An extensive selection of design solutions (the coating can not only be tinted, but also create mosaic drawings on its basis).
5. There is no need to use thresholds in the areas of joints between the cork floor and the base covered with parquet or tiles.

Adhesive Disadvantages:

1. Installation requires careful preparation of the base. Any differences in the surface will be evident after laying the coating.
2. Requires the purchase of a varnish composition and glue.
3. High-quality installation of the coating can only be done by specialists.

Note! The price of castle floors made of cork is much higher than glued ones. However, the installation of the latter requires the participation of specialists and the purchase of additional materials, due to which the total cost of the coating increases significantly.

The lock plug consists of:

• pressed agglomerate;
• fiberboard HDF or MDF, complete with mounting spikes and grooves;
• protective layer of agglomerate;
• veneer finish;
• protective layer of vinyl film or lacquer coating.

Advantages of castle floors:

1. There is no need to cut the material. Installation does not require varnish and glue.
2. It is not necessary to carefully level the base. A height difference of 2 mm per 2 m of the surface is allowed.
3. A simple installation system allows you to lay the cork yourself without the help of specialists.
4. It is possible to dismantle and reuse the material in another room.

The lock plates are not afraid of high humidity, but on condition that this indicator, like the temperature, is constant. The coating can withstand contact with water for no more than 24 hours. After that, it is necessary to dismantle the floors and dry its elements.

Choosing cork floors: owner reviews, pros and cons

When choosing a finish for floors, you should pay attention to the quality of the cork agglomerate. Some manufacturers, in order to reduce production costs, add cheap impurities to this layer, such as shavings. As a result, the material is hard, while it wears out faster. For this reason, it is worth giving preference to clean products, even if it is a compressed cork and its cost will be high.

Adhesive floors have their drawbacks. Even products from quality manufacturers can have small defects. Most often there are errors in size, which is why the slats have different sizes. As a rule, they are small and are 1 mm in length or width. This indicator is considered normal, since due to the elasticity of the material this disadvantage is compensated during installation: the panels are compressed and the joints are tight. Sometimes there are strips with different thicknesses. This defect brings much more problems.

Helpful advice! If there are strips with different thicknesses in the batch, the material will have to be re-sorted. It is better to lay thin elements in those places where the transition will not be so noticeable. Thick ones can be corrected by removing excess thickness along the edges with sandpaper.

Since cork is a natural material, often on the surface there are such defects as depressions, an ugly color transition, as well as manufacturing defects (peeling of veneer or its partial absence). Before proceeding with the installation, you should carefully examine the material, glue the peeled off places, and place the defective strips where they will not be so noticeable. Castle floors in this regard are more profitable, because the protective coating hides all the flaws.

Considerable importance is given to consumer reviews when choosing a cork flooring for floors. The opinion of buyers who have already tried this type of finish can be informative and decisive.

Strengths and weaknesses of cork floors: customer reviews

Cork flooring is not as popular as other finishes that are already well known to buyers. Those consumers who nevertheless ventured to purchase this material share their feedback on the cork laminate on the forums.

“At first we considered laminate flooring, but found it too noisy and slippery. We have a dog in our apartment. I don't want to listen to the constant clatter of claws. Parquet turned out to be unaffordable for us. Therefore, we decided to take a closer look at the cork coating. The material, of course, cost more than laminate, but its high price was outweighed by numerous advantages. The coating turned out to be soft and quiet, and most importantly, warm. The cork was laid on the floor on their own, without calling the master to the house. I bribed the naturalness and environmental friendliness of this material. I don't regret my purchase at all and would recommend it to everyone. You won't find a more comfortable finish."

Svetlana Ezhova, Moscow

“I am ambivalent about cork floors. The material really has many useful properties. This is beauty, and naturalness, and the ability to keep warm. On the other hand, it cannot be called practical. Cork swells from water, so the seams between the plates may swell. I also cannot recommend this coating to those who have children in the house, because the surface of the cork is very sensitive to damage. The material requires careful handling. If you're willing to take proper care of it, cork won't disappoint."

Maria Korotaeva, St. Petersburg

What cork floors look like in the interior: photo

The use of this coating in the interior can be diverse. In the photo, cork floors look prestigious and original, especially in the living room, bedroom and office. It is allowed to use in the children's room, but subject to careful treatment. The coating can be made in natural colors (natural) or painted in any shade of the palette.

The most common natural colors:

• yellow;
• ocher;
• light brown;
• red-brown;
• mustard, etc.

Note! When choosing the color of the future coating, it is necessary to take into account the design and color of the furniture.

Can cork floors be used in the bathroom and kitchen

In any room where the microclimate involves a constant change in temperature, the cork will collapse and crumble. These rooms include not only the kitchen, but also the bathroom, which is also characterized by a high level of humidity. Temperature changes provoke the appearance of cracks in the coating. As a result, water begins to seep into the cork, causing the coating to peel off. It is also not recommended to use cork on the balcony and in the hallway.

Problem areas are usually hidden from view:

• under the bath;
• behind the plinth;
• under the sink;
• under the washing machine;
• for outdoor furniture.

It is in these zones that water vapor settles and condenses, destroying the coating. As an alternative, you can use a quality waterproof varnish to protect cork floors in your kitchen or bathroom. However, it does not prevent the appearance of mucous blisters. Under the influence of humidity, they appear under the top layer of the coating and spoil its appearance. In addition, the cork does not have antiseptic properties, so a microbiological environment can form under it.

Experts do not recommend using cork in the bathroom. With regard to the microclimate, the kitchen has more benign conditions, although even there the floor will be subjected to serious tests - constant pollution, spilled liquid (juices, coffee, tea), etc.

How to install cork floor tiles

Cork sensitively reacts to the level of moisture, shrinking and expanding depending on the conditions of the room. Therefore, before starting work, it is advisable to hold the packaging with the material for several days in the room where it will be laid. During this time, the humidity level stabilizes. As a substrate under the coating, you can use a technical roll cork. The optimal thickness of this material is 2-3 mm. 1.5 cm should be retreated from the wall. The technical cork is laid on a waterproof film over a concrete screed.

Installation of the first row starts from the wall, which is located opposite the front door, with a 5 mm indent. If the material needs to be cut, the cut is made on the side where the comb is located. The groove cannot be touched. To cut the cork, it is advisable to use a circular saw or an electric jigsaw. It is better to refuse a hand tool, otherwise the cork will crumble. The set of the second row is carried out with an offset of half a tile. To adjust the elements, use a wedge (cork) and a rubber mallet.

Important! Be sure to leave a gap of 1-2 cm from the wall. Like any natural material, cork undergoes deformation changes, so you need to leave a small space for expansion.

After that, the coating is treated with several layers of varnish. The composition can be matte or glossy. The joint area near the wall is masked with wooden skirting boards.

How to properly install cork adhesive floors

Before work, the material must be sorted, selecting thinner elements. Thick strips must be sanded with sandpaper. The coating is laid on the base in the form of a concrete screed. It is allowed to install the cork on the old linoleum, but on condition that its surface does not have blisters and damage. The main thing is that the surface is flat, smooth, free of dirt and debris. To level the base, you can use moisture-resistant plywood or fiberboard.

If there are small differences on the surface, it is advisable to apply a primer coat. It will not only eliminate minor irregularities, but also increase the adhesion of materials. The recommended level of humidity in the room is 65%, and the temperature is at least 18°C.

In this case, installation work should begin from the middle of the room. To simplify the process of laying the coating, it is desirable to apply markings to the surface of the base. This is for a cord. According to the instructions, the adhesive composition is prepared. It is applied to the surface of the boards with a roller. After that, the element is tightly pressed against the base, previously lubricated with glue. To apply the composition, you need to use a spatula with fine teeth.

Excess adhesive must be removed immediately. There are special substances intended for these purposes - solvents. You need to act very quickly. Prolonged contact of the solvent with the coating is not allowed. To press the tile more tightly to the floor, its surface must be rolled with a heavy roller (metal).

After all installation work is completed, the room must be ventilated. It takes at least 36 hours to dry the coating. Then the surface of the cork is thoroughly cleaned of debris and varnished in 3 layers. After 5-7 days, the floors can be exploited.

The advantages of cork as a finishing material are obvious. With proper care, the coating will retain its attractiveness for a long time. A wide range of colors and the possibility of applying prints allow you to create a unique design of the room. And subject to all the requirements of the technology, cork floors can be laid on their own and save a lot of money on this. Installation of the adhesive coating is more complicated in execution. But this type of flooring is perfectly combined with parquet and laminate.

The cork floor is used in their homes by those people who understand that this is the embodiment of warmth and comfort. For example, if we compare this flooring with linoleum, laminate, we can see a number of advantages, since cork is directly related to wood, that is, to naturalness and environmental friendliness. In addition, it is a lightweight, elastic material with a porous structure. Even despite the fact that cork floors have a variety of reviews, they still deserve increased attention.

Cork floor - what is it?

Specialists of woodworking enterprises correctly took advantage of the peculiarity of the cork tree, namely, the fact that it “sheds” the bark. The secret is as follows: after the tree reaches 30 years, with a frequency of 9-12 years, you can remove the bark from it without causing any harm.

After that, the bark is crushed, processed, heated in a special oven. Further - pressing under high pressure: the crushed mass turns into suberin, a kind of mixture of cork and air bubbles. This is the basis for the production of cork flooring.

A very strong layer of resins and wood dust is superimposed on the suberin layer, then suberin again. The front layer can be made of natural veneer, cork, vinyl.

Cork floor in the interior

It should be said that in our country there is a slightly negative attitude towards cork, this applies to well-known expressions, for example, “it flew out like a cork from a bottle”. But this stereotype is gradually giving way to a completely new idea of ​​​​the material as an excellent means for decorating a room.

Cork is highly valued, first of all, for its good sound and heat insulation, and it also perfectly absorbs odors. Moreover, it is resistant to household chemicals.

The decorative use of the floor is varied, for example, cork looks great in the kitchen. The floor covering looks original, having a warm natural shade: yellow, brown, ocher. And also, depending on the color of the furniture, you can choose other shades, lighter or darker.

Plus, cork flooring will look different depending on the size of the panels, installation method and lighting. Moreover, today manufacturers offer not only the traditional texture, but also the most unusual colors with colorful splashes and interesting design.

If an ordinary cork floor seems simple and boring to you, you can pay attention to a cork photo floor or photo parquet. Of course, modern technology is surprising, since the texture of various wood veneers can be applied to the cork floor. It can be an imitation of oak, pine - well-known species, as well as for exotic lovers, manufacturers offer original options - a cork with an American walnut pattern, a zebrano pattern, a rosewood pattern.

It is interesting that if the cork floor is laid on a deck, the effect of a solid floor is obtained, and the cork also successfully imitates stone, sand, pebbles.

At repair and construction forums, cork flooring reviews sometimes get negative, although the vast majority are still positive. This means that disappointment is associated with poor-quality material or installation errors.

It can be said that the positive reviews about the cork field, basically, have the following interpretation: “the main plus is warmth, for example, unlike laminate, which is cold. It is pleasant to walk on it with bare feet, and even useful.

Dust accumulates less on the cork, and children's puddles do not leave marks. And if you buy felt nozzles for furniture, you won’t see dents.”

Pros of cork flooring

The main advantages of cork are directly related to the characteristics of the material, namely the porosity of the structure: each pore is sealed, filled with a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen.

Such a structure provides the cork with elasticity, lightness, elasticity.

And now about the pluses in more detail:

• The cork floor is warm to the touch as it slowly absorbs heat from the body. This cannot be said at all about tiles, marble, linoleum;
• excellent soundproofing parameters - the cork coating well "suppresses" the noise in the premises. For example, if neighbors complain about noise, trampling in your apartment, arranging a cork floor is the best solution. And if your neighbors are noisy from below, then you should not expect an extraordinary effect from the cork floor;
• resistance to deformation - it can be said to have a restoring effect: dents from furniture legs after rearrangement quickly acquire their original shape;
• environmental friendliness is an indisputable advantage, in addition, it has protection from harmful radiation, including radioactive. It has been proven that cork reduces the influence of hepatogenic zones, and this is just a wonderful advantage;
• slip resistance - the presence of this property indicates that cork can be used on stairs, in public places;
• hygiene - cork coatings do not require specific care: if dirt appears, they must be wiped with a rag or a vacuum cleaner should be used. The ease of maintenance is due to the anti-condensation properties of the cork: mold is less formed, corrosion is not observed, the material is protected from steam;
• anti-allergenicity - dust does not accumulate on the cork floor: this makes life easier for allergy sufferers, so this flooring is widely used, for example, in medical institutions;
• orthopedic impact - excellent depreciation performance reduces the load on the spine, on the legs while walking;
• durability - depending on the characteristics of the coating, manufacturers give a guarantee of operation for 10-20 years.

Cork cons

Of course, there are no ideal materials, so the cork coating has some disadvantages:

• high cost - high-quality solid veneer cork is expensive. For example, if you ask yourself how much a cork floor costs, you should notice that the price can be higher than parquet or laminate. And if you add the cost of laying and additional materials to the amount, you get a round figure;
• swelling - under the influence of excess moisture, a floating cork floor can swell. The reason for this phenomenon is the swelling of MDF, which is the basis of the coating. Therefore, it is undesirable to use cork in the bathroom and similar rooms;
• poor tensile strength - although cork is characterized by good resistance to deformation, it is afraid of stiletto heels, cat claws, sharp metal furniture legs;
• the inconvenience associated with the coating - the cork itself is quite rough, so you have to cover it with a variety of compositions. There is a risk of two extremes here. Firstly, the high-friction coating erases the soles of socks, soft slippers. Secondly, if the coefficient of friction is very low, the cork floor is slippery.

It turns out that the advantages and disadvantages of this coverage are relative: for some, some qualities are essential, while others do not mean anything at all.

Therefore, when buying, one should be guided by personal opinion - the cork floor has pluses and minuses, but they are individual for each buyer.

When choosing a floor covering, it is important to consider not only its beauty, but also wear resistance, durability, and ease of maintenance. It is good if the floor is warm and pleasant to the touch. It is also important to consider its heat and sound insulation capabilities. Cork floor meets many of the requirements that apply to floor coverings. Cork has a lot of advantages, but it is also not without disadvantages. With proper care and selection of cork flooring, taking into account the characteristics of the room, the floor will last for decades. We list the pros and cons of cork flooring, its varieties and features of care.

Scope of cork coating

The production process for cork is as follows:

• first, the bark is removed from the cork tree;
• then it is crushed to a state of crumbs;
• raw materials are mixed with synthetic thermosetting resins;
• the mass is pressed into sheets 0.6 cm thick;
• tiles are cut out of them (it can be square or in the form of rectangular panels like parquet).

Also on sale is rolled cork material, which is used when laying some floor coverings, and cork laminate. Cork flooring is used both as an independent floor product (we are talking about a lock and adhesive variety of tiles), and as a basis for laying parquet boards, laminate, solid board.

Important! Cork substrates and cork tile products are successfully used in the decoration of walls and ceilings of a room, since they have excellent soundproofing abilities.

Advantages and disadvantages

Cork flooring has the following benefits:

1. The surface is resilient and elastic, so it is pleasant to walk on it.
2. The floor is warm, conducts heat poorly and perfectly absorbs sounds.
3. The surface made of natural material is pleasant to the touch, so it is pleasant to walk on it barefoot. Cork is ideal for children's rooms.
4. Another plus of cork is that the surface is easy to care for (varnishing makes maintenance much easier). It does not electrify, does not collect dust and pollution.
5. The coating looks original in the interior, decorated in eco-style or retro style.
6. If you are looking for flooring that is comfortable for your feet, cork is the perfect choice.

Cork for the floor has certain disadvantages:

1. Of the minuses, it is worth mentioning the high cost. If you decide to choose a cork floor, the price per square starts from $11-13. For the master to lay the cork floor on the glue, the price per m2 is $ 4.8.
2. In a room with increased traffic and loads on the surface, you should not lay a cork floor, its disadvantages are associated with low resistance to mechanical damage. The lacquer coating helps to slightly compensate for this shortcoming.

Types of cork by connection method

Depending on the method of connecting the individual elements of the floor covering, two methods are distinguished from the cork: adhesive and locking. Consider the characteristics of each of them.

Castle

Elements with a lock in their structure and type of connection are very similar to laminate. Therefore, they are often called cork laminate. After laying, the coating is not bonded to the substrate, as it does not adhere to it. Also, the surface does not need to be applied with a finishing layer, since it has already been applied at the factory. Usually this is a layer of PVC or varnish.

Adhesive

Adhesive tiles do not have locks and are laid joint to joint. There are products that require prior application of adhesive to the base and tiles, and elements that have an adhesive layer applied at the factory. In the latter case, before laying, you just need to remove the protective paper from the adhesive layer and attach the tile to the base.

This covering consists of a cork veneer glued with an interlayer of pressed cork. After laying, the material is firmly bonded to the base and needs to be coated with a protective coating (usually varnish, oil or wax).

Standard sizes and characteristics of coatings

Characteristics of cork coating:

1. Due to the high content of suberin in the composition of the material, it well smoothes minor irregularities of the base.
2. Cork thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.04 W / mxK (this is even lower than that of polystyrene foam). Due to saturation with gases and a large number of pores, the material has high thermal insulation abilities.
3. Plate 2 mm thick dampens noise with intensity within 16-20 dB. This is achieved due to the large number of pores.
4. The material does not accumulate static electricity, therefore the floor surface is antistatic.
5. Rough, pleasant to the touch cork It is completely non-slip, which is very convenient for a home with small children.
6. Cork is not susceptible to damage by bacteria and fungi. It does not collect mites and dust, so it is suitable for allergy sufferers.

The size of the cork cover varies depending on its type. So, on sale you can find square elements with a side of up to 30 cm and rectangular panels with a maximum length of 1.2 m and a minimum width of 180 mm. The thickness of the elements usually ranges from 3.6-5 mm.

How to choose the right coverage for the type of room?

To choose a quality cork, use our recommendations:

1. The highest quality cork is made in Portugal, so pay attention to the manufacturer. Polish, Chinese and Spanish products are also in great demand.
2. A quality product comes with good packaging.
3. Be sure to check the geometry of the plates. To do this, fold two products from different packs. If they fit snugly without gaps, then the product is of high quality.
4. On the back side, the panel should be uniform. The presence of various inclusions indicates the addition of waste during the production process.
5. Be sure to consider the purpose of the room, the style of the interior and the degree of load on the floor.

Cork floor care

Proper cork care is quite simple:

• the surface can be vacuumed and washed;
• in case of severe pollution, it is allowed to use detergents, but only without abrasive inclusions;
• do not use hard steel brushes and other abrasive devices for cleaning;
• a vinyl-coated surface needs periodic mastic application (usually this is done every two years);
• it is better not to walk on such a floor in rubber shoes so that no traces remain;
• do not lay rubber mats on the cork;
• To protect against scratches, furniture legs are covered with special pads.

If the cork floor is laid in compliance with the technology and adhere to all recommendations for surface care, then the coating will last for more than one year with the preservation of all technical characteristics.

Cork floors are well-deservedly popular. Indeed, this flooring has a lot of advantages, but it also has its drawbacks. Let's figure out what cork flooring is, what are their pros and cons.

If you didn’t know yet, then we inform you that they make cork coverings from cork oak bark. And it does not harm the tree itself at all. When it reaches the age of 30 years, the craftsmen begin to periodically remove the bark, and the tree continues to grow further and acquires a new layer, completely restoring it after about 10 years. The highest quality cork grows in the Mediterranean region, the main European producers are Spain and Portugal. There is Chinese and Asian cork oak, but its bark produces softer and therefore less durable coatings.

There are the following types of cork flooring:

• Adhesive coatings. These are two-layer panels, at the bottom there is a compressed cork crumb. Above is a solid high-quality veneer. The thickness of such panels is about four to six centimeters. Cork adhesive floors are specially treated to achieve greater resistance to moisture and temperature changes. Adhesive cork floors are laid on the glue, but special skills are needed to tightly lay the tiles with minimal gaps.
• Cork laminate. These are already three-layer panels. At the bottom - pressed cork chips, then the carrier HDF layer, after - cork veneer. The thickness of the coating is 12 millimeters. Glue is not needed for installation, there are special locks, as in a conventional laminate, so the laying process itself is much simpler.
• Technical cork floor. Actually, these are the remains of the production of the previous two types of flooring, so they are used only as a substrate for laminate.

The benefits of cork flooring are many:

1. Good soundproof properties. The cork is porous, so it perfectly muffles sounds, it cannot be compared with quite “loud” laminate, and even more so with stone and tile. However, the cork floor itself will not be able to reliably drown out the noise from the neighbors below, on the contrary, it is the residents of the floor below you who will benefit - they will no longer hear the clatter of feet.
2. The cork floor is very warm and pleasant to the touch. You can walk on it barefoot, enjoying the pleasant sensations.
3. Ecological purity. Cork is a natural material, that says it all, it cannot cause any harm to anyone. And not a single tree was harmed during its production.
4. Cork flooring repels dust, so this flooring is great for those who suffer from allergies.
5. The cork floor has excellent cushioning performance, which reduces the load on your spine when walking.

1. Cork flooring can be natural in color, which is considered by many to be a very beautiful option. And the cork is also different! If you want a different design effect, no problem. The top layer of the cork coating can be different due to tinting compositions. In addition, there is such a technique as photo printing on the floor, which allows you to create real pictures on cork.
2. Caring for a cork floor is simple - a regular vacuum cleaner and a damp cloth. For three-layer panels, a washing vacuum cleaner is not suitable, they are not moisture resistant, similar in this parameter to a conventional laminate. But for the adhesive floor, which is usually covered with several layers of varnish on top, a washing vacuum cleaner is not terrible.
3. Cork flooring resists slipping well, so it can also be used on stairs.

1. The cork oak floor is not afraid of mold, fungi, and does not absorb odors.
2. Typically, manufacturers give a cork floor at least 10 years of warranty, and with careful operation, it can last up to 20 years.

There are not so many disadvantages of the cork floor, and some of them belong only to a separate species. For example, as we already wrote, it will be difficult to lay the adhesive coating on your own, specialists will be required. In addition, under it you need to level the surface especially carefully and clean it from the smallest debris. However, the cork laminate is devoid of these shortcomings, its installation is easier.

At the same time, it is the adhesive cork coating that is suitable for bathrooms, balconies and kitchens, while the cork laminate is still much less resistant to moisture and does not differ in such resistance.

It is believed that the cork floor is very fragile. Homeowners believe that if a regular wine cork crumbles easily, then the floor will have such a flaw. This is not entirely true. For example, dents from not too heavy furniture on a cork floor over time, and quite quickly, usually level themselves.

But if you drop a heavy object, such as a hammer, on the cork floor, the dent will, of course, remain. It is also better not to walk on stiletto heels on a cork, and something should be placed under the sharp metal legs of massive furniture. As a protection against the claws of cats and dogs, hot coating is applied on top of the cork floor, hot coating varnish.

Some note that the cork coating is too rough, which leads to abrasion of the soles of slippers and socks. However, if you choose a cork floor that is warm in its structure, you can walk on it barefoot all year round. In addition, a cork floor coated with special protective compounds does not at all turn out to be so rough.

High cost is called one of the main disadvantages of cork flooring. You can’t argue here, although, in comparison with natural parquet made of valuable wood, cork is still cheaper.

As you can see, the cork floor has more advantages. As a floor covering, this material is great for children's rooms, cozy bedrooms, and can be used in any style of interior.

When choosing flooring, many people consider only linoleum, laminate and parquet. Recently cork flooring has been added to this list and has many benefits. In order for such a finishing material to last as long as possible, you should responsibly approach its choice and care. The cork floor is distinguished by its moisture resistance, elasticity, heat and sound insulation properties. The material is environmentally friendly and durable, so it can be used in all residential areas.

What is a cork floor?

This is a real exclusive and the best solution for those who value environmental friendliness. These floors are made from the bark of a cork tree. Cork has an elastic structure and a yellow-brown tint. Of course, the material has other advantages as well.

The coating appeared at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries. However, as early as the 18th century, the Portuguese used cork for roofing.

Pros and cons of cork flooring

Cork floors have a lot of advantages:

• You can even walk barefoot on the coating in winter, as the material keeps heat well.
• Excellent soundproofing, thanks to which you can make noise at night without worrying about neighbors.
• The elasticity of the coating can significantly reduce the load on the spine. If a child falls on such a floor, it will not hurt him, and the fallen cup will certainly not break.
• Hypoallergenic material guarantees safety for human health.
• The floor is not electrified. Accordingly, dust will not accumulate on it.
• The cork is not afraid of rotting, rodents and various microorganisms.

The disadvantages include:

• fragility. Manufacturers claim that the service life is an average of 5-10 years. The maximum period of use does not exceed 20 years.
• High price. Such a coating is quite expensive, but high-quality parquet will cost even more.
• Furniture marks. So, if there is a massive wardrobe on the floor, then a small dent will remain from it. It's not critical, but annoying.
• Abrasion of the protective layer. In areas where there is heavy traffic, a path will be trodden over time. This is especially true for corridors. Therefore, sooner or later, you will need to re-coat with varnish.

Cork structure

Cork bark is used to create a coating. It is crushed, heated and pressed. As a result, the bark granules stick together, due to which the cellular structure of the material becomes closed. The coating resembles a huge number of honeycombs filled with air.

The design is based on an agglomerate, that is, a compressed cork, the thickness of which is 1 mm. Next comes the wood panel. Its thickness and strength may vary. In some cases, wood board is replaced with decorative veneer or valuable wood. This layer is covered with high-quality varnish. Vinyl as a coating is considered more wear-resistant, so this floor is installed in rooms where there are very high loads.

Types of cork

Cork floors are divided into 3 types.

1. Most often on sale there are adhesive coatings. As the name implies, the material is simply glued to the base. Of the variety of such coatings, tiles with a thickness of 3 mm stand out. It is distinguished by its wear resistance and hardness. For residential premises, a material with a thickness of 6 mm is suitable, since it is much more comfortable to walk on it. Adhesive floors are expensive coatings. They are more durable, but their installation will take a very long time.
2. A floating floor made of cork bark is laid in the form of panels that are joined with grooves. The service life of such a coating is 5 years. It can be extended if the surface is covered with a layer of varnish.
3. On sale there is a technical cork in the form of rolls and plates. It is used as a substrate under any main floor, including laminate and linoleum.

Cork floor: adhesive or castle

When buying a cork floor, first of all, you need to make a choice between the lock and glue variety. The locking coating is different in that it is not attached directly to the floor. All boards at the joints are carefully glued, and then connected according to the tenon-groove pattern. For this reason, this variety is called cork laminate. The adhesive coating is simply glued to the floor.

Both varieties have many differences. This is especially true for structure. So, the common size of lock panels is 900x300x10 mm, and adhesive panels - 600x300x4 mm. Of course, other sizes of both coatings are also on sale.

At the castle floor, the bottom layer is a 1-2 mm thick substrate made of crushed cork. Next comes the MDF board. The front layer is represented by cork chips 3 mm thick, on which the veneer is glued. From above, most manufacturers apply ceramic or acrylic varnish, as well as vinyl. Unvarnished cork is sometimes found on sale, which must be processed after laying. The adhesive coating may be sold raw. However, in most cases, the material is sold with a pre-applied varnish.

Cork floor in the apartment

Cork flooring is used everywhere. It is laid in all rooms, since the material is resistant to water and aggressive substances. Also, the prevalence is due to environmental friendliness, stylish look and excellent performance.

Cork floor in the kitchen

This coating is increasingly used in the kitchen. The cork bark floor creates a warm and cozy atmosphere in this visit.

Advantages:

• The material is not afraid of rotting, fungus, mold, grease and other household contaminants.
• Adhesive floors are not afraid of moisture.
• The surface is resistant to various detergents.
• Lightweight and easy to clean.
• Slip resistance, which is very important in the kitchen.

Flaws:

• Furniture may leave traces. On a quality coating, they disappear over time.
• The floor, the base of which is made of MDF boards, can swell strongly when moisture enters.
• Under increased load, the protective and decorative coating may wear off. As a result, you will have to replace pieces of the floor or re-varnish the surface.

Cork floor in the bathroom

This cover is great for the bathroom. You can put any furniture and household appliances on it. It is also pleasant to walk barefoot on the cork bark. It is also very beneficial for the spine. For the bathroom, it is worth choosing an adhesive floor, the thickness of which is 4-6 mm.

Advantages:

• Slip resistance.
• Simple care.
• Environmental friendliness, durability and reliability.
• The coating is not afraid of moisture, which means that mold or fungus will not appear here.
• The floor is very warm. Accordingly, you can walk barefoot on it.
• Cork does not absorb odors.

Flaws:

• High price.
• Fragility and complexity of installation of the adhesive floor.
• At elevated temperatures and high humidity, the coating begins to swell and absorb odors. Sometimes this leads to the formation of cracks.
• The need to periodically update the layer of waterproof varnish. If this is not done, then bubbles may appear.

Cork floor in the nursery

This flooring option is considered ideal for a child's room. It compares favorably with laminate, parquet and solid board. When decorating the room where the child will live, you need to take into account a number of requirements that the cork bark fully complies with.

Advantages:

• Hypoallergenic and antistatic.
• Excellent heat and sound insulation.
• Elasticity, which helps to minimize the load on the spine.
• The cork floor will not lose its original color.
• Resistance to mechanical damage and pollution.

Flaws:

• Possibility of swelling when exposed to large amounts of moisture.
• High price.

Which underfloor heating is suitable for cork flooring?

High-quality material from cork bark goes well with warm floors. This is especially true for adhesive coatings. If linoleum or laminate is used as a finish, then the maximum temperature should be 28 ° C. For this reason, it is better to choose a water or electric type of underfloor heating that has a temperature controller.

It must be remembered that the decorative coating of the cork floor is capable of retaining thermal energy. This negatively affects the installation of underfloor heating, and also leads to significant energy consumption. If you use a warm floor for a very long time, then the cork will begin to collapse, and the glue will dry out. This is fraught with the formation of cracks.

In practice, cork flooring is often used without underfloor heating. In order to still implement such a project, you should carefully consider the choice of materials and installation of structures.

Cork floor care

The cork cover does not require special care.

• Such a floor can be wiped with a damp sponge and vacuumed.
• It is allowed to use detergents, except for abrasives. Naturally, metal hard brushes are not suitable for care.
• If stubborn stains were found on the surface, they can be removed with a fine-grained sandpaper. After such cleansing, small defects sometimes remain, which are eliminated with wax or varnish.

To extend the life of the floor, it is necessary to maintain a humidity level of 50% and a temperature regime of about 20-25 ° C. In winter, the humidity level drops, so a humidifier should be installed in the room. To prevent dents from appearing on the floor, rubberized rugs should be discarded. For the same purpose, pieces of felt or felt should be glued to the legs of the furniture.

Coverage needs to be updated from time to time. So, a polyurethane varnish is applied to the cleaned surface, which will dry completely in 12 hours. If the floor is covered with vinyl, then it is necessary to apply a layer of mastic on top every 2 years.

How to clean cork floor?

For washing the coating, soft products are suitable, which do not contain aggressive components or solvents. It is also worth abandoning abrasive detergents, metal scrapers and hard brushes.

The cork floor is not afraid of moisture, but strong moisture should not be allowed. For this reason, the use of a slightly damp sponge or a strongly wrung out cloth is recommended.

Cork flooring is ideal for living spaces. Such material preserves the health of residents and makes living in an apartment really comfortable.