Many people think of a bulletin board when they think of cork
flooring. This is not the case at all. This material is
beautiful and available in a wide variety of colors and shades,
from very light to dark. There is a cork floor to match any home
décor. It also comes in a wide variety of textures and patterns,
including marble and wood grain patterns that resemble pergo
flooring.
Benefits of Cork Flooring Cork is a great insulating material.
It keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the
summer. The energy efficiency aids in cutting energy bills in
the winter. It is much more energy efficient than either
Armstrong laminate flooring or discount wood flooring. Cork is
also good for sound insulation. It helps cut down noise from
another room, or another floor. This material is softer on your
feet than ceramic tile, bellawood or any other wood or stone
flooring material. This is more comfortable in the kitchen, when
you may spend a lot of time on your feet. In addition, if you
drop a dish, it won't break as easily as it would on a tile or
stone floor. Another benefit, cork is naturally fire retardant.
Cork is also good for the environment. It is made from the bark
of the cork oak tree. These trees grow primarily in Spain and
Portugal. The trees are not cut down. The bark is stripped away,
without killing the tree. It immediately begins to grow back and
can be peeled again about every nine years. This flooring does
not contribute to deforestation, which is considered a big
problem on our planet today. Installing Cork Flooring
Installation is done by either nailing or gluing down the
material. It can be installed over wood or concrete. It's
important to be sure the subfloor is completely dry. Applying a
sealer before installing the floor helps prepare the surface and
controls moisture. Peel and stick cork tiles are also available
for easy installation.
Spread the adhesive on the subfloor with a paint roller. Once
the tiles are laid, you will hardly see the seams. A razor knife
can be used to cut tiles to fit around corners or angles in the
room. Once the tiles are laid, you will need to roll the floor
with a 100 pound floor roller. These can be rented from most
places where other tools are rented. A clear urethane can be
applied over the floor for added protection.
Cork is fairly easy to clean and maintain. Sweep with a broom to
remove debris. You can mop the floor with a damp mop as needed.
The finish may begin to wear off after several years. Floor
sanders can be used to sand the floor lightly. Reapply a coat of
urethane after sanding to protect the floor. You can apply
several coats, sanding lightly between each coat, for added
protection. Several coats of clear urethane will make the floor
more water resistant.
|
