For many years, cork flooring has been a go-to option for kitchen floor restorations and remodeling. With the adaptability, sustainability, and simplicity of installation that this choice delivers, it's easy to see why it's so popular. But before you proceed with your toolset or installation experts, here are some of the pros and cons of cork flooring in a kitchen.
Cork kitchen floors are common to see in US homes these days. With the adaptability, long-term durability, and ease of installation, it's easy to see why many homeowners want it. These pros of cork flooring in a kitchen are worth adding to the list of convincing reasons.
Cork flooring has probably the longest lifespan of any of its alternatives such as hardwood or laminate flooring. Some of the finest variants of Cork flooring are capable to last 40 years or more if maintained timely and correctly. It's a very long-lasting material that resists cracking and abrasion and is gas and liquid resistant.
Because it is so resilient, cork flooring turns out to be a fantastic option for big families or houses with frequent foot traffic. Cork flooring bounces back quickly, so indentations made by furniture or human movement aren't long-lasting.
Cork is one of the most luxurious materials available. Its softness and comfort are the greatest features, especially when you compare it with hardwood or tile flooring. Because cork "gives" when compressed, it creates a nice cushion beneath your feet. Cork flooring also relieves stress on your back and legs, making it an excellent choice for any space in your house where you'll be spending a lot of time standing in the kitchen.
If you're chilly, the cork flooring will warm you right up. If you usually wear socks or slippers around the house to avoid cold floors beneath your feet, cork's ability to maintain a constant temperature makes you feel warm will warm your heart.
Cork flooring is ideal for those concerned about maintaining a clean house. Cork is naturally mold, mildew, and termite resistant. Cork tends to repel dust, hair, and other minor particles from its surface, making it easier on the lungs when cleaned thoroughly. As a result of this and the fact that cork does not off-gas or shed microfibers, cork floors have been shown to improve indoor air quality.
Cork is also naturally insect- and vermin-repelling, making it an excellent choice for keeping a clean home. Suberin, a waxy substance found in cork, prevents tiny pests from crawling on the material's surface. This makes cork floors resistant to insects and helps to keep your environment free of germs.
One of the benefits of cork flooring is that it is typically a very safe option. Cork is fire resistant, making it particularly suited for kitchens. It will only melt or ignite at temperatures approaching 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, cork produces less smoke and no dangerous gases or chemicals when burned accidentally than other materials.
Cork is quite simple to install in your house, and it comes with the extra advantage of being able to be laid on uneven surfaces or even over existing flooring. So, if you're dealing with a particularly uneven or old subfloor, cork might be an excellent alternative. Cork can also be utilized as an underlayment for hardwood, laminate, and ceramic tiles to reduce room noise by using it as surface flooring.
There are a few cons of cork flooring in a kitchen. Cork is a relatively soft material so that it can be scratched or dented fairly easily. It can also be stained if something is spilt on it, and it's not the best option if you have pets or small children.
Cork flooring, while providing comfort, is more prone to damage since it is soft. It can swiftly puncture the floor if a sharp or heavy object is dropped, especially in a place like a kitchen, which sees lots of activity. Even minute dirt particles may scratch the kitchen floor's surface and create marks.
Cork may be difficult to keep clean. However, certain aspects may be too "high-maintenance" for the typical homeowner. Oil, grime, and spills can stain cork floors if they are not adequately safeguarded; therefore, it is not a good choice for a kitchen floor.
While cork is waterproof, it does not last permanently. Every 5 years, cork flooring must be sealed to maintain its waterproof characteristics. Furthermore, the entire floor should be repainted in polyurethane every five to eight years.
Cork flooring is a relatively inexpensive material, and it can be as low as $1.10 per square foot on occasion. However, the price of cork flooring pieces may vary depending on the manufacturer's warranty and the substance's insulating and soundproofing properties. In addition, since many cork materials originate outside of North America, this can increase production and shipping costs.
The UV damage of cork flooring is one of the most prevalent drawbacks. And it's true: prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the cork to turn yellowish and fade. UV lamps used for indoor gardening, disinfection, and skin treatment also have this effect. As a result, tanning salons, greenhouses, or sunroom flooring made of cork may not be the best option for your kitchen flooring.
Final Words on Cork Kitchen Flooring Pros and Cons
Cork flooring in a kitchen is an excellent choice for allergies or asthma, as it contains no allergens. Cork has several benefits, such as being anti-microbial and hypoallergenic, making it a sustainable material that can last long periods, but only if cared for properly. However, cork floors have some drawbacks, including the fact that they are not waterproof and will scratch or scuff over time without proper care.
A corrugated fiberglass laminate may only last a few years before needing to be replaced. However, it has a relatively short lifespan because of its high cost and maintenance requirements. In addition, this material is light and attractive but also quite fragile; therefore, special care must be taken when moving or repairing this flooring option.
A cork floor can be cleaned using a dry or damp mop once a month. It's unnecessary to soak the floor's surface in water to clean it. Instead, use a pH-balanced wood or cork cleaning solution mixed with water. Don't use ammonia-based or abrasive chemical cleaners since they might cause harm over time.
Cork is a soft material, which has been the cause of much distress for those searching for beautiful flooring for decades. It scratches (like hardwood). As a result, it needs maintenance sprays (just like laminate), requiring occasional surface care (similar to hardwood).
Cork flooring is fire-resistant and water-resistant, so it doesn't crack or abrade. It's also impervious to gas and liquid, which means it bounces back after being subject to damage. Cork flooring can endure up to 40 years if properly maintained.