Cork floor: how to choose. Cork flooring: how to choose the best cork flooring, advantages and disadvantages All about cork floors

Oak bark floor slabs are positioned as a practical, original and functional flooring. Their production is carried out by both well-known factories and local organizations. Let's see if the cork floor is as good as they say about it.

The bark of the cork oak, which grows in Portugal, Spain and other Mediterranean countries, is used to produce a variety of products needed in everyday life and some production processes: corks that seal wine bottles, bags, shoes and much more. But the most interesting product is the flooring.

For the production of cork flooring is used:

solid veneer - a thin slice of bark, the most expensive option;
granulated (finely ground) bark mixed with polymeric binders and special additives - agglomerate. This is the most accessible and widely used in the production of finishing and decorative material.

The structure of the cork tree - photo.

The peculiarity of cork is in its structure. The structure is well represented in the photo below. It can be seen that the product consists of honeycombs filled with air. This is what provides the material with its famous elasticity under mechanical stress.

Cork flooring is available in several types:

Rectangular or square tiles

It is made from agglomerated chips up to 8 mm thick. Some designs may add a V or U bevel. The shades of the finished floor are very diverse - from natural to extravagant. The latter is achieved through the introduction of pigments into the composition or the use of surface photo printing technology: a high-resolution photograph is applied to the finished coating, depicting a board or artistic parquet, marble or grass, leather, etc.

The product is mounted with glue. In this case, the reverse side can be clean or with a layer of glue already applied to it, covered with a protective film. The result is a durable, reliable and beautiful cork floor. There are, of course, downsides to this setup. Firstly, after work on the surface, it is necessary to apply a layer of varnish, wax or oil. Secondly, the replacement of the damaged area is difficult and time-consuming.

Photo of cork laminate.

This is an HDF board veneered with pressed cork or solid cork. Paper impregnated with polymer resins is glued from below or a cork substrate is integrated. Such a coating is very convenient in laying, as it is mounted in a glueless, "floating" way.

Cork flooring for wet areas

Cork laminate on a composite hydrobase.

The same laminate, but instead of the standard HDF board, a composite sheet is used from a mixture of PVC, quartz filler and some other components. The product is called hydrobase. Its texture is visible in the photo below. It is not cheap, but practical and durable. A kind of LVT-cork floor is formed. Its advantages are undeniable - absolute water resistance, provided that a protective polyurethane or acrylic varnish is applied to the surface after laying.

Caring for the finished cork coating is easy. Manufacturers recommend protecting the canvas from abrasion loads by:

flooring of anti-splash rugs;
sticking tread pads made of felt or plastic on furniture legs;
laying silicone protective mats under the rollers.

Advice! Any rubber products leave hard-to-remove stains on the cork, so do not purchase rugs or carpets based on polymeric gummilastik.

Cleaning can be done with a vacuum cleaner or a well-wrung soft cloth. Abrasive detergents, brushes with hard bristles, and solvents are contraindicated for cork. And to remove stains or heavy dirt, it is better to use special cleaners from the Loba, Forbo, etc. series.

Pros and cons of cork flooring

The unusual structure of the flooring and the lack of complete information have given rise to many speculations and rumors about cork. First, let's list the advantages of the material. Among them:

Now we list the disadvantages of cork as a floor material:

Regardless of which cork floor is chosen, its pros and cons can be turned to your advantage in any case. If the product is of high quality, from a trusted manufacturer, then it has:

certificate of compliance with Russian quality standards or production rules;
sanitary and epidemiological conclusion. That is, the products have been tested for compliance with the standards for the release of toxic substances (formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and others), have low PDN values and are allowed for use in residential premises;
fire safety certificate.

Choose quality coatings and strictly follow the installation instructions. Then the cork floor will be the best purchase for you.

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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 bath 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.

Useful 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:

Floating or castle floor.
Adhesive floor.
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 differences. 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.

Floating cork floors are not recommended for high traffic areas such as walkways 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.

Useful 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:

Granules.
Rolls.
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
	100x1000	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 a protective vinyl coating that gives the panel a matte or glossy surface.

Advantages of adhesive coating:

It is not afraid of the influence of humidity and temperature changes, as well as contact with water.
Installation in rooms with a high level of humidity or lack of heating is allowed.
The material is easy to cut, which facilitates the installation system.
An extensive selection of design solutions (the coating can not only be tinted, but also create mosaic drawings on its basis).
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:

Installation requires careful preparation of the base. Any differences in the surface will be evident after laying the coating.
Requires the purchase of a varnish composition and glue.
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:

There is no need to cut the material. Installation does not require varnish and glue.
It is not necessary to carefully level the base. A height difference of 2 mm per 2 m of the surface is allowed.
A simple installation system allows you to lay the cork yourself without the help of specialists.
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, because 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.

Useful 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 the 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 more tightly press the tile 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.

Cork floors as a means of interior design are becoming increasingly popular. And if until recently cork was considered exotic, today this material has confidently taken the position of one of the most sought after. This is only to the advantage of consumers, because now the choice is not limited to a dozen options - the number of textures and colors is in the hundreds. Meanwhile, not everyone knows what cork flooring is and how it is better than the usual linoleum or laminate. So, let's get acquainted!

How do you get a cork?

Cork is the bark of the cork oak, native to the Mediterranean. The main suppliers are Portugal and Italy. Oaks are specially grown and, upon reaching the age of 25, the cork is removed for the first time. The bark is removed at the moment when the tree is ready to get rid of it, i.e. This procedure for the plant is completely painless and harmless.

After 9 years, the oak restores its original thickness - you can remove the bark again. It is important to note that getting the cork is a manual process. Electric drills and saws must not be used.

Benefits of cork flooring

If we talk about the advantages of cork, then the following should be noted:

soundproofing. Tired of neighbors complaining about the clatter of a child running all over the apartment? Cork floors will solve this problem, because they have no equal in terms of their ability to “muffle sounds”;
thermal insulation. The cork floor is always warm, you can easily walk on it barefoot even in winter;
resistance to deformation. No matter how heavy your furniture is, you should not worry about dents in the floor - they simply will not;
excellent cushioning. Impeccable depreciation qualities are confirmed by doctors. It has been proven that walking on a cork floor is good for the body. the load on the muscles and joints is significantly reduced.

It should also be mentioned that the cork for carpenter insects and rodents is of no interest.

Cork floors have earned the most positive reviews due to their unique design. The production technology consists of several stages: the bark is crushed, then heated and placed under a press. As a result, the granules, gluing together, form a closed cellular structure. The honeycomb-like base includes many bubbles impregnated with suberin, a natural cork substance. Each component of such a structure is a shock-absorbing spring, an acoustic absorber, and a reliable heat insulator.

Cork floor - multilayer construction. Components:

cork agglomerate (crushed cork);
high strength board (resin-based wood dust);
cork agglomerate again;
face layer.

The front layer is different. It can be made of decorative veneer, or it can be made of precious woods coated with varnish or a layer of vinyl.

The middle layer of high-strength board is used only in floating cork floors, in adhesive - the middle consists of agglomerate.

Types of cork flooring

Cork floors are divided into two types: floating and adhesive. The first have the form of panels with a thickness of 9-12 mm. They are joined with the help of grooves. The average service life is about 5 years. This indicator depends on the quality of the varnish that covers the cork. If the manufacturer prefers exclusively high-quality materials, then the “life” of the final result increases.

Adhesive floors - tiles with a thickness of 3.2 mm, 4 mm and 6 mm, which are glued to the base. The most durable cork is 3.5 mm, suitable for industrial premises and offices.

Adhesive flooring is more expensive, and installation is not a simple matter. But the reward for your work will be increased wear resistance: on average, the adhesive cork coating will last at least 7 years, and if you apply an additional layer of varnish, even more.

It is important!
For an apartment, it is better to purchase a 6 mm adhesive floor, which will retain heat and easily provide the proper level of comfort.

Choosing a cork floor

How to choose a cork floor is not an idle question for those who appreciate truly high-quality products. What should be taken into account first of all?

The main criterion for the purchase is the manufacturer. The best firms: Wicanders, Allied Cork, Corkstyle (Portugal). Next is the look. The cork must be neatly packaged, the edges must be free of burrs and irregularities. Feel free to check if the samples are the same size - just attach two tiles to each other.

Flip the cork tile over. Noticed extraneous inclusions? This means that the manufacturer, having decided to save money, mixed the cork with sawdust - the material will retain heat and absorb noise much worse.
For the living room and bedroom, get a lock plug, for the bathroom, kitchen and hallway - glue. If it happens on its own, then pay attention to instances with a chamfer. Chamfer - a layer taken at a slight angle. Such a cork will skillfully hide the unevenness of laying, which is inevitable in the absence of experience or in the presence of significant differences in the base in height.

Consider class. Class 31 cork is used mainly in rooms with low traffic (bedroom, children's room); 32 classes - in rooms with medium traffic (living room, kitchen); 33 classes - where the load is the most, for example, in the hallway.

Cork flooring is a modern floor covering that has a lot of advantages. So why not take advantage of such a valuable circumstance and fill the house with sunlight and warmth?

Cork flooring has a number of advantages that allow it to become more and more popular and in demand every year. However, this flooring may also have some drawbacks that sellers and manufacturers are trying to keep silent about. Cork floor - we will try to find out the pros and cons of this coating in detail and impartially.

What is a cork floor

Cork flooring is a natural, environmentally friendly material that is made from cork oak bark. For cork oak to be used for bark, the tree must be at least 30 years old. It is important to note that after removing the bark, the cork oak does not die and its life cycle continues, and after 7 years a new batch of good quality bark can be obtained from the same tree.

However, cork is not the bark of a tree in its purest form. To obtain the final product, the bark goes through several stages of processing, during which it is crushed, heated in special ovens, and then pressed, as a result of which the top layer of cork is obtained.

Pros of cork flooring

Let's start with the pros of cork flooring, since there are more of them.

The main advantage of cork flooring is its naturalness. Unlike linoleum and laminate, which are almost completely synthetic materials, cork flooring has its own energy that anyone who finds themselves in a room with such a floor can feel.

In addition, it is very pleasant to the touch - walking on such a floor barefoot is a pleasure, because it is warm and soft. Due to the light shock-absorbing effect that such a floor has, it has a positive, and in some cases even a therapeutic effect on the human musculoskeletal system, because the load on the spine and joints when walking is noticeably reduced. The use of a cork floor also lies in the fact that even when wet it is completely non-slippery, which means that it is almost impossible to fall on it.

Due to its porous structure, cork flooring helps to provide an increased level of heat and sound insulation in the room, which makes living in such a room even more comfortable. Unlike laminate and parquet, steps on such a floor will be completely inaudible. The soundproofing properties of cork flooring are often used even in recording studios, where soundproofing is one of the main conditions for efficient work.

Caring for cork floors is quite simple and no special steps are needed for this. Caring for a cork floor will also be easier because this material is absolutely non-static, i.e. dust is not attracted to it. It is thanks to the anti-static qualities of cork flooring that it is recommended to be used in those homes where someone suffers from allergies.

As an advantage of cork, it is worth noting the fact that this material is not able to sustain combustion, and also practically does not emit smoke when smoldering.
it is not able to absorb water, as well as other liquid substances, so any coloring matter that may accidentally get on the floor surface is not able to leave stains on it.

If we talk about the strength of the cork floor, then it is quite high. Any heavy object that falls on such a floor or furniture that will stand on this field may leave a dent on its surface, but within a short time the floor surface will restore its structure again. This is achieved due to the low permanent deformation, the value of which is less than 2%.

Cons of cork flooring

Of course, there are not so many flaws in the cork floor, but they still exist, although it is definitely difficult to say whether they should be considered as flaws at all.

As mentioned above, when talking about the merits of a cork floor, dents from furniture and other heavy objects on the floor surface are quickly restored and the floor acquires its original evenness, however, if a sofa or other heavy piece of furniture has been standing in one place for quite a long time, the time to restoration of the coating will be required much more, and there may also be a risk that the surface will not be completely restored and a slight depression on the floor surface will still remain. In order to control this lack of cork flooring, you can either constantly move the furniture, which is of course not an option, or use special furniture bases that will reduce the degree of floor deformation.

Another disadvantage of the cork floor, which for many turns out to be decisive and makes them choose another floor covering, is its cost, which is quite high. Of course, in fact, this cannot be considered as a drawback in full, because any natural material is much more expensive than synthetic counterparts, however, unfortunately, it is the high cost of cork compared to other coatings that often prevents many people from choosing exactly for their home. this material.

Cork floor - pros and cons depending on the type of coating attachment

As you know, there are two types of cork flooring, which differ in the ways of fastening, and if we fully consider the pros and cons of the cork floor, then it is necessary to take into account the difference between these two types of flooring.

So, there are floating and adhesive cork floors. The former are mounted in the same way as a laminate on the tenon-groove principle, while the latter are attached to the floor base using special glue. Of course, there are significant differences between these two types of coverage.

For example, floating cork floor It is mounted quite quickly and easily, and, if necessary, can be dismantled and moved to another location. However, it has one drawback that you should definitely take into account - such a floor is afraid of moisture. By itself, the cork coating cannot absorb moisture, but the base of the floating cork floor, which is similar to the base of the laminate, can absorb moisture during prolonged contact and deform in the process. It will not be possible to restore such a floor.

Adhesive cork floors require certain skills and a more painstaking approach to their installation, because one wrong move can lead to incorrect placement of floor tiles, and since the glue sets almost instantly, it will not be possible to correct the situation without final damage to the coating. However, the adhesive cork floor is practically not afraid of moisture, and also allows you to create original patterns on the floor, which can be obtained using tiles of various colors.

In conclusion, we can say that the advantages of the cork floor are still greater than the disadvantages, and the existing disadvantages cannot be considered truly significant.

Cork has been used as a flooring relatively recently, so many questions arise regarding the nuances of laying this material, its advantages and disadvantages. The rather high price of new items is another reason that most people planning renovations prefer traditional, well-known floor coverings. So is it worth making cork floors, and what pleasant and unpleasant surprises can await those who have made a choice in favor of this material?

Cork oak bark has long been used in winemaking for corking bottles, as well as in the production of shoes, fishing tackle, medicine, and the automotive industry. Recently, the scope of this material has expanded, cork is used as a substrate for flooring and finishing, as well as facing material for walls and ceilings.

The bark has a porous structure, which is due to its light weight and firmness, elasticity. Its pores are airtight, so that, unlike most materials with a porous structure, cork does not absorb moisture and is not a favorable environment for the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms. The air-filled pores cause a low coefficient of thermal conductivity of the cork, 0.03-0.04, which is slightly higher than that of air. The sound absorption coefficient of 0.85 makes cork an ideal material for rooms with high demands on sound insulation.

Advantages of cork

Cork flooring is an elite coating that has many advantages:

environmental friendliness. The coating itself is natural, safe for health, and its production does not harm nature. The technology of harvesting the bark does not require cutting down trees, and the life expectancy of cork oaks reaches 200 years
Maximum safety for health is due to a number of other factors - cork does not accumulate static charge and does not attract dust, which makes it an ideal material for people suffering from allergies. It is not affected by mold, fungus, does not promote the growth of microorganisms, does not attract insects and rodents, does not emit toxic substances when heated
excellent indicators of heat and sound insulation;
elasticity, which determines resistance to compressive deformation;
comfort of operation, orthopedic properties associated with the same elasticity. It is very pleasant and useful to walk barefoot on the soft, springy cork floor. Due to the shock-absorbing abilities of the cork, the load on the musculoskeletal system is reduced. In addition, the floor is also warm to the touch, like natural wood, and due to the high coefficient of friction it is not at all slippery, safety;
durability, abrasion resistance. The warranty period of high-quality cork floors is 10 years, and the actual one is much longer;
attractive appearance, rich colors, variety of patterns

Sometimes the advantages of a cork floor include ease of installation, but this applies mainly to lock-type coatings, the so-called cork laminate. The technology of laying the adhesive coating is quite complicated.

Cons of cork

Of course, cork has its drawbacks, and the main one is the high price. It takes 10 years to grow a layer of bark sufficient for industrial purposes, which explains the high cost of the material. Budget floor coverings (Asian origin or technical, made on the basis of agglomerate) are inferior in quality to more expensive ones. We will discuss the types of cork coating, their pros, cons and application features below.
Other disadvantages of cork:

insufficient tensile strength and resistance to point impacts. The cork floor should be protected from stiletto heels, furniture legs that are not covered with protective pads, falling sharp objects
relative whimsicality for operation and maintenance. The cork floor can be washed with a damp cloth with the addition of neutral or slightly aggressive products, but the use of caustic alkali, abrasive compounds is unacceptable. Floors should be regularly cleaned of debris - small debris and grains of sand can be pressed into the surface. It is almost impossible to remove the marks left by the soles of rubber shoes from the surface of the cork.
usually a protective coating is applied on top of the cork floor, and problems can arise here. If the coefficient of friction increases as a result, the floors become excessively rough, it is unpleasant to walk barefoot on them, and shoes and socks wear out quickly. If the coefficient of friction decreases, floors can become slippery, which is dangerous.

Claims that cork is afraid of water are greatly exaggerated. As already mentioned, its pores are sealed and do not communicate with each other. Even if some of the pores are opened during processing, moisture will not penetrate beyond the outer layer, and treatment with a protective compound ensures complete water tightness. In the bathroom, a cork floor is not recommended, not because the cork itself will begin to rot, but because moisture can seep under it through small cracks at the joints, but will not evaporate - the material is not hygroscopic.

What are cork floors

Not everyone knows that the quality of the cork is significantly affected by the region where the cork oak grows. Its homeland is the Mediterranean countries with a warm, humid climate.

Cork from Portugal is traditionally considered the best. It is here that the largest plantations of cork trees are located and well-known concerns for the processing of raw materials work. Not inferior in quality to Spanish cork
cork oaks grow not only in Europe, on the western coast of the Mediterranean, but also on its North African coast, this is also a fairly high-quality product
Recently, plantations have appeared in China, but the climate here is not ideal for cork oak, which affects the quality of the cork

Important: Chinese-made cork floors are much more affordable than classic European ones and have an attractive texture. But the cork itself is looser, and bulk glue additives to increase density deprive the material of elasticity, which is one of its main advantages.

In addition to the origin of raw materials, the technology of its processing and the form of "semi-finished products" are important, from which the flooring is subsequently made:

the most expensive type of cork coating is veneer, it is a solid sheet material, it is practically not used in its pure form
agglomerate - the most budgetary variety, made from production waste - cork chips - by pressing at high temperature
combined option - a layer of veneer and a layer of pressed agglomerate, connected in the factory

The following types of building and finishing materials are produced from them:

agglomerate-based technical coating is produced in the form of rolls, slabs or granules, can be used as a substrate, dry screed
castle (floating) is an analogue of laminate, consists of a combined cork and MDF, has the form of boards with dimensions of 90x18.5 cm
adhesive, produced in the form of rectangular or square slabs of various sizes, is a combination of agglomerate and veneer

Technical cork is an auxiliary material that cannot serve as a finishing coating, but lock and adhesive coatings are designed specifically for this purpose. Cork laminate (parquet) has a thickness of up to 12 mm and a multilayer structure:

base made of MDF (HDF), in which locks are made to connect the boards to each other
pressed agglomerate layer
a layer of veneer, and in more budget options it may not be cork, but made from different types of wood. In elite coatings there is a decorative layer of pressed leather
protective coating (vinyl, acrylic, polyurethane), often applied in several layers

Glue cork is thinner, its total thickness is 4-6 mm, the layer of pressed cork is covered with a thin layer of cork veneer on top. Sometimes the veneer is simply sanded, sometimes it is immediately covered with various protective compounds:

pre-varnishing (1 layer of varnish, on top of which several more can be applied, but after laying)
polyurethane varnish
keramolac
vinyl film

Important: when choosing a cork coating, you need to pay attention to the composition of the protective layer. Keramolac is good for rooms with high traffic and floor load, but it makes the material more rigid, unpleasant to the touch, so other options are preferable for a bedroom, a nursery.

Pros and cons of different types of cork flooring

Both types of cork flooring finishes have strengths and weaknesses.
castle floor:

more expensive than glue
easier to lay, less whimsical to prepare the base, can be dismantled
requires the use of an underlay (some manufacturers produce laminate with an integrated underlay)
not suitable for wet rooms due to the hygroscopicity of the wood base
due to the heterogeneous structure, it is subject to deformation over time, the appearance of cracks at the joints (cork and MDF have a different coefficient of linear expansion)

Adhesive:

somewhat cheaper, but requires the use of expensive high-quality water-soluble glue, you can’t save on this
requires skill from the stacker, do-it-yourself stacking is problematic
elastic, easy to cut, ideal for rooms of complex geometry, curved surfaces
extremely whimsical in preparing the base, uncleaned grains of sand and small pebbles will make the owner feel like a princess on a pea
forms a monolithic coating, resistant to moisture and not subject to temperature deformations
completely natural material
some collections are designed for artistic styling, creating panels, mosaic floors, but this is already aerobatics, and such work is highly valued

Outcome

Cork floors have many advantages, and the main disadvantage is the high cost. When choosing a material, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the room where it will be laid, pay special attention to the protective layer. And remember that the elite coating requires delicate handling.