About Cork Flooring

The wood flooring category stretches over a broad range of different floor types in New Zealand, from organic to engineered. While hardwood remains the most popular choice for floor covering, other sustainable materials are also worth considering.

Cork flooring boasts eco-friendly properties, natural appeal, and a cushiony, warm feeling underfoot. It's obtained from the bark of the cork oak tree and processed into slices, or mixed with resin binders and granulated. Cork tiles are one of the most versatile wood flooring alternatives, fit for use in several different areas of the home. 

Cork Flooring Advantages 

• Sustainable: Natural cork is obtained from renewable resources and is also biodegradable. Recycled cork is an exceptionally eco-friendly solution in New Zealand. 
• Energy-efficient: Unlike tiles, concrete, and other hard surface floors, cork is able to retain heat and maintain room temperature.
• Hypoallergenic: Cork floor tiles are mildew and mould-resistant, featuring natural anti-microbial properties.
• Quiet: Walking on natural cork flooring produces less noise than walking on hardwood or laminate flooring.
• Soft: Exceptionally comfortable to use for extended periods of time. 
• Easy to maintain: Apart from basic cleaning and care, sealed cork tiles require no special maintenance to preserve their original good appeal. However, unless having a certificated waterproof cork flooring, it's advised to wipe off all spills immediately. 
• Durable: Cork floor tiles do not show signs of damage easily. The material's ability to bounce back prevents heavy objects from leaving visible dents on its surface.
• Non-slip: Cork flooring's surface provides traction even when wet.

Where to Use Cork Flooring in the Home

Cork flooring is great for a home's environment. Its properties, starting from mould and mildew resistance, make it one of the most hypoallergenic flooring options available in New Zealand. 

Water resistance and heat retaining ability make cork bathroom flooring a great idea. It's also possible to use cork flooring in kitchens and other busy environments, where users can enjoy its comfort. 

Cork flooring for stairs is a safe choice due to its non-slip surface. Topped up with the sound-absorbing ability, it also makes an excellent option for kids' rooms and playrooms. 

The basement is another place to benefit from cork flooring's anti-microbial properties. It will make the area less hospitable to mould and mildew.

Apart from being a convenient floor covering, cork can be used as an underlayment for hardwood and laminate flooring, with added soundproofing benefits. 

Types of Cork Flooring    

Solid or Natural Cork Flooring

Traditional cork floors comprise pure cork tiles with no added plywood or similar engineered base. Sliced cork is the purest variety, while the milled one features the addition of resins and finishes to keep the mass together. Solid cork is typically found in the form of glue-down tiles. 

Depending on how it's processed after being taken from the tree, cork allows design creativity and can often be moulded into alternating patterns and textures. Coloured cork tiles are also available, as well as those that mimic traditional wooden and parquet floors. 

Engineered Cork Flooring

Engineered cork flooring is composed of plywood or HDF base layer, topped with a high-quality cork veneer. 

Engineered cork planks are often sold as a click-together system, similar to related engineered wood flooring, such as hardwood. It makes the most straightforward installation solution available. Other options include glue-down, tongue-and-groove, and peel-and-stick methods. 

Corkoleum

Corkoleum is an advanced variety of engineered cork flooring. It's produced of recycled rubber with a polyurethane core in place of a standard HDF or plywood to enhance the floor's waterproofing ability. Corkoleum is also ultra-thin and easy to glue on top of the existing floor without notably raising the surface. 

Peel-and-Stick Cork Tiles 

A convenient short-term solution can be found in both natural and engineered versions. Just like any other sticky tiles, they can be installed fast and easily. However, this is only a temporary option due to the tile's tendency to peel up from the adhesive.

Cork Underlayment

Cork underlayment is the material that goes between the finished surface and the subfloor to increase overall comfort. It can be used with all sorts of ceramic and timber floors.

Cork Flooring Installation

There are two main types of cork flooring installation. One is to use traditional solid-cork tiles, designed to be glued to the surface. Laminated cork planks typically have click-together edges for quick and easy floating floor fittings.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is a low-maintenance option and requires only vacuuming and periodic damp mopping. While vacuuming or dry sweeping are recommended at least once per week, wet mopping can be performed monthly. It's advised to use water in moderation, regardless of the cork flooring waterproofing grade. 

Apart from water, mild soaps and PH-balanced detergents will help to keep the surface clean and free from grit or sand. Ammonia-based harsh cleaners and abrasives should be avoided. 

Things to Consider Before Choosing Cork Flooring

Cork is an appealing and highly functional floor covering in New Zealand. It's also affordable and can last for decades with regular yet basic maintenance. 

For all who are looking for attractive-looking green building materials, cork is a great choice. Similar to bamboo flooring, cork is environmentally friendly and sustainable, and sourcing it leaves a minimal footprint in nature. 

Cork flooring's beneficial properties make it an excellent choice for people with joint pains and allergy sufferers.

If you need assistance in finding the right cork flooring for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.