Simply Cork Flooring

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Cork Flooring:

Possibly the main difference between cork and vinyl floorings is that cork is a natural, renewable product that can be used in any room anywhere a resilient floor is required. Cork is available as tiles, planks, or in sheets of various sizes. It is very durable, offers acoustic and thermal insulation, is resistant to mold, decay, insects including termites, moisture, and cushions underfoot. In addition it is does not give off toxic fumes when burning. In fact, cork is fire retardant. Cork is also available in a wide range of patterns, textures, colors that can be found in natural, tinted, as well as an variety of custom colored shades. The life span of cork is over 50 years when properly maintained, testimony to this is the cork flooring installed in the First Congregational Church in Chicago, Illinois in 1890, which is still in use today.

Vinyl Flooring:

Vinyl is made of synthetic ingredients, which in manufacturing produces dioxin. In addition, it has high off gassing from petroleum distillates. Vinyl flooring is neither a renewable nor a biodegradable product. When burned, vinyl will produce dangerous toxic fumes. The average life span of any vinyl flooring including premium grades is only 10-20 years.

As we start to understand more about our personal health and all of the environmental hazards that are associated with vinyl and the product that it is used in, we start to realize the added safety benefits of cork.

Cork comes from the bark of the Cork Oak tree, which is not harmed in any way during the harvest of the cork bark.

Cork forests cover 5.4 million acres around the world, and is the only ‘Wood’ product that when harvested does not contribute to deforestation.

The Cork oak trees live approximately 150 to 200 years.

The cork bark must age for approximately 3 to 6 months before it is cleaned and prepared for production.

The different ‘natural’ colors of cork are achieved by baking the cork at varying temperatures. Colors such as blues, reds, and greens are stains, which are applied prior to the application of UV acrylic varnish.

Because of the natural gains of cork, no two tiles or planks will every look-alike.

Inside every cubic inch of cork there are over 100-million honeycomb air-filled cells. It is these air cells that give cork it insulating quality and what makes it resilient.

Cork has an insulating factor of approximately R-2.8 per inch.

Cork is the only ‘natural’ hypoallergenic material that also resists mold, mildew, and bacteria growth.

Cork is a natural fire retardant.

Approximately 50% of cork is air, which is why cork feels warm to the touch. This is because cork absorbs your body heat and reflects it back to you.

Cork was first used in the United States in 1890 in the First Congressional Church in Chicago.

In 1927, 2.9 million square feet of cork flooring was sold in the United States. Perhaps, this was more information than you wanted to know about cork. However, cork is the only flooring material that has so many benefits to offer. In addition to its insulating properties, and its resistance to mold, moisture, termites, and fire, cork also looks beautiful.

Many influential condo associations have fallen in love with cork flooring. The main reason for this is not because cork is environmentally friendly, or that it is water resistant, mold resistant, and resistant to insects especially termites, but because cork is the best choice for solving sound control issues. This also includes cork underlayment, which has outstanding acoustical properties. Cork’s effectiveness is due to its unique structure. Cork is comprised of over a million air cells per cubic inch that act as individual sound mufflers.

Condo associations and board members used to band such flooring as hardwood floors because such a choice would magnify the noise level for underside neighbors. This is because the sound in the above condo would move through the wood into the unit below. However, by using cork underlayment, the sound is muffled. Cork underlayment now permitting condo owners to enjoy the luxury of installing the flooring options of their choice.

Many condo associations and boards in the United States require a minimal of 6 mm cork underlayment for use with hardwood or other flooring options. However, this may increase in the future as more and more condo associations realize how valuable cork underlayment is.

Condo owners who installed cork flooring as well as cork underlayment, have indicated that not only is the cork muffling the noise from their unit, but also reduces the noise levels entering their units from their neighbors. One particular condo dweller in Atlanta, Georgia went as far as to install cork tiles on his ceiling, which he said, eliminated all noise coming from his neighbors. In addition, this individual went on to say, that the rich earth tones of the cork ceiling tiles enhanced his dcor and when he eventually sold his condo, the cork ceiling actually increased the value of his condo.

Cork flooring is not a ‘new’ design choice. In fact, cork floor coverings were extremely popular during most of the first half of the 20th Century. Today its enjoying a resurgence for most of the same reason as it did in the early 20th Century. Cork is fire resistant, resistant to moisture; mold, rot, termites, warm, durable, and resilient.

Cork is possible the most beautiful and sensuous natural flooring material you could install in your home today. Cork is both warm and comfortable to walk on, as it is approximately 50% air. However, just because cork is comprised of million of tiny air cells, don’t think that it isn’t durable. Cork is an extremely rugged material that resists scuffs and stains, making it perfect for high-traffic areas like entrance-ways and hallways.

This wonderful material is also a natural insulator that reduces noise and stays warm to the touch. Its also a very easy material to decorate with as it offers rich textures and colors that will enhance any room. Cork is also available in many decorative patterns and colors as well as mosaics.

For over 100 years, cork has been used in floors, and remains the most versatile, attractive, and durable natural materials available today. For those skeptics who don’t believe that cork is all that we’ve said it is, in 1890, the First Congregational Church in Chicago, Illinois installed cork floors that are still in use today. In 1912, the Mayo Clinic and Plummer Building installed cork, and then in 1940 they added additional cork flooring. In 1937, Frank Lloyd Wright designed his famous ‘Falling Water’ home in Pennsylvania with cork floors, these are only a small sample of the many residences and businesses that have beautiful, and rich cork floors.

Cork is one of the few forms of flooring, which is completely environmentally friendly. In addition, cork comes from a recyclable and completely renewable resource, which is also biodegradable and does not producing any toxic residues.

Countries such as Australia, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada recycle old and used corks. However, these reusable natural product are never again used as a wine stopper, instead, they are made into other produces such as memo boards, placemats, coasters, floor tiles, gaskets, isolation material, etc.

Once the recycled corks are at the recycling plants, all foreign material including plastic and metal caps and champagne wire tops are removed from the cork. If these materials are not removed, they could seriously damage the equipment. Next, the corks are grind into tiny particles no larger than 3 mm in size. The particles are bounded with resins then under pressure and heat are molded to obtain the desired shape and density to form floor tiles and planks. When used as flooring, cork naturally dampens sound by absorbing and limiting the transfer of sound waves. In addition, cork is a far better surface to walk on, as it is comprised of millions of tiny air pockets, which act as tiny shock absorbers.

Every 9 to 10 years, cork is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree. The bark is peeled from the tree without harming the tree. In fact, some feel that harvesting the bark is actually beneficial for the tree. The cork oak tree lives an average of 100 plus years and grows in Portugal and Spain. Harvesting cork does not in anyway contributing to the deforestation of our planet. In fact, cork is a green-building product.

Cork is possible the healthiest type of floor covering you can use in your home. As it does not give off any toxic fumes if it catches fire. Cork does not out gas, shed micro fibers, naturally resistant to moisture, mold, and rot.

Cork flooring can be used as both a subfloor as well as flooring surface, on walls and ceilings. In fact, cork can be used in areas where other flooring cannot be used.

Today, cork is even being used to formed baseboards and moldings. In residential settings, cork is used as flooring in living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, music rooms, and hallways and as wall tiles in kitchens, music rooms, dens, and family rooms’nanywhere you would use wood paneling or Wainscoting.

Cork is processed by grinding the only the bark of the cork oak tree into small pieces. Then they are pressed into tiles or planks and coated with a non-toxic resin binder. Prior to the 1980′s, urea formaldehyde was used; today, urea melamine, phenol formaldehyde, and natural proteins are used to bind the tiny pieces of cork together. Therefore, cork does not produce any chemical or particulate irritants. In addition, it does not trap dirt, dust, mold, or funguses. Cork is also resistant to approximately 40 common species of insects including termites, making cork a very healthy and wise choice for flooring as well as wall tiles for your home or office.

Cork flooring can last for decades when it is properly maintained and cleaned regularly with a damp mop and periodically with diluted wood floor cleaners. However, never use oils or waxes to clean a cork floor.

Part of your periodic maintenance should include periodically checking your cork floor for wear and tear in high traffic areas. In addition, every two years you may want to re-varnish the entire floor or only certain areas if your floor is in good condition.

Re-varnishing kit are available from most cork flooring distributors. The majority of these kits include water-base polyurethane, an applicator, touch-up stain, and urethane protector. With one gallon, you should be able to cover approximately 700 sq. ft. per coat. Many individuals choose to apply two coats.

If cork floors need to be re-varnished, you will need to touch-up the stain prior to coating the cork flooring with urethane. If the cork is natural, there is no need to apply stain.

1.Gently use #220 or #280 grade sandpaper to manually sand rough areas. Never use a machine to sand the cork flooring.

2. Vacuum up dirt, and debris.

3.Thoroughly mix both parts of the varnish. Ensuring that you do not leave unmixed catalyst at the bottom of the tub.

4. Using lambskin wool, apply the varnish to the cork flooring, moving in only one direction.

5.If applying more than one coat, allow the coats to thoroughly dry between applications. You will be able to walk on the flooring the following day.

Cork flooring is available in two basic forms: traditional tiles and laminate. Traditional cork flooring systems are tiles, which are usually 12′ squares that are 3/16′ thick. There are larger squares measuring up to 24 inches but are still 3/16′ thick. Cork tiles are adhered directly to the plywood or concrete subfloor. However, traditional cork tiles cannot be directly attach to linoleum or other sheet flooring. You can install cork tiles in any room of your home, and cork is water resistant. However, just like other woods it is strongly suggested that you not install cork in such areas as bathrooms or other area where water might get on the surface. This is because water can seep between the joints, causing the cork to swell and cup.

Laminated style cork flooring is consists of multiple layers of material, with the top layer being compressed cork. The top layer is usually bonded to medium-density fiberboard, which is then bonded to the bottom layer of uncompressed cork. This type of lamination forms a floating floor. Laminated cork floors are tongue-and-grooved, which either snap together or must be glued together, creating a floating floor that can go directly over linoleum.

Laminate cork is the perfect choice when your existing flooring cannot be torn out or is in very poor condition. When installing laminated cork, it is extremely quick and easy to do however, you have to allow for it to expand and contract as humidity changes. In addition, because laminated flooring consists of three layers it will be higher than the old flooring. If you are using the cork in only one part of your home, then you will have to use thresholds so that you can minimize the differences in elevation the between rooms.

You can install laminated cork in nearly every room, however it is strongly suggested that you do not install it in bathrooms or locations where water may collect as moisture can cause the wooden fiberboard to swell, permanently warping the floor.

Laminated floorings are normally come pre-finished from the manufactures. The polyurethane finishes are tougher and more durable but are more difficult to refinish. However, with proper care, laminated cork floorings can last for decades.

Cork is the only floor that is environmentally friendly, resilient, moisture, flame, and chemical resistant, thermal insulating, sound absorbing, extremely durable, hypoallergenic, resists cracking, and last for years. In addition, cork is possible the most comfortable floor you will ever walk on. Other floor coverings may provide thermal insulating but will not offer chemical resistance. In other words, cork is the only floor covering that provides all the benefits that many of us look for in a floor covering, making it the ideal flooring material.

Cork’s unique design consists of air filled micro cells, which keeps the flooring warm and never cold, in addition, it also cushions your feet while you stand and walk on it. The tiny pockets of air also help to reduce both sound and vibration, making cork floors quiet.

Cork tiles and planking are made from the leftovers and waste from the cork bottling industry. After wine corks are punch out, the manufacturers then grind the remaining bark, which is them mixed with an adhesive and pressed into sheets. These sheets are cut into flooring tiles and planks.

Cork flooring is available in many different hues including yellow, scarlet and royal blue as well as natural shades from light to dark. In addition, cork is also available in many different patterns and styles to complement every decor.

No other flooring material has as many benefits or decorative options as cork.

Since I’ve installed cork in my home, I’m constantly being asked question about it. Therefore, I decided to write down the most frequently asked question along with the answers.

Why is cork so Unique?

To start with, cork is an all-natural product, whose harvest does not contribute to deforestation of our planet. Cork is harvested every 9 to 14 years from the bark of the cork oak tree, which regenerates itself, leaving the tree unharmed. In fact, cork is considered a ‘Green Home Environmental Products,’ meaning that it’s safe for our environment.

Cork feels warm and soft underfoot. This is because of cork’s honeycomb cellular structure, which is comprised of millions of micro-sized air pockets, which helps to provide the cork resiliency, as well as making the cork soft underfoot.

Because of these tiny honeycomb cells, cork can withstand intense pressure. This means that cork will not dent, break down, or be destroyed by heavy traffic, or having heavy furniture or objects placed upon it. Once the pressure is removed, cork starts recovering its shape. However, because cork is pliable, when you have to move heavy equipment over cork flooring such as refrigerator or entertainment center, you must protect your cork flooring prior to moving the heavy furniture as sharp edges can and will cut into the cork flooring.

In addition these same tiny air pockets, which makes up the cork thermal insulates the cork making it non-conductive of heat and cold. This makes cork flooring always feel warm to the touch when compared to stone, ceramic, vinyl, and even hardwood floors.

Cork also is known to repel insects including mites and termites. It also retards mold growth. This is due to a waxy substance called Suberin that cork naturally produces. This waxy Suberin also makes cork water resistant and prevents cork from rotting when submerged under water for any period of time.

How many colors and patterns are available in Cork?

Cork tiles and planking are available in several colors as well as designs including mosaic tiles. The colors of cork flooring range from natural shades of very light to extremely dark hues as well as reds, blues, greens, and even yellows. With cork tiles and planking, you can use your creativity to design a unique floor patter that’s completely and exceptionally yours.

How difficult is cork to install and can the average person do-it-themselves?

Installing cork is relatively simple, providing that you have the proper tools and adhesive. In addition, you have to take extreme care in properly preparing the subfloor. Once the subfloor has been properly prepared, you will next establish a centerline and work out toward the walls and entryway. Once you have established the centerline, you will next apply the adhesive, and then align the first tile to the centerline. Once the tile is the correct position, carefully secure the contact between the tile and substrate by using a rubber mallet. Then after you have a few tiles are in place, you can use a small piece of plywood as a tapping board along with the rubber mallet. It is important to understand that once you have tapped the tiles in place, they cannot be removed without damaging the tiles. After the infield has been laid, then you will cut in the perimeter.

After all the tiles have been installed, allow the adhesive to completely dry. You will need to clean all overspill adhesive from around the edges of each tile, using a damp cloth while the adhesive is wet or by simply rubbing the excess adhesive off the edges when the adhesive has dried.

If the cork tiles are natural and unfinished you will immediately have to coat them using urethane or flooring wax. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

What kind of substrate or sub-flooring can cork be installed?

Cork tiles can be applied directly on to of sealed concrete, which is above grade, on plywood sub-floors, or even over primed drywall.

Can cork tiles be installed over other types of floor surfaces such as wood parquet, vinyl tiles, carpet, or ceramic?

The answer for this is, no. Carpeting, vinyl tiles, sheet vinyl, etc., will have to be completely removed and the subfloor sanded until smooth or a new plywood sub-floor will have to be installed prior to installing the cork tiles. The adhesive used to apply the cork will not adhere to other surfaces, resulting in the tiles pulling away.

For ceramic and stone tiles, first you must ensure that non of the tiles are loose, then you will have to float cementious patching cement over tiles to fill in all deflections, and grout lines. It is vital that the subfloor be smooth, flat, and free of all defects as well as clean of all paints, dirt, oil, grease, and other foreign matter. If the subfloor is not smooth and free of all defects, these can transfer through the cork tiles.

Can anyone install cork flooring?

If you are good at do-it-yourself projects, and have installed other types of flooring, then you will probably not have any difficulty. However, if you have never installed any form of flooring, then you may wish to employ a reputable flooring installer who is experienced in installing vinyl, wood, or ceramic tiles. If you decide to have your cork floors professionally installed, ensure that they are familiar with the product and brand that you have chosen.

How difficult are cork tiles to maintain and keep clean?

For the proper maintenance and to protect against moisture leeching into the seams, apply an additional coat of water-based varnish to the tiles after they are installed. Before applying the finish, the tiles must be clean and free of adhesive.

Once you have applied the second coat of finish, to keep the cork tiles clean all you must do is vacuum regularly, or sweep with a fine bristle broom followed by damp moping with a ph balanced cleaner. Do not use any products that contain ammonia or abrasives. You should never wax your cork floors.

Will my cork floors ever need to be refinished?

If you keep your cork floors well maintained they should last for decades. If you apply a cork floor polish, or another topcoat finish once every year or two depending on the traffic your cork floors should not need to be refinished.