We’ve already talked about the bevy of reasons cork is an amazing sustainable floor. It’s been prized in institutional settings for years, but the green movement has finally generated enough consumer demand to make it available in residential-friendly sizes and quantities. Are you considering cork for your home? Read on to see what you should look for when you shop.
Stability.
Since a cork floor actually floats above a subfloor, you want it to stay put. Look for a low-density cork underlayment pad made on the back. Just like a good undergarment beneath your clothes, this will keep everything in its proper place.
Protection.
Cork is known for its resistance to moisture, but you have to make sure it’s been properly treated. You want two things:
- JointShield – This paraffin wax compound seals the edges of the floor panels, making them impervious to moisture.
- Micro-Ban – Sprayed on the back of cork panels, this eliminates mold and bacteria. This is particularly important in rooms that are below grade (like basements) where moisture is a challenge.
Easy installation.
Exterior grade high-density fiberboard clicks together to make a tight, bonded floor. Hint: If you are looking to install the cork yourself, I’d recommend the Mohawk® Uniclic® glueless system. Pieces fit together tongue-and-groove style for easy installation without a ton of instructions and tools.
Wear resistance.
These days, cork comes with the acrylic already on top, similar to the pre-finished hardwood planks we’ve gotten used to. The new generation of finish increases wear and scratch resistance without compromising flexibility. I’m a big fan of going this route—you won’t be sanding and refinishing any time soon. Look for a wear layer with five coats of UV-cured acrylic finish. That can stand up to some serious traffic!
Pricing.
Cork flooring is not only sustainable, it is one of the most affordable and can be found in the $4 – $9 price range, installed.
Renee LeCroy is the Flooring Expert at Don’s Carpet One in Birmingham, AL. For 17 years, she’s been the consumer’s in-store advocate, decoding the flooring industry and offering insider advice. Contact Renee via email.
