Cork Flooring Pros and Cons: What to Know Before Installing It in Your Home

When it comes to types of flooring, there are so many options. But if you value easy maintenance, affordability, and natural, biodegradable materials, cork floors might be your best fit. They could be an added bonus if you suffer from allergies since cork is hypoallergenic. Explore the top cork flooring pros and cons so you can figure out if it’s right for you.

What Is Cork Flooring? 

Cork flooring is made from what is left over after manufacturers make other cork products, including bottle stoppers, coasters, bulletin boards, and more. This makes cork flooring one of the most eco-friendly options out there.

To make the flooring, manufacturers grind up the bark and mix it with an adhesive resin. This mixture is put under extreme pressure to form sheets. The sheets are then cut into tiles and planks and baked in a kiln.

Manufacturers can bond the pieces to a high-density fiberboard to make floating planks, which are finished with a polyurethane coating on top.

Pros of Cork Flooring

Cork flooring has become a competitive alternative to other flooring types like carpet, bamboo, or even hardwood because it has many properties that families love. For one, it feels surprisingly soft yet sturdy underfoot, so it’s just as great in an office as it is in a playroom. Plus, it offers some impressive soundproofing benefits. Because it’s a natural material that’s biodegradable, cork has even become popular for homeowners who want to live more sustainably. 

Some of the benefits of cork include:

• Comparable pricing to other durable flooring types

• Natural, eco-friendly material

• Low-maintenance flooring

• Low-impact feel

• Soundproof

Comparable Pricing

The cost of cork flooring is $2 to $8 per square foot, which is around what you can expect for other types of flooring, including bamboo or carpet. Compared to the costs of some types of hardwood floors, though, you will probably save money by going with cork. Vinyl and laminate floors may be more affordable, but they do not offer the same benefits, especially if you are looking to install healthy, natural materials into your home. All in all, cork flooring costs are reasonable, considering all of the advantages it offers.

Made With Natural Materials

Cork floors are one of the best green flooring options available, as they are made from cork oak tree bark. This material is sustainable and does not off-gas. It is good for people with allergies and it is fully biodegradable, meaning the flooring will naturally break down after its time in your home is over. It is also long-lasting; well-maintained cork floors can last up to 40 years.

Cork gives your home a warm, natural look that pairs well with a wide variety of looks. If soft pastels are your thing, cork will complement it. Feeling dark cream walls? Cork will fit in there, too.

Easy Maintenance

Regular sweeping and vacuuming, plus mopping with water or a mild wood floor cleaner, is all you need to keep cork floors clean. In fact, using harsh chemicals (like ammonia or bleach) c ruin your cork.

Solid Durability

Cork is naturally springy and typically bounces back to its original shape, so areas with high foot traffic are a great fit for this material. Unlike hardwood, small scratches will blend in with the floor’s design.nother aspect of cork’s durability is the option to refinish it. Pros can sand the top layer of the cork and reseal it so you get what is essentially a brand new floor. If you plan to refinish your cork floor someday, it is best to opt for thicker flooring materials because you will need at least four millimeters of thickness for refinishing.

Low-Impact Feel

Cork offers a comfortable sensation that feels soft and springy under your bare feet. It is a good option for rooms where you are on your feet a lot, like a kitchen or home office with a standing desk.

Naturally Soundproof

Cork’s natural acoustic insulating qualities can help soundproof your home. This means it offers unique advantages compared to other flooring, especially in rooms above basement apartments, home offices, or hangout spots.

Stays Warm

Let’s face it—no one likes wearing socks around the house 24/7. Fortunately, cork offers an advantage that tile, hardwood, and other stiff surfaces simply cannot match in the warmth department. Unlike tile and hardwood, which get cold underfoot in winter, cork does a great job of maintaining room temperature.

For even more warmth in the winter, you can consider installing cork flooring over radiant floor heating. Not all cork types can handle radiant heat, however, so take care when selecting the material. But in general, most people find that cork flooring works well without radiant heat to make cold toes a problem of the past.

Water-Resistant

Cork is naturally water-resistant, which (fun fact!) is why it is used to seal wine bottles. This makes it a great material for surfaces where kids play or eat (aka, places prone to messes). Just make sure you clean up any spills right away.

Cons of Cork Flooring

Cork is an excellent choice for many homes, especially for eco-minded families who want a comfortable flooring option that offers benefits like soundproofing and water resistance. But this material does have some drawbacks. The unique texture is prone to scratches and tears from pets, and it can also fade when exposed to sunlight. 

Consider these limitations of cork flooring before scheduling an installation:

• Sensitive to light

• Requires sealant

• Not great for homes with pets

• Less durable than hardwood

• Limited color options

Sensitive to Light

If you like to keep your curtains pulled back to let in natural light, cork might not be the best fit for your home. Heavy sunlight is known to discolor floors and could create light patches over time, and no one wants a patchy, discolored floor.

Must Be Sealed to Prevent Swelling

While cork is naturally water resistant, your floors will eventually absorb liquids if they are allowed to sit long enough. Once liquid is absorbed, your cork floors could swell or fall apart. This can be expensive, as the cost to repair flooring can be as much as $500. Polyurethane or wax sealants typically come with cork floor installation. These need to be reapplied every two to three years.

If you are not familiar with how to apply sealer, it is a good idea to hire a flooring company near you. While it is possible to DIY jobs with your cork floor—in fact, experienced DIYers can even learn how to install cork flooring—mistakes in the sealing process can lead to more problems down the road, like water damage.

Not as Durable as Some Types of Floors

Cork is definitely durable, but synthetic materials like vinyl and linoleum can withstand the pressure of heavy objects better than cork. Rearranging your living room (especially dragging heavy furniture like a couch) could leave permanent dents in your cork floors. And, like other types of hardwood that changes with each season, cork may expand or contract due to moisture.

May Not Be Great for Pet Owners

If your dog likes to zoom around your house or your kitty has a tendency to stretch and scratch, cork is not the best material for your floor. It is too easy for your pet to irreversibly damage sections of your floor.

Should You Choose Cork Flooring for Your Space? 

As with any flooring option, whether cork is right for you will depend on your specific needs and wants. Since there are so many flooring design options available, your final decision may come down to other considerations like costs and whether it is durable enough for the foot traffic you expect in the rooms.

With that being said, however, there are ways to accommodate different lifestyles if you have your heart set on cork flooring. For example, if you have pets or expect lots of heavy wear and tear, you can install high-quality sealant and opt for thicker cork. This will allow you to refinish the floor as needed, which will help your floor to reach its longest lifespan.

There are some instances when cork may not be the best option. This includes high moisture areas like bathrooms, where you would have to take a lot of care to keep the cork floor dry. But if you are looking for something that will not irritate your allergies and that is comfortable to walk on, you really cannot go wrong with cork.

Mizuki Hisaka contributed to this piece.