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When considering cork flooring pros and cons, you may have toyed with the idea of getting other types of flooring, including hardwood. But how does it compare in price? Your new cork flooring can cost less than hardwood, depending on the wood type you choose. Cork costs about $5 to $19 per square foot, while hardwood costs $6 to $25 per square foot.

Experts advise that replacing carpeting can bring a 50% to 80% return on investment. However, new carpeting doesn’t necessarily add value to your overall home value. Because flooring value heavily depends on taste, it can be tricky to determine whether new carpet will increase your home sale price. Carpeting tends to be a renovation that increases overall comfort and aesthetics for your home, but it’s not a big factor in value.

One of the upsides of cork flooring is that it's mold-resistant, so you don't have to worry about mildew or mold growth on wet cork. However, you should always clean up any moisture as soon as possible and use as little water as you need when cleaning. This will help you avoid issues like buckling or swelling in your cork flooring, which often requires replacement, and prevent moisture from seeping into your subfloor, which can cause the dreaded mold or mildew problems.

In most cases, you do not need to put padding or underlayment under carpet tiles. Unlike traditional carpet, which requires a separate pad, carpet tiles are designed to be installed directly onto a firm subfloor like plywood, concrete, or tile. Many carpet tiles come with a built-in underlay and attach with peel-and-stick adhesive, double-sided carpet tape, or glue. For a more comfortable, cushioned feel, especially in residential settings, you can opt for padded carpet tiles that have a thicker underlay attached. While it's generally not recommended to install a separate pad, a compact underlayment might be used in some situations, though this typically requires professional installation. An acoustic underlay may also be considered in commercial spaces or multi-level homes where noise reduction is a priority.