Facts about the Natural Characteristics of Cork Flooring

 In order to avoid any surprises or disappointments with your cork flooring expectations it is important that you recognize and understand the natural characteristics of cork floors. 

1)         Shade variation of cork floors – cork floors are high quality natural materials and should be recognized as such.  Shade variation is an inherent and attractive characteristic of all natural products, whether cork, wood, marble, bamboo, or any other natural floors.  Shade and color variances from tile to tile should be expected and enjoyed.

 2)         Color changes of cork floors – both wood and cork, as natural products, may change in color when exposed to natural light over a period of time.  Cork will tend to fade while most woods will darken/mellow.  When putting cork flooring in a room that receives direct sunlight, it is important to have window treatments which will block the direct sunlight during certain times of day.

 3)         Custom staining of cork floors – cork floors can be custom stained in several colors.  When custom staining unfinished cork floors, however, it is highly unlikely to get an exact color match from tile to tile.  Although the color tones will be the same due to the natural color variations of cork itself the shade may be different from tile to tile.  Here again these shade variations are an attractive characteristic of cork flooring.

 4)         Color change after polyurethane is applied – the application of polyurethane to unfinished cork floors (and wood floors) will further enhance and deepen the natural grains and patterns of the flooring.  The polyurethane application will also darken the overall tile shade.  Water-based polyurethane is applied to help protect the flooring from normal wear and tear. 

 5)         “Softness” of cork flooring – the comfort and softness of cork flooring is one of its most important characteristics.  Although cork flooring is produced in a high enough density to withstand heavy traffic and weight the “softness” of cork makes it susceptible to “denting” if proper care and precautions are not taken.  Although one of the unique characteristics of cork flooring is that it has a “memory” and recovers well from compression, very much like a wine cork, heavy furniture may cause indentation that will not recover.  Protect your floor by placing protective pads under furniture legs and never drag furniture or appliances over the floor.  This could cause severe damage.  And, as is the case with wood floors, it is important to keep dog's nails trimmed.

 6)         Inspection of tiles prior to installation – to ensure the cork tiles are your preferred pattern, style, size, shade and color it is your responsibility to inspect the tiles prior to installation, whether or not the installation is performed by you or by a professional installer.  The simplest way of checking tiles is to lay them out loosely on the floor and step back to inspect them to your satisfaction.

 7)         Maintenance of cork flooring – to ensure years of satisfaction with your cork floor it is important for you to maintain your floor correctly.  It is common sense and easy to do.  General cleaning with Bona Kemi cleaning products which are available at The Cork House is strongly recommended.  The use of other cleaning products may adversely affect the finish, and may make it impossible to properly refinish the floor.  Please ask us for more details.  Once the floor begins to look dull it is time to apply another two or three coats of water-based polyurethane.  Cork flooring under normal wear and proper installation and maintenance will last upwards of 30 years.