Cork Flooring FAQs

Welcome to the cork flooring frequently asked questions archive. Here you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding cork floors. Below is a list of the most common questions regarding cork flooring, just simply click a question and you'll drop down to the answer. If you can't find the answer to your cork flooring question you can contact us, or review some of the other sections of our website with the navigational menu on the right.

1. What is cork flooring?
2. What is cork flooring made out of?
3. Is cork flooring environmentally friendly?
4. How strong is cork flooring?
5. Where can you use cork flooring?
6. Can I use cork flooring with pets?
7. How long does cork flooring last?
8. Is cork flooring water resistant?
9. Is cork flooring sound resistant?
10. Is cork flooring fire resistant?
11. Is cork flooring a good insulator?
12. What type of surfaces is cork flooring installed over?
13. How do I clean cork flooring?
14. How do I repair cork flooring?
15. How do I install cork flooring?

What is Cork Flooring?

Cork flooring is a flooring material made out of the bark from cork oak trees. Due to the natural insulation and water resilience of cork flooring it's suitable for commercial and residential use in all rooms and situations.

What is Cork Flooring Made Out Of?

Corking flooring is made out of cork, which is obtained from the bark of cork oak trees. There are seven countries around the Mediterranean that contain cork oak trees; they are Algeria, France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Spain and Tunisia.

Is Cork Flooring Environmentally Friendly?

Yes, the bark that is stripped from cork oak trees does not hurt the tree and can be harvested over and over again. Since the cork oak tree doesn't need to be cut down and culled it's consider a renewable resource.

How Strong is Cork Flooring?

Cork flooring is resilient to pressure and compression. Cork flooring can be pressed and compressed up to 40% and still return back to its normal shape due to characteristics of the cellular structure of cork. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and the abuse of furniture leg pressure.

Where Can You Use Cork Flooring?

Cork flooring can be used in any type of room in your house or business. Cork naturally resists water and insects. Kitchens are usually the most common place to find cork flooring since it's comfortable to stand on and easy to clean.

Can I Use Cork Flooring With Pets?

No wood flooring material can be considered scratch resistant. However, cork flooring fairs better with scratch resistance from dogs and cats. Any soiling on cork flooring should be cleaned up as soon as possible as with any other type of flooring material.

How Long Does Cork Flooring Last?

When cork flooring is properly maintained it can out last the owner; this requires proper maintenance and cleaning of your cork floor. Stones, gravel and dirt can cause wear and tear if not cleaned removed from the surface for long periods of time. Don't use any strong cleaners on the floor either; this can actually weaken the properties of the cork.

Is Cork Flooring Water Resistant?

The easy answer to this question is to think of a common product, the wine cork. The reason that wine producers use cork is that it is an excellent repellent of moisture. Cork can last a long time without damage by water, however you should still clean up any standing water on cork flooring.

Is Cork Flooring Sound Resistant?

Cork is very good at sound resisting and even muffling noise. Unlike other wood product floors you won't get any creaks or groans as the wood ages; however floor supports can cause creaks and groans that cork flooring can't do anything about. Cork is actually used in some music recording environments to keep out external noise.

Is Cork Flooring Fire Resistant?

Cork it its natural state has resistance to fire; however depending on what type of finish you use it can affect the fire resistance ability of your cork flooring. It suggested you research about the fire resistant abilities of the finish you use on your cork floor.

Is Cork Flooring a Good Insulator?

Cork is an excellent insulator for heat and air conditioning. Many manufactures even produce cork underlayments for ceramic tiles to increase the insulation capacity of that flooring type. You won't find any cold feet in the winter months with cork flooring.

What Type of Surfaces is Cork Flooring Installed Over?

Cork flooring can virtually be installed over any type of surface if properly leveled, cleaned and dried. This includes concrete wooden sub-floors and title. Generally you'll want to consider the different types of underlayments to increase the comfort of your cork floor.

How Do I Clean Cork Flooring?

To learn how easy it is to clean your cork flooring and how to properly clean it just view our cork floor cleaning guide.

How Do I Repair Cork Flooring?

To learn how to properly repair your cork flooring you should read our cork floor repairing guide, and watch our cork flooring DIY videos which may also be of assistance.

How do I Install Cork Flooring?

You can learn how to install cork flooring by reading our cork flooring installation guide and our cork floor DIY videos.

Still Have More Questions Regarding Cork Flooring?

If you can't find the answer to your cork flooring questions you can always contact us. We enjoy helping consumers with there cork flooring questions and projects; however due to the large number of questions we get each day it may take some time to get a response. If you need quick answers on cork flooring we suggest you contact a vendor who sells cork flooring or provides installation services.