Why is cork flooring so popular today and is it considered the best finishing material? Everything is very simple!! This coating is of very high quality, the coating is made from real tree bark, but they do not grow here - they can only be found in warm countries. If we look deeper, the structure of this crust is very unusual, since it consists mainly of oxygen pores. Due to the fact that oxygen is literally blocked, cork flooring has excellent elasticity and resilience. The material from which the adhesive cork floor is subsequently made is very light but at the same time quite strong.

This feature of the material attracts huge amount buyers to you. In addition, cork adhesive flooring has high thermal insulation properties and high-quality sound insulation. All of the above qualities make it possible to use cork as a finishing material for a home or other premises. Some may say that they will not buy this material just because of the name: how can a bark floor be strong? Let's try to figure it out!

How to choose cork flooring

Before directly purchasing this material, you need to determine some facts that are of great importance when choosing and purchasing this product.

This type of coating is perfect for the kitchen, as it is moisture resistant and resistant to various thermal changes. It is worth noting that cork material does not rot; this remarkable property is given to it by millions of nitrogen bubbles, which prevent this process. Therefore, you can wash your cork floors every day; nothing will happen to them.

This type of material should not be used in hallways and corridors, this can be explained very simply - the corridor and hallway usually bear high mechanical loads, in these places there is always dirt and dust, which will greatly worsen this look flooring. To make it easier to understand the variety of cork flooring, we suggest you carefully study all the options for this material and look at the photographs available on our website.

There are two main types of cork flooring - adhesive and interlocking. The castle type is called floating among builders because it is not attached to the floor surface like other types. This type of floor is very similar to laminate in its installation and connection principles. Therefore, you can often hear it called cork laminate. As for the adhesive type of coating, you can understand from the name itself how it is connected to the floor.

These two types of cork floors differ not only in the method of installation, but, among other things, they differ in the layers from which they are assembled. Also, the dimensions of the material can also be different, for example, the thickness of the lock panel is 10mm, width 300mm, and length 900mm. The bottom layer of this type of panel is made of crushed cork in the form of a panel. Next comes a layer of MDF or HDF; this material is made from wood fibers by pressing at very high temperatures. high temperature. The third layer of the lock panel is made of 3mm thick cork. Most often, the manufacturer applies vinyl, acrylic or ceramic varnish to this material on top. But you can find this material on sale without a coating; it will also need to be coated with some kind of composition, but after direct installation.

Adhesive panels, called cork parquet, are glued to the floor; they are produced in various sizes, but most often they can be found in lengths of 600 or 300 mm, and the thickness of the cork flooring is 4-6 mm. The adhesive floor can have a factory varnish coating in several layers. Of course, you can buy cork flooring with a single coat, but then after installing it you will have to paint it.

Coating characteristics

IN winter period time on such a floor you can calmly lie, sit and even walk barefoot. This can be done due to the fact that the cork has such remarkable property as heat retention. Therefore, people with children do not have to worry about the child getting sick while sitting on the floor.

Cork perfectly retains noise; this covering is perfect for families who like to invite many guests to their home. evening time, you will not disturb your neighbors with your noisy feasts, since the floor absorbs noise perfectly.

It is very pleasant to walk on such a floor, as it springs while walking and it will not be so painful for small children to fall. Also, your dishes will remain safe and sound, since if they fall on such a coating, they will not break.

Cork itself is hypoallergenic and safe for human health. The coating does not electrify at all and does not collect dust. Among other things, it is dirt-repellent.

Pros

• Moisture resistance. Adhesive cork flooring has very good moisture resistance. He will never be harmed by tea, water or coffee spilled on him. WITH lock type The situation is somewhat different; if you spill water on it and leave it, then after a while you will find swollen cork slabs. For this reason, the castle floor cannot be laid in the bathroom or kitchen.
• Resistance to deformation. This material almost never leaves traces of furniture. In some cases, when the furniture support is very small and sharp, when the furniture is very heavy, it can leave marks on the floor. But more often than not, these marks disappear over time; the thing is that cork flooring tends to return to its original appearance.
• Smoothness. Depending on the finish of your hearth, smoothness will vary. For example, if the floor is covered with acrylic varnish, it will be very slippery and very easy to fall on. Ceramic varnish, on the other hand, is very durable and slightly rough; such a coating is much safer; it is recommended for use by those people who have children or live with elderly people.

Cons

• Not durable. The service life is only five years, of course, it all depends on the use; with careful use, this flooring can last up to 20 years.
• High cost. Cost per one square meter is 1200/2600 rub. for a castle view and 800 rubles. behind the glue one.

Types of cork panels

1. Technical type of tiles.
2. Cork floor.
3. Adhesive cork covering.
4. Interlocking cork floor.

How to install cork flooring

Laying this material on the floor requires care, thoroughness and responsibility. To work you will need the following tools:

1. Spatula.
2. Cutter.
3. Roller.
4. Pencil, napkins, ruler.
5. .Roulette.
6. Grinding.
7. Rubber hammer.

The diagram clearly shows how the cork floor should be installed.

Glue floor

Before directly laying the adhesive floor, you must first make a high-quality marking of the room where the floor will be laid. The material must be placed from the very center of the room and from this point parallel lines to the walls must be drawn. First you need to try on the slabs without applying an adhesive composition to them; this must be done because the special glue for cork floors sets very quickly. If for some reason your tiles lie unevenly with a slight offset, you will need to level the base.
Apply a small amount of contact adhesive to work surface floor and wait thirty minutes. After this period of time, glue must be applied to the bottom of the cork tiles and immediately laid end-to-end, without any gaps. Be sure to press the tile tightly to the base with your hands after gluing it and hold it for a while until the glue sets. Then take rubber hammer and completely tap the cork floor with it, or if you have a special roller, then roll it over the entire surface of the floor covering.

If there is glue on the cork tiles in some places, it will need to be removed immediately. If you have good ventilation in the room, the glue will dry in two days, which is a fairly optimal period. Usually, tiles never fit entirely against walls, so they will need to be cut, be prepared for this. After installation, it is necessary to thoroughly sand the floor and then degrease it. After this, the floor covering can be treated with varnish or regular wax, according to your desire. The number of layers primarily depends on the material itself; if you bought yourself a material without a factory coating, you will need about three layers; if you buy painted cork, then two layers will be enough.

Castle floor

Cork floors are always installed in a “floating” manner using special locks (no glue is used here). This type of flooring is often sold in combination with an underlay. Cork slabs are carefully installed on the flooring by closing the lock, this is a similar job as when installing laminate.

The slabs must be laid carefully, namely from the edge of the wall itself to the wall on the opposite side. In this case, the slabs must be joined using the “ brickwork", joints of four tiles should not be allowed at the same time.

Make sure that the small side of your slab is parallel to the wall with the doorway - with this action the room will become visually elongated.

The cork floor must be varnished to protect it from water penetration. You can also use special gels - sealants to seal the joints between the tiles. Before painting the floor with a roller, you need to apply the varnish with a brush along the very edges, near the wall. Cork flooring is not at all low maintenance; it can be easily washed with a wet sponge.

Pay special attention!
The last row of this material must certainly have a width of at least five centimeters. If it comes out much smaller, you need to cut off the set width from the lamella of the very first row. The cut must be made along the long part of each floor element.

How to make your cork floor last as long as possible

To prevent your furniture from damaging the coating, you need to move it very carefully. You can also play it safe: stick felt on furniture legs, so you won’t scratch the coating. During any cleaning, the floor cloth must be thoroughly wrung out; there is no need to use abrasive agents during cleaning. Over time, the varnish coating wears off, so it needs to be renewed once every 5 years.

As you can see, the choice of gender from cork material very complex. But it is justified by its quality, beauty, and ease of use. With such a floor, your home will always have coziness, comfort and health. Well, information about some of the features of this material will help you not make a mistake in your choice.

Video instructions

To consolidate the knowledge gained, let's watch a video report on laying adhesive-based cork flooring.

Yes, yes, we will talk about the same cork that is used to seal bottles of expensive wine. Cork is the bark of the cork oak tree, which grows in the Western Mediterranean. It is the lightest of natural hard surfaces. What makes cork even more attractive is its low sound and thermal conductivity, as well as the fact that it does not absorb many liquids. Such unique material could not go unnoticed: it is widely used in rough and fine finishing.

From cork oak bark to flooring

Only two types of oak produce true cork bark. The first “harvest” can be taken at 25–30 years of the tree’s life. The bark is cut in a circle and carefully removed with the sharp end of an ax. This cork is not useful: the first layer is too hard and falls apart into small pieces.

After this, the tree is left alone for 6–9 years and waits for the next layer, which is already suitable for use, to grow. By the way, removing the cork correctly does not cause any harm to the tree.

The removed cork is turned into floor (as well as wall and even ceiling) coverings in different ways. More precisely, the technology is the same, but the costs and quality of the source material are different. So, cork covering can be of the following types:

- Solid balsa veneer. The most expensive type of cork. Individual floorboards in one collection are selected by color.

- Agglomerate. This is cork chips that are pressed into a single coating at high temperatures. Most cheap option: any pieces are used, even the smallest ones.

- Combination of agglomerate and large veneer. This is a compromise solution in which large pieces of veneer and small pieces coexist.

Agglomerate (crumb plug)
Agglomerate. Small and medium crumbs
Agglomerate

In terms of wear resistance and mechanical properties these types of cork are no different. The difference lies in the appearance and the fact that for better adhesion of the crumbs, plasticizers are used, calling into question the environmental friendliness of such a cork. Therefore, keep in mind: most often sellers praise the environmental friendliness and naturalness of cork, meaning veneer, but they sell agglomerate.

Types of cork coverings

Of those cork coverings that are laid on the floor, technical cork, adhesive coverings and floating floors stand out.

Technical traffic jam Available in rolls, plates and even granules. It is used as a substrate under the main floor (for example, laminate) for insulation and sound insulation. Cork chips are used to fill the voids between walls and floors.

Adhesive cork coverings Available in the form of tiles. Their sizes are 300×300, 450×150, 600×300, 450×450 mm. May be sold with top protective coating or without it. Thanks to standard sizes of cork tiles different colors You can post patterns and drawings. This type of cork is considered the most resistant to water and is used in damp areas.

Floating cork floor(aka cork parquet) is a cork coating glued to MDF. It is produced in the form of panels measuring 900x185 mm and is assembled according to the same principle as interlocking laminate. It is better not to fill such a floor with water: MDF may swell.

Veneer and agglomerate
Cork floor in the kitchen
Cork tiles in the kitchen

Advantages of cork

The advantages of cork are talked about a lot and convincingly. If we put aside emotions, the following undeniable properties remain:

Cork provides very good heat and sound insulation. Such a floor will be warm, pleasant to the touch and slightly springy underfoot.

Cork is not afraid of water and does not rot; it is chemically inert.

Cork is not eaten by beetles, rodents or microorganisms.

Disadvantages of cork flooring

The first disadvantage of cork flooring lies in its price. A meter and a floor will cost you 1000–1700 rubles. for parquet and from 400 to 1000 rubles. for a plug for glue. The price depends on the thickness of the cork layer and the type of coating (veneer, agglomerate).

Owners of cork floors often complain about marks from furniture. No matter what the sellers say, the mark from the cabinet or even the bedside table does not disappear completely, but reminds of itself with a dent.

The protective layer that covers the cork wears off over time. In areas of heavy traffic (corridors, kitchens) a path will be trampled. This means that the cork floor will have to be updated (remove the old varnish, re-coat it) or replace it.

And in this article we will look at all, all aspects, disassemble cork floors into “chips”, identify the pros and cons, and also show you a photo of such a coating in the interior and voice approximate price.

What is cork flooring and what kind of coating can it be compared to?

Cork flooring can be compared to OSB board, only thinner and more flexible. This covering is made of cork chips, and it is still wood, albeit a rather unusual one.

There is no way to compare it with laminate and linoleum.

But also with wood, because wood is actually a natural covering, but cork flooring is just pressed wood chips with glue. And the base of the cork floor is the same as that of the laminate.

Therefore, there is no point in dreaming that it “breathes”. And what's the difference, really? Before laying any covering, the screed is now coated with two layers of primer. And even though the fabric of the bed, the floor will still not be able to breathe. And he doesn’t need to breathe, there are windows for that...

What are the benefits of cork flooring in the kitchen?

So, where to start our debriefing? Perhaps – from the advantages of this coating. We draw your attention to the fact that we will focus on how the cork floor “behaves” in the kitchen.

1st plus – Waterproof

Many people mistakenly believe that cork flooring is terribly afraid of water because it is porous. But, it's quite the opposite. Water is not particularly dangerous for a cork floor, since the wood itself from which the covering is made absorbs only 20% of 100% of spilled water. Remember the same wine corks: are they completely saturated with liquid? And this despite the fact that they were in a very humid environment for a long time.

That is, if you spill a cup of hot tea on a cork floor, the puddle will remain on the surface for a very long time. It will not be absorbed anywhere, but rather will simply disappear if you don’t wipe it off.

Waterproofness of the kitchen floor - big advantage . For example, the same tree is afraid of moisture, which means you can’t wash it too often, or forget about spilled cups of tea. But tea is mere nonsense compared to the flood from above...

Cork flooring, in this regard, “behaves” just fine. Yes, it may swell for a moment, but after a month it dries completely and regains its original shape. As you can see, these facts go against the popular belief that cork is best suited for dry areas in the apartment.

2nd plus – Warmth and softness

Even by wooden floor It's not as pleasant to walk as on a traffic jam. In this regard, nothing can compare with it: it’s like velvet, there’s no other way to put it. And, if you like to walk around the house barefoot, this is what you need.

In addition, it is warm to the touch. Even on cold days, cork flooring is warm, even warmer than wood. And this means, if you have small children who crawl along the floor, then cork covering for them is the best that you can come up with.

3rd plus – Soundproofing properties

Cork flooring perfectly dampens sound. If you have a herd of restless children running around the house, then lay a floor like this and the neighbors will be very happy. Yes, and you too. You can’t hear the stomping or roaring in the house at all... Beauty.

But keep in mind that it dampens impact noise. If you want to use the floor to protect yourself from the screaming tape recorder of your neighbor below, then leave this idea. Music is vibration and your cork floor will vibrate beautifully along with the wall.

4th plus – Resistance to fungal infection

Managers who describe the benefits and wonderful properties of cork floors always mention resistance to fungus. Perhaps this is actually an undeniable plus. But in our memory, there is not a single floor covering that suffered from fungus.

Maybe you know such cases? Write in the comments, we are interested in your opinion...

In general, how much water do you need to pour in order for fungus to form on the floor? And, if it does form (for example, from a micro-leak in pipes), then it will not affect the floor covering, but the entire screed! Both concrete and plaster...

You understand that in this case, the cork floor will not save you. So what if it remains? Tearing it down and re-laying it is almost impossible, contrary to the assurances of the sellers. They say that you can re-lay it five times, nothing will happen to the locks. It will be very possible, it has been checked more than once.

5th plus – Saving dishes

If you often drop cups on the floor, buy a cork floor! This is the absolute truth, dishes practically do not break on it. And given the current prices for plates and other glass utensils, this is a big plus and savings in the future.

Of course, the thinnest glass goblet will burst. But an ordinary plate and cup will survive.

6th plus – Low static

They say that dust practically does not stick to cork floors. And it's true. It is non-static, therefore there is almost no dust on it. Is this a plus? We don't know. After all, if there is no dust on the floor, then there is dust on other interior items. And, frankly, it’s much easier to wipe dust off the floor with a light mop than to wipe it off lighting fixtures and decorative elements...

And you can’t see the dust on the cork floor, it’s colorful! But we couldn’t help but add this point to the plus list. If managers say plus, it means plus.

7th plus – Dust and crumbs are almost invisible on it

This is us continuing the previous paragraph. Cork flooring is a lazy person's dream. If the same laminate instantly reveals your laziness, then cork does not.

Crumbs and other small debris are not visible on it. Also, it is much easier to wash than other coatings: there are no streaks on it, which means you don’t have to spend money on “Mr. Proper” and wipe it dry with a microfiber cloth (like glossy ceramic tiles, for example, or laminate).

8th plus - It doesn't slip

This point is quite controversial. There is a difference between cork and cork. Or rather, cork floor covering. Some floors do not slip, and some - very much so, because they are covered with three layers of slippery varnish. That is why the reviews on the Internet are different.

By the way, about non-slip. This medal has a reverse side. If the floor really doesn’t slip at all, then this is fraught with worn out socks, torn nylon tights and burns on children’s knees when they brake on it while running... Children are like that, yes. They manage to make their elbows bleed even on carpet, let alone on traffic jams.

What are the disadvantages of cork flooring in the kitchen?

Now let's move on to the most important point - the cons. If you don't take them into account, it will be very annoying...

1st minus – Questionable appearance

Yes, cork floors don't look very good, to put it mildly. Although, maybe you have a different taste and don’t agree with us. But we still think that this floor looks extremely sparse and drab.

There is absolutely no beauty in it. There is no special naturalness or aura in it either.

Although, now things are much better with the design of cork floors than just five years ago. You can find wood-like colors, and something else more interesting than “no” bits of cork.

2nd minus – Price

Cork flooring costs twice as much as laminate flooring. Perhaps this is not a minus, of course. After all, cork is better than laminate and, therefore, it is quite fair that it is more expensive.

But on the other hand, cork is quite a bit cheaper than a good deck board, which is just better than cork. Therefore, think about whether the game is worth the candle.

3rd minus – The need to perfectly level the base of the floor

If there are changes on the floor, your cork floors will come to an end very soon. They will squash, tear and crumble. The screed should be not just perfect, but super-ideal.

You are unlikely to build one yourself and will need to hire craftsmen. On the other hand, there is no big difference in price between the quality of screeds, and the ideal one is needed not only for cork, but also for linoleum, laminate...

4th minus – Burnout

This is a significant minus. If your kitchen is on sunny side, then the cork floor will burn out very quickly. And the difference between the window area and the rest of the room will be simply colossal.

Make sure that no direct lines enter the room sun rays- unnecessary fuss that you will very soon forget about. And as soon as you forget, the floor will slowly and surely burn out.

5th minus – Difficulty in care

Cork flooring is porous, which means it won’t be so easy to clean it of anything colored. For example, if you spilled cherry juice, you will have to get down on your knees and thoroughly scrub the stain, whereas you can run a mop over ceramic tiles and voila...

Also, over time, these micro-slits become clogged with dirt. And the cork floor, periodically, must be thoroughly washed with a brush and hands, otherwise it will look stale and gray.

6th disadvantage – Vulnerability to dents and scratches

This aspect is also controversial and it all depends on the quality of the floor. Some floors are not afraid of pressing and there are no dents left on them even from heavy furniture. And other floors are more delicate (read: cheap) and you will have to put pads on the legs of the table and chairs.

Of course, walking in heels around the kitchen is out of the question. But on the other hand, there’s no point in splashing around the house with your shoes on. Get used to taking off your shoes in the hallway.

7 minus – inability to wash the paint

Some interesting things happen to paint that gets onto a cork floor. For example, we cannot explain this miracle, but it exists.

If hair dye gets on a cork floor, it is not immediately wiped off with anything.

Well, it’s just nothing, it’s absorbed tightly. But a month, two, three passes and the stain begins to gradually disappear and, in the end, is simply neutralized. But for the entire two or three months you admire dark spot, which is impossible to get rid of.

Also, you will not be able to wash away drops of brilliant green, iodine, paint for Easter eggs, inscriptions with a marker...

8th minus – Inability to get rid of greasy stains

But cork floor grease does not self-destruct, unlike paint. If you don't wipe off the grease often, it will be absorbed and you will never get rid of it.

Of course, you can sand the cork and open it with new varnish. But this is tedious and time-consuming, and the veneer that covers the floor is quite thin and such manipulations have a limit.

About the environmental friendliness of cork flooring

Many people choose cork flooring precisely because of this advantage. It seems to be so environmentally friendly and safe that it’s just a nightmare. But in reality, this is nonsense.

Cork flooring is no better than laminate or linoleum. But a low-quality cork floor is even worse, since the glue used to press it can release harmful substances into the air for a very long time.

Then, the cork floor must be varnished. Is the varnish eco-friendly? And what does the cork have to do with it if you have no contact with it? You breathe fumes from varnish and glue.

Moreover, cork floor base- either the same vinyl or PVC. The layer of cork coating is 2-6 mm (which is very rare, usually 2-3).

Judge for yourself, where does the Mediterranean come from so many forests to provide the whole world with pure cork floors? It's simply unrealistic. Millimeters of this coating go on the veneer, millimeters. And the rest is the most ordinary materials.

Therefore, if your goal is environmental friendliness and complete hypoallergenicity, then laminate is better. It certainly doesn't evaporate anything.

It’s also worth mentioning here shock-absorbing properties, about which sellers sing. It seems like walking on a cork floor is so beneficial for the spine, since you are almost walking on rubber, shock-absorbing, shock-absorbing... This is not true.

Cork flooring is as hard as laminate flooring.

And it doesn’t matter which manufacturer produces this product: there is no cork floor made from just cork.

Is it possible to lay cork flooring on a “warm” floor?

There is a rumor on the Internet that there is no reason to install electric heating under a cork floor, since the cork simply will not let it through. This is nonsense.

Try placing a piece of cork flooring on the radiator and you will understand everything. It conducts heat well. Another question is that there is no particular point in heating it, since it itself is quite warm. Unless you removed the batteries and decided to install them instead underfloor heating, then you can do this.

Which cork floor is best for the kitchen?

There are two types of cork flooring:

• Rolled (adhesive), which is spread like linoleum and glued directly to the screed;
• Tile (lock), which is laid, like laminate, on locks.

For the kitchen it is better to take the first option, since it has no gaps.

Over time, the cracks swell from moisture and become clogged with debris... This is not very practical for such a room, as you understand. In general, there are more types of cork flooring, but now there is no point in sorting them out, we are talking about design.

Differences between cork flooring and other popular coatings

Our review will be incomplete without comparison with other types of flooring. This is the easiest way to understand whether there is a reason to buy a cork floor. Well, let's go.

Which is better: cork or ceramic tiles

Durability: ceramic tiles It lasts a long time if you don’t drop a cast iron casserole on it... But you can drop anything on the cork, even knives. There are no particularly visible scratches and no holes from punctures by something thin either.

As for which coating wears out faster - cork, of course. But it wears off on her protective varnish, which can be simply updated. But the cork tends to crumble from impacts and from being pressed.

In a word, nothing concrete can be said. If you don't drop the tracks, the tiles are more reliable. And it’s even safer to cover the kitchen with asphalt, this will definitely last forever.

Easy to care for: It’s much easier to care for tiles, it’s not even discussed.

Simplicity of flooring: under the “cork” you need to perfectly align the base. But the tiles need to be watered perfectly. If you leave air gaps in the glue or lay the tiles unevenly, they will begin to lag and crack in those places where the “play” has formed. Both leveling and laying are expensive. Therefore, the score here is 1:1.

Warmth: well, here you understand everything yourself. Of course - a traffic jam.

Which is better: cork flooring or linoleum

Durability: cork is much more durable in use, whatever one may say. Although, if you take linoleum for industrial purposes, it will outlive you. But the colors of such linoleum are terrible, so we are talking about household version. But it’s soft, it tears, wears out, and after 10 years it looks like what the hell.

After ten years, cork floors can be refinished with fresh varnish and they will still serve. Due to the fact that they are so pockmarked, the damage on them is not particularly visible.

Easy to care for: It is easier to care for linoleum, since it is completely smooth. But cork is porous and it is necessary to thoroughly wash away the dirt that gets stuck in the microcracks.

Simplicity of flooring: For both coatings you need flat surface. If you spread linoleum on an uneven floor, it will quickly wear off and look disgusting. Every crumb and hole is visible under the linoleum.

Warmth: Both coatings are warm, but walking on the latter is 10 times more pleasant. Linoleum feels like oilcloth to the touch, and cork feels like wood.

Which is better: cork or laminate?

Durability: Laminate and cork last about the same. But laminate tends to swell at the joints, which is why it appearance spoils. Cork, especially adhesive one, looks much better.

Easy to care for: laminate is easier to clean, since there are no pores in which dirt gets clogged. But you have to wipe it dry after washing, since the stains are too visible.

Simplicity of flooring: It’s easy to lay both. The main thing is to prepare the surface well, and installation is the next step.

Warmth: Both of these floorings are warm, but laminate is not as pleasant to the touch. Plus, it's very noisy.

Which is better: wooden flooring or cork flooring?

Durability: wood is much more durable, especially if we are talking not about parquet, but about deck boards. And it’s easier to restore a wooden floor than a cork-veneered floor.

Easy to care for: caring for wood is easier, despite the fact that it periodically needs to be rubbed with mastic.

Simplicity of flooring: there is no need to level the floor to match the wood and this is a plus. But it needs to be laid perfectly evenly on the joists and this is a minus: professionals are needed here.

Warmth: These are equally warm coatings. But judging by the reviews of the owners, the feeling of a cork floor is that it is warmer.

Conclusion: We told you everything and even more about cork floors, their pros and cons, showed photos and indicated the approximate price per 1 square meter. Now think for yourself, decide for yourself what is better to choose when doing repairs.

Recently in retail outlets More and more new building materials are appearing, differing in mass positive qualities. One of them is floor cork, which has high heat-insulating and sound-absorbing properties. It combines natural harmony and comfort, unique characteristics and presentability, hygiene and elasticity. Installation and maintenance of cork flooring is quite simple. The structure of the material makes it moisture-proof and invulnerable to mold. This coating complies with all regulations and meets consumer needs.

What are cork floors?

Cork flooring is considered the quietest and warmest of all existing ones. It does not deform when walking or under the legs of furniture; it acts as a shock absorber, returning to its original shape. This effect has a beneficial effect on humans, especially on the musculoskeletal system, reducing pressure on the spine.

Floor plug is available in the form:

• adhesive plates
• "floating" sandwich panels

Each variety has its own characteristics, dimensions, components and characteristics, and also differs in installation.

Adhesive cork coverings

Cork agglomerate is used as a base for tiles. A layer of decorative veneer made of expensive wood or cork with a painted or natural texture is placed on top of it. Sometimes a design is applied to it using silk-screen printing. To increase the strength characteristics, the adhesive coating on the floor is additionally protected with several layers of varnish or wear-resistant transparent vinyl film. It allows the use of adhesive tiles in rooms subject to increased operational loads with high traffic. An adhesive layer is applied to the tiles on the bottom side.

The tiles have a thickness of 4 or 6 mm and standard sizes:

• square - 300×300 mm
• rectangular - 600×300 mm or 450×150 mm

Lacquered floor cork is suitable for residential areas with low traffic loads. These could be bedrooms and libraries, children's rooms and even bathrooms. This coating is not afraid of stains, which can be easily removed with a damp cloth or sponge, as well as impacts from heavy objects - the coating instantly restores its original shape. Difficult to remove stains can be lightly sanded with fine-grained sandpaper, but then be sure to cover the damaged area with varnish or special wax. At correct operation and care, a varnished cork floor will last at least 5 years.

Cork applications and panels

Plates with protective vinyl covering also have a square (300×300 mm) or rectangular shape(900×150 mm). Their thickness is slightly smaller - 3.2 mm. Medical technologies are used to produce durable and wear-resistant vinyl. An adhesive base is applied to the damping layer, made of granulated cork, on one side, and a cork or cork veneer is applied to the other. valuable varieties wood There is clear vinyl on the outside. Floor cork made of plates and tiles can be laid in different directions and combinations of light and dark shades, creating original and unique combinations and providing complete freedom of creative thought.

A cork floor with vinyl has a fairly high coefficient of friction, so when walking on it, feet and house shoes do not slip, which is important for older people and children. In addition, such a coating is not electrified, and is very easy to clean - just wipe it with a damp cloth or collect dust and debris with a vacuum cleaner.

Important! Adhesive cork panels or tiles are laid on a flat, clean surface, which should be almost perfect.

Floating cork flooring

The design of floating floors has an additional hard layer of HDF or MDF chipboards, which differ from each other in density. They are coated with two- or four-millimeter layers of compressed cork agglomerate on both sides, and on the front side - decorative veneer and several layers of varnish or transparent wear-resistant vinyl. The supporting base of rigid slabs 4-6 mm thick adds strength and reliability to the coating.

Floating cork floors are available in planks

The cork board has dimensions of 900x295x10.5 mm. Manufacturers guarantee trouble-free operation of cork with varnish protection for 5 years, and material with vinyl protection for 10 years. But only when correct installation floor structure and its care. Floating floors are mounted on a perfectly flat, cleaned base, connecting the panels using special locking latches. There are ridges on one side of the planks and grooves on the other. They can be metal overlays or cut into the body of the cork board itself. The floor plug for a floating floor also has an adhesive connection option.

The varnish gives the panels and tiles a shine, protects them from dirt and moisture, penetrating into the pores of the material. Vinyl film provides additional abrasion resistance. The material has many colors and shades, as well as a lot of positive characteristics.

Manufacturers are constantly expanding their range, releasing new collections that differ in:

• mounting options
• structure
• colors
• texture
• sizes
• protective coating

Each collection has its own original name and distinctive features. Elements of the same thickness and design can be laid out by combining shades and changing their direction, thus creating exquisite compositions. Floor plug sold in wide range, which will allow you to bring interesting and unique ideas to life.

The main advantages of cork flooring

The pattern can be very varied

North Africa and southwestern Europe are considered the birthplace of cork oak. Portugal accounts for a third of all the world's areas where this tree grows. It is noteworthy that after removing the bark, the oak does not die, but continues to grow the next layer. The prepared bark is kept in natural conditions from six months to a year, exposed to atmospheric influences. At the same time, the properties of cork are only improved. The material is used not only as a floor plug in construction, but also in the wine, shoe and other industries.

The structure of the material resembles a honeycomb with many multilayer cells that are filled with a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen. Their walls consist of:

• two layers of fiber
• fibrous layer responsible for strength and rigidity
• two dense “fat” layers that are impermeable to water

Thanks to this structure, the material has sufficient elasticity and has insulating properties that slightly exceed the characteristics of traditional analogues.

Floor cork has certain positive properties:

• strength and resistance - to abrasion, punching, shock and other mechanical influences
• aesthetics
• shock absorption - no residual deformation from heels or heavy furniture
• elasticity combined with resilience
• environmental friendliness and naturalness
• waterproof
• durability with proper care
• slip resistance
• sound insulation - high sound absorption rate
• thermal insulation - reducing heating costs
• antistatic and hypoallergenic
• vibration protection
• ease of installation and maintenance
• Possibility of installation on a “warm floor” system

Important! The disadvantages include the inadmissibility of using floating cork structures in rooms with high humidity. There is a high possibility of water getting through the joints under the coating, which is not firmly attached to the base.

Room made of natural materials

Before starting installation, it is necessary to bring the base into the right type. It must be strictly horizontal, durable, smooth and clean. Almost all surfaces that meet the parameters of strength and horizontality are suitable for floating cork coverings. This could be a wooden floor, linoleum, tiles and other hard surfaces. If the base is carpet or other soft material, then it must be removed. Wooden floor boards should not creak, sag or have large gaps. A best base for a cork floor it is a concrete screed.

A moisture-proof film is laid overlapping onto the prepared surface as waterproofing, overlapping the walls and partitions. The joints of the waterproofing material are secured together with adhesive tape.

Cork panels or tiles must rest in the room in which they will be installed for at least two days so that they “get used” to the temperature and humidity conditions.Experts recommend maintaining during work optimal temperature within 18 degrees Celsius.

The panels should be laid in a direction perpendicular to window openings, along the line luminous flux. This will make the joints less noticeable. If a wooden floor is used as a base, then cork boards should be installed across the floorboards.

In places adjacent to walls, door thresholds, pipes, it is necessary to leave gaps of up to 10 mm as expansion joints. On final stage they are covered with plinths that are attached to the wall.

In the case of installing floating cork sandwich panels on a “warm floor”, several mandatory steps must be completed:

1. Check the uniform heating of the base. The presence of cold or hot spots can cause the plug to deform.
2. The heating must be turned off when installing the panels. It is recommended to do this 2 days before the start of work.
3. After installation of the coating is completed, the heating system must not be left on for more than 12 hours a day for 5-7 days.
4. During further operation of the “warm floor”, its surface operating temperature should be 28 degrees, but no more.

How to care for a cork floor

These floors are very easy to maintain, as they are unpretentious

Cork flooring is made from natural materials Therefore, they require proper care and compliance with the necessary rules during operation. First of all, you should not allow them to become excessively polluted. A rug traditionally laid at the entrance to the apartment will help protect against sand or other unpleasant abrasives that scratch the floor. All the dirt brought into the house from the street remains on it. But you need to be careful about the material from which it is made. A latex or rubberized base can leave difficult-to-remove stains on the cork flooring.

It is advisable to remove dirt using special products designed for cork flooring. They will help maintain the shine, texture and features of your cork floor. But it is not at all necessary to use only these compounds. You can use regular cleaning solutions. The main thing is that they do not contain chlorine, solvents or abrasives.

Excess moisture can negatively affect the floor covering - cork is unlikely to be able to withstand prolonged exposure to water at the joints, although top layer the plank is protected from its influence. Therefore, any liquid that appears on the surface must be removed immediately. For the same reason, cleaning is done with a damp, not wet, cloth.

This floor has its pros and cons

Cork is afraid of direct rays of the sun and can change its color under their influence. Thick curtains, blinds or shutters will help to avoid this trouble.

To protect the cork floor from scratches that can be caused by chair legs, it is recommended to glue felt or thick soft cloth, but not rubber - it will leave marks that will be difficult to remove.

It is recommended to maintain air humidity within 40-60% to avoid drying out of the panels and the appearance of cracks between them. Therefore, during the heating season you need to use humidifiers. This will be useful not only for the flooring, but also for household members and indoor plants.

Important! Repairing varnished cork floors can be done yourself. To do this, the worn layer is removed by sanding manually or using a grinding machine. Then the surface is coated with polyurethane varnish. To replace vinyl protection mastic, special solvents are used.

Conclusion

Cork floors are becoming more and more popular among consumers over time. They are placed in residential buildings and offices, supermarkets and administrative buildings. Floor cork has exceptional properties, thanks to which it can be used almost everywhere - in bedrooms, playrooms, kitchens and even bathrooms. Although in the latter case it is possible to lay only adhesive panels. Manufacturers of floating floors do not allow their installation in wet rooms, where water may get on the coating and penetrate through the joints under the cork boards.

Ruslan Vasiliev

Many have heard about cork floors, but do not have specific information. Let's take a short review of cork flooring, consider its main characteristics, pros and cons.

Cork flooring is a new environmentally friendly material. It appeared recently and is in a fairly high price category. In addition to its impeccable appearance, this coating has many advantages over traditional ones.

You've probably heard something about "cork" floors, rightly believing that such a coating is something akin to the material of bottle caps, soft and warm to the touch, capable of quickly restoring its shape after prolonged deformation... Perhaps you've even seen something like this somewhere floors or were their happy (or unhappy) owner.

Cork flooring is a new environmentally friendly material. It appeared recently and is in a fairly high price category. In addition to its impeccable appearance, this coating has many advantages over traditional ones.

In fact, today’s variety of such coatings presented on the building and finishing materials market is so rich that there is absolutely no guarantee that your personal experience(unless you are a pro, of course) is quite universal and allows you to draw clear conclusions. Hence the conflicting reviews about cork flooring, and disputes among their owners about the quality of such floors and the conditions of their use. There is a lot of information on the Internet about cork floors, but most of the articles are clearly advertising or anti-advertising in nature. In this article we will impartially consider general issues regarding the choice and features of operation of “cork floors”.

Pros of cork flooring

Cork flooring has the following properties:

• Lightweight (has the least weight of known species coatings);
• Soundproofing ( high level noise-proofness allows the use of cork in recording studios);
• Low thermal conductivity ( natural material retains heat well);
• Softness, elasticity (recommended by orthopedic doctors for children and people suffering from diseases of the musculoskeletal system);
• Resistance to chemicals and liquids (the only exception is caustic alkaline solutions);
• Antistatic properties (does not attract dust, easy to clean);
• Completely environmentally friendly and safe (does not emit or absorb anything, does not slip);
• Promotes natural air exchange in the room (not affected by bacteria, hypoallergenic);
• Not subject to rotting, not afraid of moisture (getting the floor wet as a result of flooding will not spoil its surface if it is additionally treated with protection);
• Resistant to temperature changes, does not fade in the sun (unlike laminate, it is suitable for installation on open balconies and loggias);
• Strength, durability (the porous structure of the material reduces friction, due to which external factors are not as aggressive).

Where do you get the cork from?

The bark of porous oak is used to make cork flooring. relict tree growing on Earth for more than 60 million years. The trees are common in the Mediterranean and northern Africa. Portugal and Spain are considered leaders in this area. Asian countries are trying to compete in the market, but the wood grown in their climate is not of such high quality. South Korea stands out a little from their background. There are also Russian brand, which manufactures its products in factories in Portugal.

It is believed that the extraction of bark does not cause damage to nature, since the trees from which it was cut continue to grow and after 9 years the procedure is repeated. This can be done from 25-year-old oak trees, and the bark is 150-160 summer trees considered the most valuable.

The basis of the future coating is a pressed mixture of bark. Special processing in ovens, it saturates the composition with air, and the natural juice of micropores, suberin, also participates in the process.

The next stage is adding strength and reinforcement by adding resins and several layers of wood dust.

The finishing coating of the “pie” can be different, even from the cork itself. A wide variety of designs imitating wood, stone, sand, and grass are applied directly onto the cork using photo printing. The material of the top layer determines the area of ​​use of the floor.

Decorative cork flooring

To give a certain appearance and protection against wear, the following materials are used:

1. Veneer 0.5 mm thick. Applied to the base with glue, it gives an original appearance.
2. Thin veneer with a layer of varnish. An additional varnish layer increases the service life. Varnished cork floors are made in living rooms, bedrooms.
3. Veneer with vinyl film. Protective vinyl film will protect the floor from scratches and moisture penetration into the pores. Warranty from the manufacturer for at least 10 years.
4. Valuable wood veneer and vinyl. Protective vinyl film is applied to natural veneer of expensive species

Types of cork floors

First, there are several types of cork floors. This is where various misunderstandings often arise, because... each of them has its own properties and limits of applicability. There are two most common types: glued and floating floors.

The picture shows a typical adhesive cork floor. This is either a thick veneer of cork oak, or a thinner veneer glued to a backing of pressed glued cork chips. Also, instead of the top veneer, some other material, for example, vinyl, can be glued onto the cork backing. Such a floor requires a perfectly prepared, level base, to which the cork floor tiles are glued. The slightest irregularities in the base will be very noticeable not only to the touch, but also visually. After gluing the tiles, if they are veneered with cork on top, you need to cover them with a special varnish in at least 2 layers. Such floors can be installed in almost any room; they are not afraid of changes in temperature and humidity, unlike their “floating counterparts”.

Floating cork floors, the structure of which is shown in the figure, are essentially an ordinary laminate with a cork coating on the bottom and top, and a regular one in the middle. MDF panel with a tongue-and-groove locking system. As can be seen from the picture, the top covering can also consist of either solid thick cork oak veneer or with an intermediate backing of glued cork chips. And the thicker the veneer, the better the cork floor restores its original shape after long-term deformations (for example, from hairpins or dents from furniture). Floating floors are much easier to install; their properties and appearance differ little from adhesive cork floors, but they have all the unpleasant properties of laminate floors, i.e. afraid of changes in temperature and humidity. Such floors cannot be used in kitchens, bathrooms and bathrooms. In hallways, it is also better to limit their use to an area inaccessible to moisture flowing from shoes.

Secondly, as mentioned earlier, cork floors can consist either entirely of veneer, or of laminated chips covered with veneer, or entirely of laminated chips, hence different abilities to restore the original form. Veneer recovers better, glued chips recover worse. On the other hand, glued chips allow you to get more varied coating patterns, which is especially important, for example, in the kitchen or in the nursery, where there is a danger of spilling something coloring on the cork floor.
Crumbs absorb dirt less well, and bright and variegated colors hide stains better.

Sellers unanimously claim that cork floors are very warm - the holy truth. It is also true that they are pleasantly springy, reducing the load on the spine. And if your child has cerebral palsy or any spinal disease, then cork floors will be simply irreplaceable. But statements about the high environmental friendliness of such floors should not be particularly trusted; what kind of ecology can there be if the finished floor contains glue, varnish and other chemicals? Moreover, such floors often smell quite strongly, and bad smell can last for weeks, which can be critical for allergy sufferers and people with hypersensitivity to odors. However, a lot here depends on the manufacturer - with a high-quality product there are much fewer problems.

Interlocking or floating floor

• Slabs with locking joints on the sides.
• The thickness of the panels is 10.5-12 mm. The dimensions of the fragments are 90 cm X 18.5 cm.
• The base of the slabs is made of crushed cork chips, reinforced with HDF, MDF.
• The front covering is cork, wood, a layer of paint with various prints.
• Recommended for installation in heated rooms, without temperature changes. Sudden fluctuations can lead to gradual disintegration of the locking joints.
• Not suitable for high traffic areas: kitchens, walk-through corridors.
• The installation is quite simple. If a fragment is damaged, a whole row from the wall to the damaged area is dismantled.

There is a moisture resistant version interlocking laminate. Its base is a slab of PVC and quartz. This subspecies is more expensive and does not have such a wide range of colors.

Advice! When choosing cork laminate, pay attention to the quality of the locking connections.

Adhesive

• Cork panels with additional protective coating.
• The total thickness of the panels is 4-6 mm.
• The material is two-layer.
• The front covering is veneer.
• Well suited for places with high humidity, kitchens.
• The laying surface must be perfectly flat.
• The plates are mounted on adhesive composition. The fit must be done accurately, without any play.
• If a fragment is damaged, the strip is cut out and replaced with a new one.

Such floors are finished by craftsmen with different patterns and ornaments.

Technical floor

Used as a substrate for any floor covering. Made from leftovers from main production. Rolls, granules or plates create additional sound and heat insulation.

How to choose a quality floor plug?

There are three types of cork suitable for use in flooring:

1. Solid veneer. It consists of solid pieces of bark. Quite an expensive look, it can also be used for decorating walls, ceilings, and niches.
2. Agglomerate. Sheets of glued crushed bark. A practical and inexpensive option.
3. Combined view. Consists of veneer and agglomerate. It contains veneer, which is not suitable for slabs. It is made by gluing with agglomerate under high pressure. It has a beautiful appearance and texture. Combines with other finishing materials.

Its performance properties also depend on the structure of the cork floor and its coating. Glue floors can be safely washed at least a hundred times a day; floating cork floors can be washed, but in moderation, remembering the properties of MDF, which is the basis there. Also, cork floors have varying degrees of surface roughness - from very slippery to rough that destroys children's socks. Keep this in mind when choosing your cork floor or applying an extra layer of varnish. Floors with a rough finish are better suited for bathrooms, toilets and balconies, while in the living room and children's room it is better to use a smoother material.

Try not to use cork floors with “warm floor” systems, although some manufacturers of cork floors allow you to do this in pursuit of the client, however, with reservations regarding the maximum permissible temperature, warm-up time, minimum distance between heating loops, etc. If you carefully read these clauses, then the use of heated floors becomes simply pointless, because under such conditions they will not be able to heat anything, and violation of the conditions can lead to various unpleasant consequences in the form of swelling, the appearance of odors, etc. Thus, the use of cork floors is unacceptable in rooms where the floor is the main or additional source of heating.

Cork floors, regardless of their type, can be glossy or matte. If there are smaller clawed brothers in your house, then you need to forget about the beautiful gloss on the floor, otherwise you will be tormented by refreshing the coating - all the claw marks are clearly visible and are more striking than on natural parquet. Matte finish will not get rid of the misfortune, but will reduce the visibility of inevitable defects.

Laying cork laminate

The cork needs acclimatization. The packaging with the slabs should stand for several days in the room where the installation will take place. As a substrate we take cork rolls (technical flooring) 2-3 mm thick. The distance of the substrate from the wall is 1.5 cm. The substrate is laid on top of the concrete screed. The screed is covered with a waterproof film. The sheets should overlap each other by at least 20 cm.

Before work, we check the tiles; the fragments must have same size so that there are no large gaps. Allowed tolerance for differences: 2 mm per 2 meters. It wouldn't hurt to check reverse side tiles, unevenly colored surface - evidence of foreign impurities in the cork mass.

1. We lay the first row starting from the wall opposite the entrance. The optimal gap to the walls is 5 mm. If trimming the board is required, cut off the tongue side, but not the groove side. We perform trimming with a jigsaw or circular saw, from hand tools the cork will crumble. The exception is a single-layer cork coating; a sharp construction knife is suitable for cutting it.
2. We assemble the second row with an offset of half the tile. To adjust the slabs we use a rubber hammer and a wedge. It is also recommended to take a selection wedge from cork; other material will damage the coating.
3. Expansion joints from the cork to the wall are 1.0-2.0 cm (since natural material has thermal expansion).
4. Apply varnish in several layers (varnish can be glossy or matte).
5. We cover the joints with wooden plinths.

Advice! To prevent water from getting into the gaps between the plates, we apply a wax sealant to the locking part of the panel.

Installing adhesive cork flooring

The dimensions of the adhesive plug may vary by 1mm. This is considered a tolerance, as it is compensated by the elasticity and resilience of the material. Before installation, the tiles are sorted, selecting thinner strips. The transition between them will not be so noticeable. Thick ones are sanded with sandpaper or paper.

The material is inspected for flaws and defects. Pay attention to the pressed layer; shavings or other additives should not be visible in it. Unstuck areas of veneer can be glued back, fragments with discoloration can be set aside for inconspicuous places. The basis for the adhesive floor is . If it is old linoleum, then it must be free of damage and swelling. Suitable fiberboard boards, moisture resistant plywood. Ideally, there should be a hard and flat surface without debris or lumps of dirt. The requirement is due to the flexibility of the coating and its small thickness.

A layer of primer will increase the adhesion of materials and smooth out minor differences. Installation is carried out in a room with a temperature not lower than +18 C and a humidity of 65%.

1. We start work from the middle of the room. We apply the necessary markings to the surface for convenience. This is done using a beating cord.
2. Apply the adhesive composition to the slabs with a roller, maintain according to the instructions and press firmly to the base. To cover the base with glue, use a wide spatula with a fine comb. We remove the excess immediately with a substance such as solvent. Also avoid prolonged contact of the solvent with the floor. The tiles are rolled with a heavy metal roller.
3. After completion of the work, the room is ventilated and left until the glue dries completely (36 hours).

To finish with varnish, you need to completely clear the floor of debris. The varnish is applied in 3 layers. The floor is ready for full use in 5-7 days. Solidity of the adhesive coating - good opportunity use cork flooring in combination with other materials. For example, attach to laminate or parquet.

• High prices for materials. Adhesive flooring will cost more than cork laminate. Easy installation interlocking slabs, compensates for the costs, as a result, the cost is lower than that of classic parquet.
• Ability to bend under weights. It is recommended to attach soft felt pads to the furniture in the room. Marks from sharp heels and rubber soles remain on the surface. Also, you should not leave rubber or latex mats for a long time; the marks from the products will not be eliminated. Potholes from light furniture and chair legs can straighten out on their own. For bathrooms, slabs with a thickness of 10-12 mm and dimensions of 148x148 mm are produced. Less thickness will be punched through.
• Fire hazard. Cork itself is not flammable, but its coatings: varnish, paint, and adhesives pose a danger.
• Low moisture resistance of natural coating. It can be eliminated using sealants, varnishes, and wax impregnations.
• Difficulty in installing adhesive flooring. For such work it is advisable to invite specialists.
• Cannot be used in underfloor heating systems. Cork with
  high degree thermal insulation, will not allow the outgoing heat flow to pass through.

There is nothing difficult about caring for cork floors. It is easy to vacuum and wash warm water with the addition of non-abrasive liquid products, but it is better to purchase ones specifically designed for cork.

The top layer of varnish needs special protection. Sometimes it's good to cover it special compounds to extend service life. Renew the varnish coating every 5-7 years. Vinyl - once every 2 years they are treated with a special wax mastic.

In order for the floor to last as long as possible, you need to take care of this already at the installation stage. You should not skimp on related materials and tools. Installation work must be carried out in compliance with all norms and regulations. If water-soluble glue is required, use it. A final coat of cheap varnish will “kill” all the work done before. Don’t take on something you don’t know how to do; it’s better to pay a specialist once than to ruin expensive material.

Cork flooring has its own internal heat. It can keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. With a competent approach and careful treatment, the coating will retain its original appearance and unique natural qualities.