Replies

1. 
   GaryW | Mar 09, 2006 09:00pm | #1

   Although the architect tried to dissuade his client from installing cork, he did anyway. Now a year later, when I took the photo below, the client is fretting over scratches on the floor. The soft surface can be scarred deeply, and it's nearly impossible to repair. Although it isn't visible in this photo's low resolution, there's a long, deep scratch, running diagonally in the image's lower right corner.

   Cork floors are easy on the feet and can be beautiful, like the one in the attached photo, but I think outdoor shoes shouldn't be allowed, and furniture should be picked up when moving. I wouldn't dream of installing cork in a home with young children.

   Gary W

   gwwoodworking.com

2. 
   Aberwacky | Mar 10, 2006 12:32am | #2

   We have cork planking installed in most of the downstairs in our house, as well as a playroom.

   We live on a lake, have large dogs, 16-year-old twin boys and an infant, which is to say we're hard on our floors.  I LOVE my cork--it's forgiving, comfortable to stand on, hides dirt (and scratches) well, and doesn't hurt too much as my little one bangs around learning to crawl.  Glasses and dishes don't break when dropped on the floor, which happens a lot at our house.

   We got ours from ifloor.com, and I'm satisfied with the price and service we received from them. 

   We installed it, and installation was not too difficult, although the edges are a bit fragile until they're installed.

   Ours has a pretty large burl pattern, which is supposed to be a bit more prone to gouging than the traditional tiles, but it also serves to disguise any accidents.

   We coated it with an acrylic sealer, which makes cleaning easier, but we don't really take any special care of it.  We did put floor glides under the furniture to help protect the floor, but haven't gotten any gouges.  We'd also been warned that chair legs would dent the floor, but we've seen no evidence of this.

   If you're looking for an indestructable floor, cork probably isn't it.  Go with stone or tile, but keep in mind that all flooring surfaces have faults--it's just in how you look at them.  For instance, ro me, the hardness of stone/tile is unappealing, cold and uncomfortable.  The flip side of that is that it's durable.  Wood is attractive but prone to scratching and water damage.  It's all in what's important to you.

   I would go with cork again in a heartbeat.

   Leigh

    

   I am a domestic goddess!  I deserve three ovens (and two dishwashers)! I am a domestic goddess!  I deserve three ovens (and two dishwashers)! I am a domestic goddess!  I deserve three ovens (and two dishwashers). . .

3. 
   KEPoling | Mar 16, 2006 09:16pm | #3

   We installed cork plank in a family recreation room in July 2005. We have two children, ages 4 and 8, and two large dogs. We love the cork floor. So far, we love the cork. It is warm and comfortable.  It absorbs sound well. We also sealed the flooring before using it. We are a family that really puts its house to hard use, and thus far, the cork flooring has proven to be an excellent choice. Time will provide the real test. 

1. 
   user-126696 | Mar 20, 2006 06:05pm | #5

   Last year, we moved into a house with a cork floor in the kitchen.  It IS great to walk on...pretty to look at, but I am not sure if it was sealed correctly.  The part of it that is in front of south-facing french doors has faded considerably just in the year+ that we have lived here.  I really don't know anything about cork floors or products for them.  Did you use any particular kind of acrylic sealer?  Are there any with a tint?  Do I need to know what is already on it before I seal it?

   Thanks. 

1. 
   GaryW | Mar 20, 2006 08:05pm | #6

   Oooops. I guess I could eat my hat on my earlier rejection of cork flooring, but I think it depends on how pristine you want your floor after it's been in for a few years. Although I like my old, tattered Levis, I like my home to look unscathed.

   The cork in the kitchen in my earlier post was finished with a milky, water based finish (it dries clear). I paid about $50 for a quart, which I used to touch up a small scuff I caused when installing those cabinets. Cork is multi colored, so the scuff all but disappeared. I don't think the homeowner will have such good fortune repairing the long scratch.

   I suggest you ask the flooring manufacturer for refinishing advice and products. Can't find him? Find one in your area who sells a similar product, or get him to repair your floor.

   Gary W

   gwwoodworking.com

   Edited 3/20/2006 1:16 pm by GaryW

2. 
   KEPoling | Mar 25, 2006 05:00pm | #7

   Kathy,

   We also used a water-based sealant at a comparable cost.  I think that Gary has a great suggestion. I'd check with the manufacturer regarding resealing. I was told by the manufacturer of our cork planks that you could reseal when the flooring appeared to need it.

   Kris

1. 
   19krd54 | Apr 08, 2006 06:23pm | #8

   How about cork in a main bath with shower, toilet and lavatory. No kids, just a cat. I would also like to install electric under-floor heating(its cold here in the 5 months of winter). Anyone with experince to share or suggestions?

1. 
   BillBrennen | Apr 10, 2006 09:14am | #9

   I just did what you describe. Master bath, two adults, no kids, two energetic cats. We love it. Seldom sees shoe traffic. I used traditional cork tiles laid with 3M's waterbased contact cement and sealed with 5 coats of Waterlox high gloss, a solvent based varnish. This finish soaks in deeply, strengthening the cork a lot, and it is totally waterproof when cured.Cork is a great insulator, with a very low specific heat, so I think underfloor radiant would underperform for you. How about a flat wall radiator instead?Bill

2. 
   19krd54 | Apr 11, 2006 07:33pm | #10

   We currently have forced air heating in the bath, but the same duct feeds an attic office and we would like to close off the bath duct to boost heat going  to the upper floor. A wall heater might work real nice! We currently pay $8.25CDN per Gigajoule for natural gas and $.123 per kilowatt hour, so I'm not sure which would work out to be the most economical. I guess it's back to Math class!! Thanks. 

4. 
   rob26 | Mar 20, 2006 04:27am | #4

   I installed cork panel flooring to finish my basement three years ago. Yes it dings and scratches, but it's comfortable as all get out, provides a bit of insulation from the concrete floor, and still looks pretty good. Panels come in a 1' x 3' interlocking configuration - really easy to install (over a vapor barrier), and very reasonably priced. Our basement is for the kids and their friends, so its imperfections make no difference to me at all. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

5. 
   codex | Apr 24, 2006 09:04pm | #11

   Hi,
   My friend has cork flooring throughout her house. It's 3 years since the installation, and she says that it is a mistake. Chairs, kids, two cats and a dog have shredded the floor. Eventually they'll replace it with bamboo flooring.

1. 
   gunderson1909 | May 07, 2006 06:09am | #12

   Does anyone else have photos of cork floors - especially some that have been installed for a while. We are thinking of putting them in a 1906 Arts & Crafts home - kitchen. We have a large dog. thanks.