The text discusses in detail such a type of material as cork flooring. From the article, you can find out what this type of finish is, what properties and characteristics it has, as well as evaluate the feasibility of using natural coatings in the interior by examining its advantages and disadvantages, consumer reviews, average prices and other factors.
Cork flooring is made from porous oak bark. The extraction of this material does not have a negative impact on nature. The place where the bark was cut continues to grow and renew, which allows this procedure to be performed every 9 years without jeopardizing the condition of the tree. For the production of flooring, raw materials from 25-year-old oaks are used. Younger trees are not suitable for this. The bark cut from 150-year-old oaks is considered the most valuable.
As the basis for the coating, a mixture consisting of pressed bark is used. As a result of a special treatment inside the furnace, the material is saturated with air. In this case, natural juice contained in micropores is used. It's called suberin. At the next stage, the material is given strength. For the so-called reinforcement, resins and wood dust are used, which are added in several layers.
The finish layer is made of cork or other materials such as veneer or PVC. The scope of the floors, as well as their service life, depends on the properties and characteristics of the top coating.
To protect the coating from wear, as well as to give it a certain design, manufacturers use veneer in combination with cladding with other materials:
- veneer - the thickness of the layer is only 0.5 mm. The coating is applied over the base to the adhesive composition;
- veneer varnished for cork flooring - the lacquer composition increases the life of the finish, which is ideal for living rooms, including bedrooms;
- veneer covered with a protective vinyl film - it prevents scratches and also prevents moisture from entering the material. Thanks to this, the manufacturer's warranty extends to 10 years;
- veneer made from precious woods and covered with a vinyl film - the material is a natural veneer made from expensive woods. For protection purposes, it is covered with a layer of vinyl.
Note! Thanks to modern technology, consumers can buy cork flooring in any design. The photo printing method allows you to apply a realistic imitation of grass, wood, sand, stone, etc. to the surface of the material.
Cork flooring: material advantages
Cork used as a floor covering has many useful properties. This finishing material is lightweight compared to other types of coatings. Cork is characterized by sound impermeability. The material does not transmit noise, so it is suitable even for recording studios. At the same time, the finish has a low level of thermal conductivity, so that the heat of the room does not go to the floor, but is stored inside.
The surface of the cork is elastic and soft. Orthopedic specialists recommend using this type of finish for people with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, as well as as a coating in children's rooms. Cork is safe and environmentally friendly. Its surface does not slip, does not absorb liquids and does not emit harmful substances. In addition, the material has antistatic properties. The cork does not need complex care and perfectly repels dust.
The coating is resistant to liquids and chemicals. The exception is caustic solutions of alkaline origin. Cork does not interfere with natural air circulation. Due to this, the material does not contribute to the growth of bacteria and the exacerbation of allergic reactions in the residents of the house. Cork is not subject to decay. She is not afraid of moisture. If the floors in the house get wet as a result of flooding, the coating will not deteriorate under the influence of the liquid, but provided that the surface has a protective treatment.
Cork is not afraid of temperature changes and is not subject to fading in the sun. Unlike laminate, this material can be laid on open loggias and balconies. This type of coating is very strong and durable. Due to its porous structure, the material reduces the level of friction, therefore, the aggressiveness of external influence factors is reduced.
Cons of cork floors
Like any other type of flooring, cork floors have both advantages and disadvantages. Due to its softness, the coating eventually sags under the weight of the furniture. Especially for bathrooms, manufacturers produce plates with a thickness of 1-1.2 cm. The size of such products is 14.8x14.8 cm. If the coating in the bathroom is thinner, there is a possibility that the bathtub will pierce it through.
Do not walk indoors in rubber-soled or high-heeled shoes, otherwise marks will remain on the surface of the coating. Also, do not lay mats made of latex or rubber on the floor. The trace of these products after a long stay is practically not removed.
Helpful advice! The pits left by chair legs and light furniture will even out on their own. For heavy furnishings, it is advisable to buy soft felt pads that will reduce pressure.
Significant disadvantages include the price of a cork floor. Moreover, the adhesive type of coating will cost much more than cork laminate. On the other hand, due to the simplified installation of interlocking plates, the costs of purchasing the material are partially compensated. As a result, the total cost of coating will be lower than that of natural parquet.
Another disadvantage of cork is flammability. The material itself is not combustible. The flammable component of the floor is its protective coatings, such as paint, varnish, glue. Natural coating has a low level of resistance to moisture. This disadvantage can be eliminated with varnish, sealant or wax impregnation.
Some flooring options (for example, adhesive-type floors) have a complex installation system. Only specialists can provide high-quality performance of such work. In addition, it is impossible to install the underfloor heating system under the cork floor. The material has a high degree of thermal insulation, so heat flows cannot enter the room.
Pros and cons of cork floors, photos, prices for various types of coverage
Manufacturers produce three types of cork that are used as flooring:
- solid veneer - the material consists of solid pieces of wood bark (this type of finish has a high price and is used to decorate ceiling and wall surfaces, as well as niches);
- glomerate - the material looks like sheets, consisting of crushed bark, joined together by gluing (this type of finish is practical and affordable);
- combined cork - consists of agglomerate and veneer, they are glued together under high pressure.
For the production of combined cork, veneer is used that is not suitable for the manufacture of plates. As a result, the finish acquires a decorative appearance and a beautiful texture. Combined cork goes well with other materials.
There are the following types of coatings:
- Floating or castle floor.
- Adhesive floor.
- Technical traffic jam.
They have different properties and are characterized by a specific scope.
Features of cork tiles for interlocking floors
The floating floor consists of slabs interconnected by interlocking joints. The thickness of these panels varies between 10.5-12 mm. The size of the tile is 18.5x90 cm. The finish is laid in the same way as a conventional laminate.
For the manufacture of the base of these plates, crushed crumb is used. Wood or cork is used as a topcoat, which is covered with a layer of paint and a printed image. This type of finish is desirable to use in well-heated rooms, where there are no temperature fluctuations. Sudden changes can adversely affect the condition of the interlocks.
Important! When buying plates, be sure to pay attention to the quality of the interlocks. The integrity of the coating and its durability depend on them.
It is not recommended to use cork floating floors in areas with high traffic, such as walk-through corridors or kitchens. The installation system of the coating is quite simple. If one of the fragments is damaged during operation, a whole row will have to be disassembled. The area from the wall to the place where the defective element is located is subject to dismantling.
Parameters affecting the choice. Properties of various materials. Features of the floor in different rooms. Additional floor modifications.
Cost of floating cork floors: price per meter of finish
Leading manufacturers and suppliers of cork flooring are Spain and Portugal, where porous oaks are widely distributed. Products from Asian countries are in lower demand, since the climatic conditions of this region do not allow growing high quality wood.
Average cost per 1 m² of Wicanders floating cork floors:
| Collection name | Price, rub./m² |
| Originals | 1650 |
| Identity | 2150 |
| Personality | 2150 |
| Cork Veneers | 2220 |
| character | 2280 |
| Linn | 2390 |
| Cork Plank | 2450 |
| Homecork | 2490 |
| Artcomfort Wood | 2500 |
| Artcomfort Stone | 2550 |
Features and specifications of adhesive cork floors
The adhesive floor consists of cork panels with an additional protective coating. The thickness of these elements is 4-6 mm. The material has a two-layer structure. At the bottom there is pressed cork chips, and the finishing layer on the panels is veneer. Elements can be either rectangular (60x30 and 45x15 cm) or square (40x40 and 30x30 cm). This type of coating is suitable for rooms with a high level of humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Before installation, you need to carefully prepare the surface. The base for the installation of the coating must be perfectly flat. Glue is used to fix the panels. In order for the result of laying the coating to be of high quality and durable, all elements must be carefully adjusted. Backlashes are not allowed.
With the help of this material on the floor, you can create decorative ornaments and patterns. When the installation is completed, the cork is coated with a polyurethane-based varnish in several layers. Be sure to process the gaps between the modular elements.
Helpful advice! If one of the fragments is damaged, do not dismantle the entire coating. It is enough to cut out the damaged bar and replace it with a new one.
Average cost of adhesive cork floors: price per m2
The main criterion for choosing flooring is the manufacturer. The following manufacturers are considered the most popular and best on the market:
- Wicanders;
- corkstyle;
- Allied Cork.
Average price of cork flooring Wicanders:
| Collection name | Price, rub./m² |
| Cork Parquet | 1230 |
| Eco Cork | 1340 |
| Crackle | 1400 |
| Nuances | 2000 |
| Personality | 2050 |
| Identity | 2050 |
| exotic | 3700 |
What is the purpose of installing a technical cork on the floor
Technical cork is made from the remnants of production. Therefore, it is not used as a floor finish. The main function of this material is to eliminate defects by filling (granules) or preparing the surface for laying the laminate. In the second case, the cork cloth is used as a substrate that levels the base.
Technical material is available in several forms:
- Granules.
- Rolls.
- Plates.
In addition, technical material is used to create additional sound and thermal insulation.
Technical cork cost:
| Form | Size, cm | Material thickness, mm | Price, rub./m² |
| Roll | 100x1000 | 2 | 104 |
| 3 | 163 | ||
| 100x2500 | 4 | 235 | |
| plate | 91.5x61 | 4 | 323 |
| 6 | 464 | ||
| 8 | 547 | ||
| 10 | 666 |
Which is better to buy a cork floor: glued or floating
Adhesive and lock floors differ from each other not only in their structure, but also in their properties.
The adhesive floor panel consists of the following components:
- bases from compressed agglomerate obtained by gluing;
- wood veneer as a decorative coating;
- a thin layer of lacquer or protective vinyl coating that gives the panel a matte or glossy surface.
Advantages of adhesive coating:
- It is not afraid of the influence of humidity and temperature changes, as well as contact with water.
- Installation in rooms with a high level of humidity or lack of heating is allowed.
- The material is easy to cut, which facilitates the installation system.
- An extensive selection of design solutions (the coating can not only be tinted, but also create mosaic drawings on its basis).
- There is no need to use thresholds in the areas of joints between the cork floor and the base covered with parquet or tiles.
Adhesive Disadvantages:
- Installation requires careful preparation of the base. Any differences in the surface will be evident after laying the coating.
- Requires the purchase of a varnish composition and glue.
- High-quality installation of the coating can only be done by specialists.
Note! The price of castle floors made of cork is much higher than glued ones. However, the installation of the latter requires the participation of specialists and the purchase of additional materials, due to which the total cost of the coating increases significantly.
The lock plug consists of:
- pressed agglomerate;
- fiberboard HDF or MDF, complete with mounting spikes and grooves;
- protective layer of agglomerate;
- veneer finish;
- protective layer of vinyl film or lacquer coating.
Advantages of castle floors:
- There is no need to cut the material. Installation does not require varnish and glue.
- It is not necessary to carefully level the base. A height difference of 2 mm per 2 m of the surface is allowed.
- A simple installation system allows you to lay the cork yourself without the help of specialists.
- It is possible to dismantle and reuse the material in another room.
The lock plates are not afraid of high humidity, but on condition that this indicator, like the temperature, is constant. The coating can withstand contact with water for no more than 24 hours. After that, it is necessary to dismantle the floors and dry its elements.
Choosing cork floors: owner reviews, pros and cons
When choosing a finish for floors, you should pay attention to the quality of the cork agglomerate. Some manufacturers, in order to reduce production costs, add cheap impurities to this layer, such as shavings. As a result, the material is hard, while it wears out faster. For this reason, it is worth giving preference to clean products, even if it is a compressed cork and its cost will be high.
Adhesive floors have their drawbacks. Even products from quality manufacturers can have small defects. Most often there are errors in size, which is why the slats have different sizes. As a rule, they are small and are 1 mm in length or width. This indicator is considered normal, since due to the elasticity of the material this disadvantage is compensated during installation: the panels are compressed and the joints are tight. Sometimes there are strips with different thicknesses. This defect brings much more problems.
Helpful advice! If there are strips with different thicknesses in the batch, the material will have to be re-sorted. It is better to lay thin elements in those places where the transition will not be so noticeable. Thick ones can be corrected by removing excess thickness along the edges with sandpaper.
Since cork is a natural material, often on the surface there are such defects as depressions, an ugly color transition, as well as manufacturing defects (peeling of veneer or its partial absence). Before proceeding with the installation, you should carefully examine the material, glue the peeled off places, and place the defective strips where they will not be so noticeable. Castle floors in this regard are more profitable, because the protective coating hides all the flaws.
Considerable importance is given to consumer reviews when choosing a cork flooring for floors. The opinion of buyers who have already tried this type of finish can be informative and decisive.
Strengths and weaknesses of cork floors: customer reviews
Cork flooring is not as popular as other finishes that are already well known to buyers. Those consumers who nevertheless ventured to purchase this material share their feedback on the cork laminate on the forums.
“At first we considered laminate flooring, but found it too noisy and slippery. We have a dog in our apartment. I don't want to listen to the constant clatter of claws. Parquet turned out to be unaffordable for us. Therefore, we decided to take a closer look at the cork coating. The material, of course, cost more than laminate, but its high price was outweighed by numerous advantages. The coating turned out to be soft and quiet, and most importantly, warm. The cork was laid on the floor on their own, without calling the master to the house. I bribed the naturalness and environmental friendliness of this material. I don't regret my purchase at all and would recommend it to everyone. You won't find a more comfortable finish."
Svetlana Ezhova, Moscow
“I am ambivalent about cork floors. The material really has many useful properties. This is beauty, and naturalness, and the ability to keep warm. On the other hand, it cannot be called practical. Cork swells from water, so the seams between the plates may swell. I also cannot recommend this coating to those who have children in the house, because the surface of the cork is very sensitive to damage. The material requires careful handling. If you're willing to take proper care of it, cork won't disappoint."
Maria Korotaeva, St. Petersburg
What cork floors look like in the interior: photo
The use of this coating in the interior can be diverse. In the photo, cork floors look prestigious and original, especially in the living room, bedroom and office. It is allowed to use in the children's room, but subject to careful treatment. The coating can be made in natural colors (natural) or painted in any shade of the palette.
The most common natural colors:
- yellow;
- ocher;
- light brown;
- red-brown;
- mustard, etc.
Note! When choosing the color of the future coating, it is necessary to take into account the design and color of the furniture.
Can cork floors be used in the bathroom and kitchen
In any room where the microclimate involves a constant change in temperature, the cork will collapse and crumble. These rooms include not only the kitchen, but also the bathroom, which is also characterized by a high level of humidity. Temperature changes provoke the appearance of cracks in the coating. As a result, water begins to seep into the cork, causing the coating to peel off. It is also not recommended to use cork on the balcony and in the hallway.
Problem areas are usually hidden from view:
- under the bath;
- behind the plinth;
- under the sink;
- under the washing machine;
- for outdoor furniture.
It is in these zones that water vapor settles and condenses, destroying the coating. As an alternative, you can use a quality waterproof varnish to protect cork floors in your kitchen or bathroom. However, it does not prevent the appearance of mucous blisters. Under the influence of humidity, they appear under the top layer of the coating and spoil its appearance. In addition, the cork does not have antiseptic properties, so a microbiological environment can form under it.
Experts do not recommend using cork in the bathroom. With regard to the microclimate, the kitchen has more benign conditions, although even there the floor will be subjected to serious tests - constant pollution, spilled liquid (juices, coffee, tea), etc.
How to install cork floor tiles
Cork sensitively reacts to the level of moisture, shrinking and expanding depending on the conditions of the room. Therefore, before starting work, it is advisable to hold the packaging with the material for several days in the room where it will be laid. During this time, the humidity level stabilizes. As a substrate under the coating, you can use a technical roll cork. The optimal thickness of this material is 2-3 mm. 1.5 cm should be retreated from the wall. The technical cork is laid on a waterproof film over a concrete screed.
Installation of the first row starts from the wall, which is located opposite the front door, with a 5 mm indent. If the material needs to be cut, the cut is made on the side where the comb is located. The groove cannot be touched. To cut the cork, it is advisable to use a circular saw or an electric jigsaw. It is better to refuse a hand tool, otherwise the cork will crumble. The set of the second row is carried out with an offset of half a tile. To adjust the elements, use a wedge (cork) and a rubber mallet.
Important! Be sure to leave a gap of 1-2 cm from the wall. Like any natural material, cork undergoes deformation changes, so you need to leave a small space for expansion.
After that, the coating is treated with several layers of varnish. The composition can be matte or glossy. The joint area near the wall is masked with wooden skirting boards.
How to properly install cork adhesive floors
Before work, the material must be sorted, selecting thinner elements. Thick strips must be sanded with sandpaper. The coating is laid on the base in the form of a concrete screed. It is allowed to install the cork on the old linoleum, but on condition that its surface does not have blisters and damage. The main thing is that the surface is flat, smooth, free of dirt and debris. To level the base, you can use moisture-resistant plywood or fiberboard.
If there are small differences on the surface, it is advisable to apply a primer coat. It will not only eliminate minor irregularities, but also increase the adhesion of materials. The recommended level of humidity in the room is 65%, and the temperature is at least 18°C.
In this case, installation work should begin from the middle of the room. To simplify the process of laying the coating, it is desirable to apply markings to the surface of the base. This is for a cord. According to the instructions, the adhesive composition is prepared. It is applied to the surface of the boards with a roller. After that, the element is tightly pressed against the base, previously lubricated with glue. To apply the composition, you need to use a spatula with fine teeth.
Excess adhesive must be removed immediately. There are special substances intended for these purposes - solvents. You need to act very quickly. Prolonged contact of the solvent with the coating is not allowed. To press the tile more tightly to the floor, its surface must be rolled with a heavy roller (metal).
After all installation work is completed, the room must be ventilated. It takes at least 36 hours to dry the coating. Then the surface of the cork is thoroughly cleaned of debris and varnished in 3 layers. After 5-7 days, the floors can be exploited.
The advantages of cork as a finishing material are obvious. With proper care, the coating will retain its attractiveness for a long time. A wide range of colors and the possibility of applying prints allow you to create a unique design of the room. And subject to all the requirements of the technology, cork floors can be laid on their own and save a lot of money on this. Installation of the adhesive coating is more complicated in execution. But this type of flooring is perfectly combined with parquet and laminate.
Soft, warm, beautiful in appearance, easy to use - this is how a cork floor is characterized. Plates made from the bark of a special kind of oak came to Russia from Europe, where they managed to establish themselves as an excellent material. Reviews of professionals speak of the successful use of coverage in the nursery, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, wherever you need to create a special comfort.
The coating is made from the bark of an oak growing in the Mediterranean. The cork floor in the bathroom is obtained by grinding raw materials, heating in an oven, and then pressing. As a result, a porous base is formed. The air-filled honeycomb serves as a shock-absorbing spring. The material acquires excellent heat and sound insulation properties. The front side is covered with varnish or vinyl. The latter option is more resistant to wear and is recommended for floor installation subject to heavy loads.
Appearance of cork
The cork floor is laid from slabs of different thicknesses. The modern market offers flooring on an adhesive basis and with a lock connection. The first plates have a thickness of up to 6 mm, are fixed with a binder on any flat surface. Covering with a system of locks is produced up to 12 mm thick. The material is laid on wooden flooring, concrete screed, linoleum. The plates are attached to each other, not fixed with glue.
The adhesive cork floor in the kitchen consists of several layers. Below is a pressed agglomerate, connected by an adhesive. The top of the board is made from wood veneer. The finish is a thin layer of vinyl or lacquer. The coating gives the cork board a dull or glossy finish.
The lock cork on the floor has a multilayer structure. At the bottom is a pressed agglomerate. Then follows the MDF, HDF canvas, on which the locking joints are attached. Next comes the cork layer, which acts as a protection for the MDF. The top of the slab is a wood veneer covered with a thin vinyl film or varnish.
Advantages
Slabs of material for flooring The cork floor in the apartment consists of individual slabs with excellent technical properties. The flooring is different:
- durability;
- resistance to deformation;
- Antistatic;
- Environmental safety;
- bactericidal action.
The material is comfortable, non-slip, resistant to mold, fungus. The cork floor in the nursery does not absorb liquid, corrosive odors. The coating is harmless to human health, universal, perfect for finishing the floor in residential premises. Scientists are trying to develop an artificial substitute for natural material, which will reduce the price of cork products. However, the problem still remains unresolved.
Good resistance to external influences is an undoubted advantage of cork flooring. The coating is not afraid of abrasion, mechanical shock, household chemicals. On the surface of the material are not visible traces of the wheels of the furniture. The increased damping of the plates helps to avoid dents that form with high point pressure. Thanks to these advantages, cork successfully competes with other finishing materials, such as parquet.
The ability to create excellent thermal insulation is another property of a cork floor. Consumer reviews speak of good thermal performance of the coating. Plates keep warm in winter, cool in summer, thus reducing the need for heating. Cork allows you to save on electricity consumption. This property is typical for natural materials.
Cork perfectly reduces the amount of penetrating noise. Sound-absorbing material is perfect for decorating a children's room, a music studio, any room where there is a home theater, acoustic equipment. The coating is pleasant for walking barefoot, sitting. The material does not pose a danger to human health and deserves only positive feedback.
Safe coating A variety of interesting textures, drawings allows you to implement any design ideas. Natural, eco-friendly cork is perfectly combined with other materials. The coating is easy to install, and maintenance of the cork floor is not difficult. The material has undoubted advantages that should not be ignored when planning repairs.
Flaws
Are there any downsides to cork flooring? Heavy pieces of furniture leave marks on the floor. The material is torn, “afraid” of sharp heels, abrasives of metal brushes. If the whole apartment is covered with a cork, it is advisable to put a dirt-retaining path, a rug at the entrance. The thing should not have a latex or rubber base, otherwise marks will remain on the floor. For the same reason, it is not recommended to allow the material to come into contact with shoes with rubber soles or shoes with rubber heels.
Reviews
Svetlana, 36 years old
We were looking for a floor covering, took a light-colored Polish cork. I liked the wide palette of colors, there are different textures - speckled, speckled, with darkening, enlightenment. We chose the material because of its environmental friendliness, the ability to absorb sounds. This is especially important because we have two children. The floor turned out to be soft, warm, pleasant, but the coating is afraid of water and requires careful care.
polish light material Irina, 42 years old
A few years ago, they did repairs at home, the material was chosen carefully, sparing no expense. We decided to buy a cork floor, laid it ourselves, and at first everything was fine and beautiful. Later, they noticed that the joints between the panels begin to swell, as it turned out, from moisture. Then potholes became visible on the floor, as if pieces had been torn out. I had to change plates.
Sergey, 37 years old
They laid a cork, so far they are satisfied. The cover looks modern and beautiful. Children like to walk barefoot on the floor, it became not audible how the dog moves around the apartment, and before there was a lot of noise. If something falls, then the roar is no longer there. We also have a traffic jam in our office, nothing has been done to it for the third year already. The floor was laid a month ago, now we are looking at how long it will last.
Why is cork flooring so popular?
natural material Cork is a unique material of natural origin. The raw material is obtained from the bark of the Mediterranean oak. The natural finish is soft and durable. Cork is able to restore its original shape after being squeezed, which distinguishes it from other wood raw materials. The plates are warm, pleasant to the touch, fit perfectly into any interior. At the same time, the material in its cost approaches a simple laminate.
Care
How to clean cork floor? The surface is cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, wiped with a damp cloth. It is acceptable to use detergents. Plates are not afraid of water, but excessive moisture is undesirable. This applies not only to washing floors, but also to accidentally spilled liquids. Excess moisture should be wiped off immediately. For cork, it is better to use mild detergents that do not contain aggressive solvent components.
Surface care Do not use hard brushes, abrasive products, metal scrapers to clean the cork floor. Reviews speak of surface damage by scratches in this case. Stubborn stains are removed with a fine-grained sandpaper. Such cleaning may leave defects that are removed with wax or varnish. Funds are applied only to damaged areas.
Photo printed floor The cork floor with photo printing is not eternal, it needs to be updated periodically. The surface can be treated with polyurethane varnishes. The agent is applied to a previously cleaned surface. Old varnish is removed with sandpaper or a grinder. Then you need to clean the surface with a vacuum cleaner, cover the floor with a fresh composition. The varnish dries in 12 hours, after which the plates are completely transformed.
Cork will last longer if you follow some simple rules. To extend the life of your floor, do the following:
- Glue special cork or felt pads on the legs of heavy furniture. This will prevent the floor from denting;
- Use a mat to protect your flooring in the hallway. The bottom of the carpet should not be made of rubber or latex, otherwise traces will remain on the plates;
- Maintain temperature 20-25 degrees, humidity 50%. In winter, humidifiers can be used to prevent premature cracking of the boards.
beautiful texture Price
The price of building materials is far from the last factor influencing the choice of a particular coating. The cost depends on the quality of the plate, its density, the manufacturer. In general, cork flooring is expensive. The cost of material for the installation of a floating coating ranges from 700 to 2000 rubles per m2. Adhesive boards are more affordable - from 600 to 1200 rubles per m2.
Laying a cork cloth by a master costs differently depending on the level of complexity of the work. Installation of the castle floor costs from 250 to 350 rubles per m2. Laying the adhesive web is more expensive - from 350 to 500 rubles per m2. Mounting plates diagonally implies an even higher cost.
Do I need to insulate the cork floor?
Cork itself is a good insulator. However, before repair, the question arises of the need for additional thermal insulation. If the laying of the cork is planned in an apartment or in an already comfortable house with a good floor, additional insulation is not required. Thermal insulation is needed if the rough coating is cold. Polypropylene film is used as insulation on the floor,
The cork floor is used in their homes by those people who understand that this is the embodiment of warmth and comfort. For example, if we compare this flooring with linoleum, laminate, we can see a number of advantages, since cork is directly related to wood, that is, to naturalness and environmental friendliness. In addition, it is a lightweight, elastic material with a porous structure. Even despite the fact that cork floors have a variety of reviews, they still deserve increased attention.
Cork floor - what is it?
Specialists of woodworking enterprises correctly took advantage of the peculiarity of the cork tree, namely, the fact that it “sheds” the bark. The secret is as follows: after the tree reaches 30 years, with a frequency of 9-12 years, you can remove the bark from it without causing any harm.
After that, the bark is crushed, processed, heated in a special oven. Further - pressing under high pressure: the crushed mass turns into suberin, a kind of mixture of cork and air bubbles. This is the basis for the production of cork flooring.
A very strong layer of resins and wood dust is superimposed on the suberin layer, then suberin again. The front layer can be made of natural veneer, cork, vinyl.
Cork floor in the interior
It should be said that in our country there is a slightly negative attitude towards cork, this applies to well-known expressions, for example, “it flew out like a cork from a bottle”. But this stereotype is gradually giving way to a completely new idea of the material as an excellent means for decorating a room.
Cork is highly valued, first of all, for its good sound and heat insulation, and it also perfectly absorbs odors. Moreover, it is resistant to household chemicals.
The decorative use of the floor is varied, for example, cork looks great in the kitchen. The floor covering looks original, having a warm natural shade: yellow, brown, ocher. And also, depending on the color of the furniture, you can choose other shades, lighter or darker.
Plus, cork flooring will look different depending on the size of the panels, installation method and lighting. Moreover, today manufacturers offer not only the traditional texture, but also the most unusual colors with colorful splashes and interesting design.
If an ordinary cork floor seems simple and boring to you, you can pay attention to a cork photo floor or photo parquet. Of course, modern technology is surprising, since the texture of various wood veneers can be applied to the cork floor. It can be an imitation of oak, pine - well-known species, as well as for exotic lovers, manufacturers offer original options - a cork with an American walnut pattern, a zebrano pattern, a rosewood pattern.
It is interesting that if the cork floor is laid on a deck, the effect of a solid floor is obtained, and the cork also successfully imitates stone, sand, pebbles.
At repair and construction forums, cork flooring reviews sometimes get negative, although the vast majority are still positive. This means that disappointment is associated with poor-quality material or installation errors.
It can be said that the positive reviews about the cork field, basically, have the following interpretation: “the main plus is warmth, for example, unlike laminate, which is cold. It is pleasant to walk on it with bare feet, and even useful.
Dust accumulates less on the cork, and children's puddles do not leave marks. And if you buy felt nozzles for furniture, you won’t see dents.”
Pros of cork flooring
The main advantages of cork are directly related to the characteristics of the material, namely the porosity of the structure: each pore is sealed, filled with a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen.
Such a structure provides the cork with elasticity, lightness, elasticity.
And now about the pluses in more detail:
- The cork floor is warm to the touch as it slowly absorbs heat from the body. This cannot be said at all about tiles, marble, linoleum;
- excellent soundproofing parameters - the cork coating well "suppresses" the noise in the premises. For example, if neighbors complain about noise, trampling in your apartment, arranging a cork floor is the best solution. And if your neighbors are noisy from below, then you should not expect an extraordinary effect from the cork floor;
- resistance to deformation - it can be said to have a restoring effect: dents from furniture legs after rearrangement quickly acquire their original shape;
- environmental friendliness is an indisputable advantage, in addition, it has protection from harmful radiation, including radioactive. It has been proven that cork reduces the influence of hepatogenic zones, and this is just a wonderful advantage;
- slip resistance - the presence of this property indicates that cork can be used on stairs, in public places;
- hygiene - cork coatings do not require specific care: if dirt appears, they must be wiped with a rag or a vacuum cleaner should be used. The ease of maintenance is due to the anti-condensation properties of the cork: mold is less formed, corrosion is not observed, the material is protected from steam;
- anti-allergenicity - dust does not accumulate on the cork floor: this makes life easier for allergy sufferers, so this flooring is widely used, for example, in medical institutions;
- orthopedic impact - excellent depreciation performance reduces the load on the spine, on the legs while walking;
- durability - depending on the characteristics of the coating, manufacturers give a guarantee of operation for 10-20 years.
Cork cons
Of course, there are no ideal materials, so the cork coating has some disadvantages:
- high cost - high-quality solid veneer cork is expensive. For example, if you ask yourself how much a cork floor costs, you should notice that the price can be higher than parquet or laminate. And if you add the cost of laying and additional materials to the amount, you get a round figure;
- swelling - under the influence of excess moisture, a floating cork floor can swell. The reason for this phenomenon is the swelling of MDF, which is the basis of the coating. Therefore, it is undesirable to use cork in the bathroom and similar rooms;
- poor tensile strength - although cork is characterized by good resistance to deformation, it is afraid of stiletto heels, cat claws, sharp metal furniture legs;
- the inconvenience associated with the coating - the cork itself is quite rough, so you have to cover it with a variety of compositions. There is a risk of two extremes here. Firstly, the high-friction coating erases the soles of socks, soft slippers. Secondly, if the coefficient of friction is very low, the cork floor is slippery.
It turns out that the advantages and disadvantages of this coverage are relative: for some, some qualities are essential, while others do not mean anything at all.
Therefore, when buying, one should be guided by personal opinion - the cork floor has pluses and minuses, but they are individual for each buyer.
Before purchasing a cork floor, read the pros and cons of this product, which I will provide here in full. And if positive reviews on numerous sites are full of variety, then there are practically no negative essays to be found. And not to find them because of the marketing manipulation of this popular product. After all, in order to profitably sell, no one will highlight the cons.
I will describe the cork floor in this article not only as a master, but also as a consumer. The fact is that in one of the rooms I had a cork for about 6 years, until I replaced it with a laminate, and for this reason.
We purchased the cork castle floor for flooring in the children's room. They focused on my experience in styling, the natural warmth and softness of the material. In this regard, cork is indeed an excellent material.
It so happened that during the departure on vacation, they left me to live in the apartment of relatives. Upon arrival, several damaged boards were found. Relatives used a working stool without a plastic cap left over from the repair. Purchased a package of coverage and replaced the damaged areas.
A few years after replacing the old sofa with a new one, they saw a frightening picture. No, of course, we noticed even up to this point that the legs of the sofa leave marks, but we did not attach much importance to this. Nevertheless, the main area of damage was covered.
The depressing appearance of the damaged cork finally convinced my wife that they listened to me in vain and laid a cork floor. The cork itself was not pressed through, but the coating was damaged by knocked down and crumpled veneer. You heard right, in cork, the top layer is lined with veneer. I suggested fixing the matter in a simple way: re-cork. As a result, I re-layed, removed the damaged panels to the last rows under the place of the future sofa. And got the floor like new. Here it is, plus a glueless locking connection.
Another 3 years passed, while my son was in the village and I had a few free days, we decided to replace the cork floor with a laminate. An old problem surfaced - dark marks left on the floor from the legs of the furniture. During dismantling, I carefully examined all the boards for further possible use or sale through Avito. For this reason, I sorted the flooring and that's what I noticed after 6 years of operation.
What happens to the cork after 6 years of use
Bottom of cork floor
The bottom of the cover in the lock version consists of a technical cork. Roughly speaking, a cork substrate of 2-3 mm is rolled onto a sheet of HDF board. In my case, I was laying Art Cork over foam insulation. Although it was possible to put on bare concrete.
Somewhere I read the information that the cork substrate, if it is laid on concrete without a film, rots, turns into dust, and so on. Nothing like this. In one place under the heating radiator, where a caring mother-in-law hung clothes to dry, water penetrated. There was a gap between the plates. The HDF board sheet has turned black, but the cork has only changed color. That is, it is not covered with mold due to the natural substances contained in it.
key connection,HDF plate
The lock joint used on my cork flooring is very similar in shape to the Uniclic locks. This type of clutch is used on the well-known Quick Step laminate brand. Given the fact that I had already sorted out the flooring, the locks were in good condition, suitable for further installation.
Interestingly, the fibreboard is green in color. Usually this tone means the moisture resistance of the material.
Top layer of cork parquet
The top layer consists of technical cork. The fact that we choose a different texture in the store, the pattern is an applied thin cork veneer. And sellers, unknowingly or deliberately, do not inform buyers about this feature. And this detail leads to abrasion and damage to the entire cork during operation.
Yes, the cork itself restores its structure under compression to almost its original size. As sellers convince us in stores. But the thin finishing lining, which gives nobility to the coating, is not capable of this. She crumples and squeezes.
Cork coating - pros and cons, review
It's time to leave your review, highlight the pros and cons of the cork floor. Now you know the structure of the coating, what it is made of and it has become easier to draw conclusions.
Here I will leave a few links on the cork floor for review.
Cork is a lightweight material known to many as necessary for corking expensive glass bottles of alcohol or making shoes. However, there is another wide scope of cork - construction, or rather, decoration. Cork flooring is a relatively new option for finishing decorative interiors, and this option raises many questions. In particular, it is believed that cork flooring is expensive, impractical and short-lived.
Today we will talk about the features, advantages and disadvantages of cork flooring, compare this unusual, if not exotic, building material with more familiar ones, for example, laminate or linoleum, and discuss the process of finishing the floor with cork sheets.
Cork is actually a tree bark removed from oak, which bears a similar name - cork. Oak groves grow in the lands of the Mediterranean. In Portugal and Spain, multi-hectare plantations of this valuable oak are specially cultivated, and these states have long been recognized as world centers for the processing of cork raw materials, the manufacture of finishing materials and related products from it. Note that oak plantations are also grown in Chinese territories, but cork oak needs a climate not only warm, but also with a certain level of humidity, and for this reason, Chinese cork is inferior to Portuguese and Spanish in quality.
When extracting cork, the tree is not cut down - the bark is simply removed from the trunks, leaving the oaks to grow further. From a tree that lives for more than one hundred and fifty years, the bark is removed regularly, every ten to twelve seasons. Therefore, the production of cork material does not harm nature, it is ecological and humane in relation to trees.
To create cork-bark panels, the raw materials are crushed into small pieces, poured into special molds and pressed in an oven under enormous air pressure and low temperature. Suberin is obtained there - a unique, lightest material, which is a mixture of cork crumble and air bubbles. Suberin plates are glued in two layers, using natural resin for this, and they turn into monolithic durable tiles.
What types of floor plugs are there?
The cork industry supplies various types of cork to the building markets. Suitable for floor use include:
- Solid type veneers. The most expensive cork material, consisting of a single, solid piece of oak bark. Most often, tiles of different sizes, thicknesses and color shades are produced from veneer.
- Agglomerates. Sheets made from crushed cork bark, which is glued into sheets or multi-meter rolls using tree resin. Such a cork on the Russian market is the most budgetary, practical and common in hardware stores.
- A combination of agglomerate and veneer. Small and large cork chips in combination with veneer are glued together under pressure, pressing into sheets or boards. Combined cork is made from veneers that are not suitable for clean panels in terms of size or quality, supplemented with crushed bark.
If we talk about a combined floor cloth made of cork or agglomerate, then the front layer is usually applied to the front side of the finishing building material. It protects the floor from premature wear, and at the same time gives it a decorative and aesthetic effect. The front layers of the cork floor are divided into four varieties:
- Oak veneer protected with vinyl. The agglomerate top can be covered with a thin layer of natural oak veneer, and then covered with a vinyl film that does not distort the natural pattern of the bark, but protects the cork from sunlight, scratches or moisture.
- Veneer from other wood species in combination with vinyl. The front layer looks and is made exactly the same as described in the previous paragraph, but it is no longer oak veneer that is used, but the bark of exotic or expensive wood species.
- Lacquer veneer. About half a centimeter of veneer is glued onto the pressed cork base, which is then varnished in two or three layers to make the coating more wear-resistant, as well as a pleasant shine and decorative effect.
- Thin veneer. Cork chips are simply “covered” with a beautiful veneer to hide the chaotic pattern of pressed bark.
Types of cork floor
The type of cork floor is selected depending on the purpose of finishing, as well as the available time and financial resources. There are three options for cork flooring on the modern construction market.
Table 1. Three types of coverage
| View | Description |
|---|---|
| Adhesive | Cork adhesives are produced in the form of tiles of different sizes and thicknesses or rolls. Such tiles have a two-layer structure, where the bottom is pressed cork wood chips, and the top is decorative oak veneer, which is highly visually attractive. The adhesive floor is well tolerated by moisture, temperature changes, so it can be used in the area of the balcony, corridor, in the kitchen. However, the adhesive plug requires a perfectly even coating, so preparation before finishing is extremely important. For the installation of cork slabs, universal adhesives are used. |
| Castle | Lock-type cork floors are analogues of laminate. Such a coating is produced in the format of boards with fastening locks on the sides. The installation of the locking cork floor is carried out without an adhesive component or other fixing means, all that is needed is a substrate, as for a laminate. Coatings of this type consist of several layers, as a rule, the lowest, invisible layer is pressed natural oak bark chips, in the middle is MDF board, which gives strength, on top is a decorative layer of cork veneer or chips. |
| Technical | Technical coatings are made from the remnants of cork, so to speak, the surplus of production. Such a floor is not used for finishing, as it does not represent aesthetic value. Technical cork is produced in rolls or granules, and it is used to level defects in the base, or to insulate and level floors before laying tiles, laminate, parquet, linoleum. |
Wicanders cork floor prices
Cork floors Wicanders
Cork as a floor covering: pros and cons
Like any building material, a coating made from cork oak bark has advantages and disadvantages. Below we will talk about the pros and cons of cork so that you can evaluate this coverage in terms of your own tasks and goals.
Cork Benefits
Firstly, adhesive and lock coatings are environmentally friendly and natural materials that do not harm human health. Cork flooring can even be placed in the room of a small child or a family member suffering from asthma or allergies. It should be noted that not only the production of cork panels itself is environmentally friendly, but also the method of extracting cork - oaks do not suffer in this case, since the trees are not cut down, but simply “undressed”, removing the ripened bark.
In addition, the cork coating has an antistatic effect, that is, it prevents the accumulation of dust, mold spores and fungi do not start in the cork, and when heated, the material does not emit toxic harmful substances into the air and does not smell. Also, the cork is an excellent insulator - it has the effect of noise reduction, it keeps the heat in the room well. It is pleasant to walk barefoot on the cork floor, while the sound of footsteps will be muffled, and if any object falls on the surface lined with cork bark, then there will never be a sharp and unpleasant roar, never, only a thud
Any kind of natural cork flooring is slightly springy underfoot, which is useful for children who are just starting to learn to walk, as well as those who suffer from ailments of the musculoskeletal or articular apparatus. Doctors admit that regular walking in a traffic jam reduces the load on the joints and bones, and forms the correct position of the feet. Another advantage of cork is that it does not slip, so a floor covered with this material will be a great solution in a house where there are children or the elderly.
The following group of advantages of cork coating can be classified as purely practical:
- Ease and efficiency of installation. The adhesive coating is simply pressed to the floor surface, having previously been lubricated with adhesive, the locking panels are laid like a laminate - a groove into a groove. Special knowledge and skills, as well as expensive tools for laying cork cloth on the floor are not required.
- Practicality and unpretentiousness. Caring for a cork floor is simple - it is recommended to wash it with a damp (not wet) cloth, vacuum or brush, sweep.
- Durability. If you do not spill solvents on the cork sheet and do not use abrasive cleaners, the coating will last at least ten years.
- The absence of gaps, the ability to abandon thresholds and skirting boards. The cork floor can be monolithic, as the plates are easily mounted without gaps. Thus, the cork floor perfectly connects with other coatings, for example, tiles (it can be laid right away), and if desired, the indentation from the wall is also not made, which eliminates the use of skirting boards.
A big plus of cork flooring is its versatility. You can use the cork both in the apartment and in country houses or in the country. Cork can be installed anywhere, the material is suitable for the kitchen or wet area of the bathroom, for the balcony or corridor, for the living room and any other living area. Cork itself has low moisture resistance, but if it is impregnated with a wax-based product, it will last for many years and in conditions of high humidity.
Disadvantages of Cork
The advantages listed above are significant, but cork floors are not without drawbacks. The first can be attributed to the high cost, and the adhesive floor will come out almost twice as expensive as the castle floor. The second drawback is the vulnerability to heavy objects, which include furniture. On the cork, the prints of the legs of cabinets and sofas will be perfectly preserved, and special gaskets will only slightly smooth out the traces.
If we talk about adhesive floors, then only the installation process will be easy, but it is extremely difficult to dismantle the panels, since a strong adhesive composition is used to fix them. Another disadvantage of the adhesive cork floor is the impossibility of using it immediately after laying, since the panels are impregnated with a special varnish, and it is necessary to wait for it to dry.
Which floor is better: adhesive or castle?
When choosing a cork flooring, each person faces a choice: to purchase adhesive panels or the so-called cork laminate, that is, lock panels. If we talk from the point of view of ease of installation, especially if the installation is carried out by a non-specialist, then the castle coating will be more advantageous. Such a cork is available in different forms, but they all have grooves on the sides, like a laminate. Accordingly, such a floor is mounted very simply - the boards or panels are joined together.
The castle floor has only two tangible advantages - ease of installation and, accordingly, dismantling, if necessary. There are more disadvantages: under the lock plug, it is necessary to lay a foam pad, and along the perimeter of the walls, the coating must be covered with skirting boards. In addition, a large number of joints imposes restrictions on the operation of the floor, in particular, on wet cleaning. The joints of the panels will absorb water and swell, so the locking coating must be coated with a special wax, and the seams should be treated with a hydrophobic sealant.
In addition, like a laminate, the lock plug must be selected according to the drawing, and in order for the final result to be aesthetic, the intended joints must be selected in advance. Accordingly, boards or panels will have to be sawn, picking up the length and ornament.
Adhesive cork coating has another drawback - you need to have experience for its installation. To make the floor durable and beautiful, it is necessary not only to correctly apply the adhesive composition to the base and the cork itself, but also to adjust the cork panels to each other so that they seem to be a single whole, without having the slightest gap.
The base on which the adhesive floor will be laid requires special attention. The bases must be perfectly flat, not have bumps, drops or protrusions, and before installation, the floor is washed several times to remove all debris. Restrictions also arise after laying such panels - since the adhesive cork is varnished, you can not step on a fresh floor, put furniture or any other objects on it until the varnish layer dries. You will not be able to use the room for a day or even more.
There are also several advantages to the adhesive cork floor. The first, and most important, is the high durability of the coating, its solidity and wear resistance. Also, the cork floor made of glued panels is absolutely natural, and fully conveys the beautiful pattern of the tree. The glue plug can be placed on the floor as a solid canvas, or you can combine two or more shades, lay out the panels with various ornaments.
Another important plus is the ability to adjust the adhesive plug to any room by cutting out the tiles of the desired size and shape, no joints will be visible. High-quality installation of a glued cork floor allows you to do without the use of skirting boards, thresholds and other elements that cover seams, joints and gaps. Simply put, the adhesive plug is applied to the floor like wallpaper.
The adhesive cork has a small thickness of about five to six millimeters, so it does not hide the volume of a small room, but at the same time fully shows its soundproofing and heat-saving qualities.
How to choose a good cork floor?
When choosing flooring material from cork, you need to focus not only on its type: adhesive or lock, but also on the class of application. Like laminate, cork sheets are divided into three classes of wear resistance, and this is an important parameter that ensures the reliability and aesthetics of the future floor.
So, the cork presented in Russian building stores is of the following classes:
- 33 - recommended for laying in residential premises, as well as commercial rooms with medium foot traffic (for example, in offices). Such floors for living rooms have an average guarantee of 25 years for the life of the cork, in commercial - 15 years.
- 32 - recommended for apartments or houses with laying in rooms with constant active traffic (corridors, living rooms, kitchen area), as well as for offices or other commercial premises with low pedestrian activity. Warranty for laying in residential rooms - 15 years, commercial - 5 years.
- 31 - the cork is intended only for living rooms where traffic activity is low (bedroom, children's room for a small child). The guarantee for the coating is at least 10 years.
In addition to the class, you should pay attention to the brand manufacturer. It is good if the cork cloth is produced by a Portuguese or Spanish company. At the moment, the market leaders are such brands as Wicanders, Corkstyle, Allied Cork. The average price per square meter of cork flooring from these manufacturers varies between 1,600-2,700 rubles, respectively, cheaper options belong to class 31, those that are more expensive - to 32 and 33 classes.
How to lay a cork on the floor: instructions
Regardless of what type of cork coating will be used, you must first prepare the basis for it. There should be no serious irregularities or drops on the base (if the locking material is chosen), or a perfectly smooth screed or leveling the floor with plywood boards (under the glue plug) should be used. After the base is ready, you can proceed with the installation.
Laying down the adhesive
Of course, by the time work begins, the cork floor itself should already be in the room, as well as a special varnish to cover the cork after installation. To independently lay an adhesive-type cork coating on the floor, you will need the following tools and fixtures:
- A thin, coarse-haired paint brush for applying glue.
- Rubber mallet.
- Gloves to protect hands from adhesive mass.
- Construction knife for cutting tiles.
- Roulette.
- Roller with a long handle to varnish the floor.
Step one
Laying the floor is always started five or six rows from the wall, the width of the row is always a multiple of the width of the cork tile itself. The material is laid with joints lengthwise to the light. Depending on the shape and size of the adhesive plug tiles, the pattern of the future floor must be selected. As a standard, the cork is laid in a run, that is, its transverse joints never coincide, and the pattern according to which the tiles are displaced is not guessed. You can lay cork tiles on the floor without glue, estimating how many of them will fit in a row, and also arranging them according to the shade or pattern. If the cork comes in a roll, this step can be skipped.
step two
Using a paint brush, glue is applied to the floor and tiles. You can immediately spread a whole strip on the base, and also apply glue to four or five cork tiles at once, so that they can be laid on the floor one by one without wasting time. The cork in the roll is glued in the manner of wallpaper - that is, they smear both the base and the cork strip itself from beginning to end. Next, the adhesive mass should dry, follow the instructions indicated on the package with glue. It usually takes fifteen minutes to half an hour to dry.
Step Three
Let's start laying tiles. Two rows can be glued at the same time. The first tile is laid, according to the drawing, then next to it, on the side, the second tile is tightly glued, with a two-thirds offset. So there are two rows that continue to the wall. Most likely, the last cork tile in the row that is in contact with the wall will have to be cut. This must be done precisely in the process of laying the cork on the glue, and not in advance, in order to leave a minimum gap. The required size is measured with a tape measure, and then cut off with a sharp construction knife - it perfectly cuts a thin glue plug. Thus, the entire floor is laid out in the direction from the center of the room to the walls.
Roll cork is easier to glue - the required length of the web is laid out on the floor, cut off from the roll, like wallpaper.
Table 2. What adhesive can be used?
| Name | Features, description | approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Quelyd Kork, France | One-component self-drying compound. Has an environmental safety class, can be used for heated floors. Setting time is about 25 minutes. | About 1,300 rubles for a package of 3 kilograms |
| Moment "Probka", Russia | Waterproof and resistant to negative temperatures, quickly and reliably glues cork to any surface (wood, concrete, iron, rubber, and so on). Setting time is about 20 minutes. | About 550 rubles for a package of 1 liter |
| Decol Vern, Portugal | Contact (instantly seizing) adhesive composition, reliably and monolithically connecting the cork of any thickness with the base. The manufacturer does not recommend working with this adhesive without professional skills. Setting time - 15 minutes. | About 2,450 rubles for a package of 5 liters |
| Mapei Ultrabond Eco Contact, Italy | It is odorless, does not flow (thick paste type), suitable for laying cork sheets in areas with high pedestrian activity. Has an environmental certificate. Setting time - 45 minutes. | About 2,300 rubles for a package of 2.5 kilograms |
| Cipade Reviprene, Portugal | Contact, very strong adhesive composition, designed specifically for working with cork. Contains rubber components, intended for professional use. Setting time - 15 minutes. | About 2,300 rubles for a package of 5 liters |
Step Four
When the floor is completely laid, it must be varnished. A special varnish, which can be purchased in the same department as cork, is applied with a long-handled nap roller. You need to start applying the varnish layer from the far wall to the exit, so that in the process you back towards the doors, and not vice versa. The varnish does not need to be spared - the mass should fill in all the joints and possible irregularities in the canvas.
Important point! Before starting varnishing, you need to mix the varnish thoroughly, and then repeat the procedure every ten minutes so that the coating is uniform. The joints at the wall must be passed with a paint brush, because it is impossible to do it evenly and efficiently with a roller.
Cork Lacquer is a versatile coating that gives not only a visual effect, but also protects the flooring material. The floor must be varnished immediately after laying, so you need to purchase the product in advance.
Table 3. What varnish can be used?
| Name | Features, description | approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lobadur 2K Supra Cork, Germany | A low odor transparent matt lacquer suitable for use in heavily used areas. Moisture resistant and frost resistant. Consumption - 100 grams per square meter. | About 2,200 rubles per pack of 1 liter |
| BONA Traffic, Sweden | A two-component, water-based lacquer, especially resistant to abrasion, perfectly adheres to the cork without chipping during use. Consumption - 120 grams per square meter. | About 12,000 rubles for a package of 5 liters |
| BERGER Aqua-Seal 2K-PU, Germany | One of the most durable and strong varnishes on the market. It is environmentally friendly, dries quickly, does not have a strong pronounced odor, and has passed fire resistance tests. Consumption - 100 grams per square meter. | About 4,700 rubles for a package of 1.6 liters |
| LOBADUR WS EasyFinish, Germany | A water-based universal one-component varnish that additionally emphasizes the pattern of cork bark. Odorless, wear resistant. Consumption - 100 grams per square meter. | About 15,000 rubles for a package of 10 liters |
Video - Laying a cork floor on glue
We lay the castle cover
Before laying such a cork, the entire floor must be covered with a special foam substrate, exactly the same as that placed under the laminate. In addition to the cork itself and the substrate, you will need:
- Roulettes or ruler.
- An electric or hand file to saw off excess blade.
- Gloves protecting hands.
Step one
Installation of the lock plug starts from the wall. Along it, the first row of tiles or boards is laid, which are attached to each other by connecting the end grooves. If the floor is mounted in a room with high humidity, the grooves are additionally coated with a special joint sealant before being connected.
step two
Next, the second row is laid - the cork is connected to the first row by side grooves. Thus, the entire canvas stands up, up to the next wall. Pay attention to the details that will require trimming - it is better to place them in a less visible part of the room or where the furniture will stand.
Step Three
After the cork is laid on the floor, you need to screw the skirting boards. Accordingly, there may be a gap of up to one centimeter between the wall and the extreme tiles - this joint will be hidden by the skirting board.
Video - Installation of a lock-type plug
How to care for a cork floor?
Cork flooring is beautiful and practical, especially in terms of maintenance. But, there are also rules and recommendations regarding the operation and maintenance of such a coating clean. First, you need to monitor the humidity in the room so that the floor does not dry out. As we mentioned, cork oaks grow in climates with high humidity, so in rooms where this figure is below 50%, you need to use special air washers or humidifiers.
Caring for a cork floor is simple: varnished or wax-impregnated material can be wiped with a damp but not wet cloth, vacuumed, and household chemicals for wooden bases (without abrasive and solvent) can be used. However, if liquid is spilled on the floor from the cork, you need to immediately wipe the puddle so that the area where the moisture gets in does not swell. It is forbidden to use hard, iron sponges or aggressive brushes to care for the cork; it is not necessary to clean such a surface with scrapers.
Another important point in cork care is its periodic renewal. Since the cork floor begins to lose its aesthetics over the years, and the varnish fades, you need to restore it. With the help of a grinder or sandpaper, the remnants of the old lacquer coating are removed from the floor, the dust is carefully collected with a broom and a vacuum cleaner, the cork is wiped clean and then varnished again. After a day, the floor will dry, and will sparkle again with its unique texture and pattern of natural oak bark!
Summarizing
Cork flooring, as it becomes clear from the above, is a great option for any living space, which has a lot of advantages. If you are one of those people who value the naturalness of materials, ease of installation and ease of maintenance, then we recommend that you consider cork oak bark!
