There are a few main types of cork floors to be aware of:
• Cork tiles –
. They are often grout-less and interlock or click together. Cork tiles tend to be more dense and durable than cork planks for high-traffic areas. They offer a tile floor effect with the benefits of cork.
• Cork planks –
Cork planks, also known as cork laminate or cork veneer, resemble traditional floorboards. They have a wood-like appearance and tongue-and-groove or click-together installation. Cork planks are more flexible and prone to denting but are often more budget-friendly. The visual wood effect is more apparent than with tiles.
• Glued-down cork floors –
Some cork floors have a heavy duty adhesive backing for sticking them directly to subfloors. This provides the most stability and security under heavy furniture and foot traffic. However, gluing down cork reduces expansion and contraction ability. Floors cannot be reconfigured or removed easily.
• Floating cork floors –
Other cork floors have a loose-lay, interlocking installation without adhesive. Their easy click-together installation floats over subfloors, allowing expansion and contraction, as well as complete removal and reinstallation. Not all cork types can be floated though due to flexibility and density differences. Floating provides higher convenience but less stability.
• Tile-like cork carpet tiles – For high-traffic commercial areas, tile-like cork sheets can be used as interlocking carpet tiles. They have a soft, spongy texture and cushioned feel underfoot but provide the click-together installation and reconfigurability of standard cork tiles or planks. Durability is enhanced over standard cork for heavier use.
• Cork underlayments – In addition to flooring, cork can be made into underlayments, matting,aerators and other accessories. Cork underlayments provide cushioning, soundproofing, and insulation when installed under other hard floors. They also aid in moisture and temperature regulation. Underlayments are often softer, thicker cork.
In summary, the main types of cork floors are: cork tiles, cork planks, glued-down cork, floating cork, tile-like cork carpet tiles, and cork underlayments. Within each, there are different thicknesses, levels of durability, moisture-resistance and flexibility to suit different applications. The ideal cork floor depends on needs, space, budget and personal style preferences. Understanding the options helps determine what will work best in any situation.
Some other things to consider regarding cork floors include hardness grade (less flexible vs. more cushioned), construction (layers of cork laminated together), offerings (stained, tinted, burnished), as well as pattern and style in flooring. Cork is a distinctive and appealing material with plenty of options to provide character and appeal. With the right product for specific needs, a cork floor can offer comfort, eco-friendliness and longevity.
