Sunday, September 6, 2015

Pros and Cons of Cork Flooring

The pros and cons of cork flooring are fairly even. There are strong benefits to using this material, as well as several sizable drawbacks.

Pros

Cork flooring is made out of the bark from cork oak trees, which are renowned for being resistant to mold and bacteria. This makes cork a perfect option if you have children or family members with allergies. Cork is also great as insulation to keep heat in and to muffle noise, so you can use it as the flooring or as a subfloor underneath another type of flooring too. Cork comes in a variety of natural and dyed colors, so you are sure to find a hue to complement your interior design plans.

Cons

The biggest drawback to cork flooring is maintenance. Excessive water can damage and discolor cork, so spills and stains have to be cleaned using minimal water. Cork is also very springy, so any heavy furniture will sink deep into the cork and could eventually cause holes or, at the very least, an uneven floor. When weighing the pros and cons of cork flooring, consider your lifestyle. Ask yourself questions like, "Who will be inhabiting the room with cork flooring and what activities will take place there?" Then, you can look at all the factors and make an informed decision about cork flooring.