Embarking on a major kitchen remodel involves making decisions on a wide variety of choices, with flooring being one of the most notable. If you are looking for an eco-friendly option that offers a unique aesthetic, cork is something worth considering. Custom kitchen remodeling contractor The Kitchen Store discusses what you need to know about this kitchen flooring material.
Understanding Cork Flooring
Cork comes from the bark of cork oak trees that are native to regions with Mediterranean climates. It’s made of a porous, airy material that compresses easily under pressure, making it a durable and anti-slip flooring option with a unique texture. This material comes in a range of styles and colors, allowing you to find the best one that suits your tastes.
Types of Cork Flooring
Cork flooring on the market in terms of thickness, size and type of finish. Cork planks come in two types of finish: waxed and unwaxed. These planks come in various sizes, with thickness ranging from 6 to 12 millimeters. You may also find engineered cork planks made of thin layers of the material glued onto a wood base. Installing cork floors requires clicking the planks together, just like a floating wood floor.
Benefits of Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is notably resilient and durable, making it an ideal choice for kitchen spaces no matter the level of foot traffic. Its sound and thermal insulation properties also make it a quiet and warm option. Cork is eco-friendly and sustainable as well, since it is self-regenerative and doesn’t contribute to deforestation. It’s a great choice if you’re conscious about your environmental footprint.
Potential Downsides of Cork Flooring
Cork flooring, however, has a few downsides. It can be susceptible to damage from water and heavy pressure. This means areas in your kitchen that are particularly high-traffic or prone to spillages might not be ideal for cork. Just like custom kitchen cabinets, its maintenance requirement also involves regular sealing to protect the surface. This can be labor-intensive over time. While cork can have a long service life, if properly cared for, these maintenance needs could increase its long-term cost.
Make Your Dream Kitchen a Reality!
Taking the advantages and disadvantages discussed above into account can help you decide whether cork flooring is worth the investment. For more information, get in touch with The Kitchen Store! We are a cabinet expert that also specializes in kitchen remodeling. We serve California homeowners in Culver City and Beverly Hills, CA. Give us a call at (310) 572-7515, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
