Slot House by Sandy Rendel Architects; Photo by Jim Stephenson
Cork flooring is currently going through something of a renaissance. Gone are the visions of bad 1970s interiors. Today’s cork products are created using modern manufacturing techniques and come in a range styles and high quality finishes.
A big reason for cork’s increase in popularity is its unrivalled green credentials. It also has excellent thermal and acoustic properties and a characterful appearance that helps homeowners create warm, inviting modern interiors. With proper care it can last for decades.
I have cork flooring in my own home and have specified it on several residential projects – including one that I’m designing at the moment. Here’s an overview of what I know.
Cork has been used for centuries as a flooring material and can trace its history back to ancient civilisations in the Mediterranean.
In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, cork flooring became popular in Europe and the US as a durable and comfortable flooring option. It was especially common in public buildings and schools, where its natural insulation and sound-absorbing properties were valued.
Up until the mid-twentieth century, cork flooring was a feature of many architect-designed houses. Notable works such as Falling water by Frank Lloyd Wright and the JM Roberts Residence by Richard Neutra both use cork floors in their interiors.
During the later half of the twentieth century, the quality of cork flooring production diminished. As a result, it lost popularity as materials like vinyl and linoleum became more widely available.
In recent years, cork has made a comeback and is seen as an eco-friendly flooring option. Advances in technology and production methods mean cork flooring is now more durable and water-resistant than ever and offers a unique combination of sustainability, comfort and aesthetic qualities.
JM Roberts Residence by Richard Neutra; Photo by Cameron Carothers via Ilana Gafni of Crosby Doe Associates
Cork is a light, tough material made from the outer bark of cork oak trees (Quercus suber) found mainly in south western Europe and north western Africa.
Most of the cork supplied to the UK market comes from Portuguese cork oak forests. The bark is harvested by hand every 9-12 years, dried outside for several months and transported to a factory where solid cork products, mainly wine bottle stops, are cut out. The left over bark is boiled, ground up, mixed with adhesives and compressed into sheets ready to be converted into flooring products.
Modern cork flooring is typically made using water-based resin adhesives which are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). There are also products formed with eco-binders, such as Acrodur, which are free of hazardous ingredients such phenol, formaldehyde and isocyanate.
Cork flooring can be supplied pre-finished with protective coatings or unfinished.
Cork production; Photo by wineanorak
Cork flooring is one of the most environmentally friendly flooring options available. This is for three main reasons.
Firstly, the cork oak tree bark is harvested without harming the tree. Properly managed, cork is a constant renewable resource.
Secondly, cork flooring has a very low carbon footprint. Cork oak forests act as carbon sinks, meaning they absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In many cases, the carbon produced during the making and transportation of cork products is offset the carbon sequestered by the forests, making them carbon negative.
And thirdly, the production of cork flooring contributes to the circular economy which tackles the interrelationship of climate change, biodiversity loss, waste and pollution. Cork flooring is essentially a waste product of the cork bottle stop industry and can be recycled at the end of its lifespan. It therefore ensures sustainable resources are put to full use with minimal impact on the planet.
It’s important to note, that most types of cork flooring are not biodegradable. Raw cork is, but many of the binding adhesives, backing panels (used for plank flooring) and finishes used in the manufacturing process are not.
However, modern cork flooring products are manufactured with water-based, non-toxic adhesives and finishes that are more environmentally friendly than synthetic resins and emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.
When evaluating the environmental impact of flooring options, it's important to consider the entire lifecycle of a product. While most cork flooring products are not fully biodegradable, they are made from a renewable resource and have a lower carbon footprint than many flooring alternatives.
Bark is harvested without harming the cork oak tree; Photo by Recork
There are two main types of cork flooring sold on the UK market: cork flooring tiles and cork flooring planks.
Cork flooring tiles are commonly manufactured from solid cork and have a factory-applied polyurethane lacquer or heritage wax top finish. They can also be supplied unfinished ready for on-site applications.
Cork tiles typically measure around 300-600 x 300 x 4-6 millimetres and come in a range of colours – natural shades and light and dark stains – and styles – agglomerated (small granules of cork for a classic look), block (slices of natural cork bark cut across the grain) and linear (slices of natural bark cut in the direction of the grain).
Cork floor tiles need to be glued down to a subfloor.
Cork flooring planks typically consist of a cork top veneer pre-finished with a polyurethane coating and a fibreboard or rigid cork core for rigidity. They measure around 900-1200 x 200-300 x 7-10millimetres and are available in many of the same colours and styles as cork tiles.
They are commonly joined by an interlocking system and can be installed as a floating floor or glued down, depending on the individual product.
Additionally, there is Recork. A solid agglomerated cork plank made from waste cork and synthetic binders. Planks are supplied primed but need to be glued down and finished on site.
Cork flooring tiles by Amorim
Cork plank flooring with rigid cork backing; Images by The Colour Flooring Company
Cork flooring can either be glued down installed as a floating floor. The best method really depends on the location and what you are trying to achieve.
The glue-down method ensures a classic modern look and provides a more permanent and secure installation, but it’s also more difficult to remove if you want to change the flooring in the future.
A floating floor involves interlocking flooring planks together without adhering them to the subfloor. This method is easier to install and allows for more flexibility if you want to change the flooring in the future. However, a floating floor is not as stable as a glued-down floor, and it may move or creak if it’s not installed properly, or the subfloor is uneven.
Floating floors are typically not recommended in kitchens or bathrooms – more on this below.
You can install a floating floor yourself if you have good DIY experience. Glue-down floors require more expertise.
As with all flooring installations, a well prepared subfloor is absolutely crucial to achieving a quality finish. Floating floors can even out some minor inconsistencies underneath, but glue-down floors need a smooth, level sub-base.
For best results, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult with a specialist supplier or installer before you place your order to ensure the flooring product meets with your requirements.
Glue-down cork flooring by Clayton Korte; Photo by Nick Simonite
Cork flooring’s durability and wear resistance largely depends on the applied finish. Amorim Wise’s Cork Inspire range, for example, has a hardwearing top layer which is designed for heavy traffic areas and offers a 10-year guarantee.
However, naturally waxed products can be relatively soft and susceptible to denting and scratching. To reduce the risk of damage to these types of floors, it's recommended to use mats under furniture and to avoid walking on the flooring with sharp-heeled shoes. Proper maintenance helps to maintain the appearance of cork flooring for many years.
Bear in mind, high traffic finishes add durability but some of cork’s natural compression is lost.
Amorim Wise’s Cork Inspire range is designed for high traffic areas
Yes, cork has inherent water resistance properties, but only certain products and finishes are suitable for use in a bathroom.
Floating floors and cork flooring planks with a fibreboard core are generally not recommended for bathrooms as they prone to warping under moisture and humidity.
Pre-finished planks with a rigid cork core, or solid cork floor tiles sealed with a high quality finish, glued to a durable subfloor, such as WBP plywood, are suitable for bathrooms.
Cork flooring products suitable for bathroom use include Amorim Wise Inspire range and Granorte Spectrum Cork Tiles and unfinished products such as Pure Tree’s Heritage range and Recork flooring planks. Note, unfinished cork tiles require an overcoat of a floor varnish or lacquer such as Bona Traffic HD.
Recork flooring planks require an overcoat of their own specialist finish.
By choosing the right type of cork flooring and following proper maintenance guidelines, you can have a beautiful and durable cork floor in your bathroom that can last for many years.
Please note, cork flooring is not suitable for wet rooms or saunas. While bathroom products can withstand relatively high levels of moisture and humidity, they cannot endure prolonged periods of standing water or extreme humidity.
1970s inspired cork bathroom by Studio Hagenhall; Photo by Mariell Lind Hansen
Yes, cork flooring is a good option for modern kitchens.
The benefits of installing cork flooring in a kitchen include:
The products mentioned in the bathroom section above are also suitable for kitchens. The Amorim Wise Inspire range is designed to provide a similar performance to a hardwood floor and is hardwearing.
Unfinished tiles and Recork flooring planks can be refinished if the topcoat begins to wear. Placing mats in front of appliances will help protect your cork floor from wear, water spillages and grease. Regular sweeping and moping will prolong the finish.
Open plan kitchen with cork flooring; The Modern House
Cork flooring is highly versatile but it’s not right for every space.
It can look out of place in historic settings, especially in original Georgian or Victorian interiors where the architecture clashes with cork’s characterful aesthetic. Here, timber flooring is more appropriate.
If you want a completely maintenance-free floor (if there’s such a thing), cork is probably not right for you. While there are products on the market that offer high durability, they are not bulletproof. They cannot compete with, say, porcelain tiles or heavy-duty vinyl.
Cork flooring is more suited to contemporary interior spaces – an extension or new-build house where the owner is looking to add warmth and character – and mid-century buildings.
Below are links to installation videos for glue-down and floating floor installations.
How to install Wicanders glue down flooring
How to install Wicanders floating flooring
How to install Amorim Wise (floating method)
A Visqueen DPM and cork underlay can be installed below Amorim and Wicanders floating cork flooring for damp and added thermal and sound resistance.
When gluing down cork flooring, it’s important to use the correct adhesive.
Heritage tiles with a natural cork backing can be adhered to the subfloor with Cork-a-Bond, or Wakol D3540 cork tile adhesives, or similar. Both have good ecological credentials, Cork-a-Bond especially as its VOC free and water based.
Amorim recommend their cork Inspire range can be glued to an underlay (Amorim Eco 21DB) or directly to subfloor with Bostik Stix A800 Flooring Adhesive. An eco-friendly acrylic based adhesive which solvent free.
Recork flooring is installed by gluing it down with the manufacturer’s own special adhesive.
All are adhesives noted above are suitable for installations over underfloor heating.
Modern factory applied coatings ensures cork flooring has a high quality finish and protects against wear and tear, moisture, spillages and UV fading and discolouration. In most situations, this is the best option for homeowners.
Unfinished cork flooring is a consideration if you:
If you are considering Recork flooring planks, the manufacturer recommends they are installed and finished by their own approved installers.
Other types of unfinished cork floors can be freely stained or sealed with a hard wax oil or polyurethane lacquer.
Osmo and Bona both do a high-quality range of water-based stains and finishes that are compatible with cork flooring and widely available online.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when staining or finishing cork flooring, as well as to allow the flooring to acclimatise to the room before applying any finishes. It is also recommended to test any finish on a sample area before applying it to the entire floor to ensure that it will provide the desired results. Consultant with the supplier or a flooring specialist for expert guidance.
Site finished cork flooring restoration of Richard Neutra’s Taylor House by Cork Information Bureau
To maintain the appearance and durability of cork flooring:
By following these simple steps, cork flooring will last for decades.
Cork and timber flooring at Slot House by Sandy Rendel Architects; Photo by Jim Stephenson
The cost of cork flooring can vary widely depending on factors such as the quality of the product, the size of the area being covered, and the type of installation required. On average, cork flooring costs about £30-70 per square metre, excluding other materials and installation costs.
Click and lock floating is most economical installation method. It’s fast and easy and doesn’t not require specialist skills. Expect to pay about £35 per square metre for installation.
The glue-down method requires more experience and is best left in the hands of trained installers. Installation will cost in the region of £50 per square metre.
If you are getting a company to install your flooring, make sure all materials are included. Floating floors often require an underlay, so check if this is part of the quote.
It’s always advisable to get quotes from different suppliers and installers to compare pricing and get a sense of the market in your area.
Recork flooring is priced at £46.80 per square metre, plus installation costs
The majority of cork flooring available in the UK is produced by Corticeira Amorim and Granorte, both based in Portugal. Brands by Amorim include Wicanders and Amorim Wise.
Cork flooring is best bought through a specialist retailer. Amazon and some of the larger high street flooring retailers stock cork flooring but they often lack the expertise to properly guide customers.
Online suppliers popular with architects include:
All will be able to advise on the best flooring products for your needs and whereto find local installers, should you require one.
Recork flooring can only be purchased directly with the company. Accredited installers can be located through their website.
Always compare prices and read product reviews before making a purchase to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.
Pros.
Cons.
Overall, cork flooring is a great flooring option for contemporary home interiors and offers a unique balance of sustainability, comfort and aesthetics.
Cork flooring by Clayton Korte; Photo by Nick Simonite
About the author: Aron Coates is an architect with over two decades of experience, encompassing projects ranging from the restoration of historic buildings to the design of contemporary homes.
The information provided in this article is intended for general guidance and educational purposes only. At Designs in Detail, we advise you appoint a skilled residential architect to provide specific expert advice for your project.
