With today’s “green” initiatives, cork used in flooring has been making a comeback.

However, there are still cork laminate flooring problems to consider when using this material in your home.

With a reputation as a renewable resource because it grows back, it is perfect for use in any room of the home, although there are some places where it may not be as appropriate. That’s why we’ve compiled these cork laminate flooring problems to help you take care of your home’s flooring materials. 

Common Cork Laminate Flooring Problems:

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Softness

Since cork laminate is a soft material it is susceptible to dents and scratches from furniture legs, pet nails and other materials that scrape the floor. Pointed objects such as those dropped or high heels can puncture the surface. Sand, dirt and grit can cause wear and tearing along the surface. Heavy furniture can eventually sink down into the cork laminate flooring, creating permanent divots. But as cork is a resilient material, these divots may fade away as the pressure from furniture is removed.

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Water Damage

Some of the cork laminate flooring problems are caused by water that sits on the surface. Although the surface is coated, water can seep beneath the coating, creating both damage and water stains, along with warping. High humidity can lead to tiles popping out of place due to curling or plumping.

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Discoloration

Direct sunlight can create cork laminate flooring problems, if prolonged, by fading the exposed sections. This leads to uneven coloration throughout the floor. And when you try to relocate the furniture or rugs, revealing unexposed areas, the faded areas will be more prominent. Discoloration can also occur from water damage.

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Uneven Coloration

Since cork is a natural product it can absorb stains at different levels throughout the flooring, leading to an uneven finish. An option is an evenly-colored factory pre-finished product.

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Regular Sealing Required

A disadvantage is that cork laminate flooring can begin to look unsightly without regular sealing every couple of years.

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Installation Isn’t Easy

The installation and gluing process can create cork laminate flooring problems. It is usually best left to the experts. The sub-flooring must be clean and moisture-free and the glue-down process must be followed exactly according to manufacturer directions. Failure to do so can void the manufacturer’s warranty.

What is Cork Laminate Flooring? 

First, we must ask ourselves, where does cork come from?

Cork is gathered from the phellem layer of the bark of the cork oak tree, found primarily in southwest Europe and northwest Africa. It is buoyant, elastic, impermeable and fire retardant and popular because of its sustainability as a renewable resource.

The majority comes from Portugal and Spain. After the tree is 25 years old, its bark can be stripped from its trunks every nine years. A typical tree lives for approximately 300 years.

Sheets of cork are used to make cork laminate flooring. The cork is ground up, compressed, processed into sheets bonded with resins, and heated in a kiln to produce tiles. Read what Bob Vila.com has to say about the advantages of cork laminate flooring.

Contact Illinado Home Solutions

For most rooms in your home, cork laminate flooring problems aren’t an issue.

At Illinado Home Systems, we can help you review the types of cork laminate flooring that’s available and answer any questions you might have. You will be pleased at all the advantages it has to offer.

Our flooring experts are on hand to help.

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