Is Cork Flooring Suitable for Your Bathroom?

Your bathroom should be a place where you can unwind as soon as you’ve stepped inside. With that in mind, it’s not unreasonable to want the best possible flooring to help set the tone for your own private oasis. Cork is a popular flooring choice for use throughout the home, with many benefits to bring to any space in which it’s used, but are cork floor tiles bathroom-worthy? Let’s take a look.

What is Cork Flooring?

Cork is a natural material made with the bark of the cork oak tree, which grows in many places across the Mediterranean Basin. Once a cork oak reaches maturity, its bark can be harvested to be turned into cork – a process that can be repeated roughly once a decade without causing lasting damage to the tree.

Cork flooring is made by harvesting, boiling and grinding cork bark. It’s then mixed with resin and compressed into planks and tiles.

Is Cork Flooring Water Resistant?

Cork flooring and bathrooms – do they go together? Well, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is if cork flooring is water resistant. The answer is… yes! Cork is full of tiny little pockets of air, which is why it floats. These pockets of air naturally repel moisture, making cork flooring naturally water resistant.

It’s important to note that being water resistant isn’t the same as being waterproof – this means that cork floor tiles for bathroom floors will need treating and sealing to maintain their shape and integrity.

How Does Cork Compare to Other Bathroom Flooring Options?

Using cork flooring in bathrooms isn’t a new phenomenon. Popularised in the 70s, people keep returning to cork for their bathroom floors because of the way it outshines the competition in several areas. It’s hygienic, as it’s naturally resistant to bacteria and fungus – a huge benefit for humid bathrooms. It’s cheaper than hardwood, easier to clean than carpet, and more eco-friendly than vinyl. While tile is a popular choice for bathroom floors, many people prefer the comfort of cork underfoot.

Click Cork vs Glue-Down Cork

The two main ways to install cork floors are as pre-sealed “floating” tiles that are easily clicked into place, or as tiles that are glued down with water-insoluble adhesive. When it comes to cork flooring for bathrooms, we think one of these options has a clear advantage.

Limitations of Click Cork in Bathrooms

Click cork is versatile, and one of its great advantages is the fact that it can be laid down over existing flooring. However, this easy installation process has some cons – it means there are more likely to be gaps through which water could leak, leading to damage.

Why Glue-Down Cork Excels in Bathrooms

Glue-down cork is the smarter choice of cork flooring for bathrooms. Professional installation with high-quality adhesive and sealing means that there’s less risk of water damage, and will make the floor more durable and secure underfoot.

Professional Installation Process

Investing in professional installation for your cork flooring will give you the most reliable and long-lasting results. The installation process will go something like this:

The site (in this case, your bathroom) will be assessed and the subfloor prepared.
Adhesive will be applied to the floor.
The cork tiles will be laid with the utmost precision before being sealed.
A flooring roller may also be used, to ensure an even surface.

Maintaining Your Cork Bathroom Flooring

Here are some things you can do to maintain cork flooring in your bathroom:

Make sure your floor is professionally sealed every 3-5 years.
Clean up any spills quickly and avoid leaving water to seep into the floor.
When mopping, don’t use too much water.
Try to avoid dropping sharp or heavy objects onto your cork flooring – cork is porous and relatively soft, and heavy impacts or sharp scrapes might leave marks.

Why Choose The Flooring Group for Your Cork Flooring?

Cork flooring needs professional installation in order to reach its full potential, especially when used in bathrooms. The Flooring Group can provide comprehensive consultations and expert installations, with plenty of high-quality cork flooring options to choose from. To find out more, contact us today.

FAQs

Is cork flooring good for bathrooms?

Yes, cork flooring and bathrooms are an excellent match. Warm and comfortable underfoot, naturally water repellent and antimicrobial, cork is a comfortable and convenient choice for bathroom flooring.

What is the best flooring to use in a bathroom?

While there are some flooring materials more suited to bathrooms than others, it’s important to take into consideration your personal preferences when selecting flooring. For example, if you find tile too cold, and want your bathroom floor to be warm and comfortable underfoot, cork is an excellent choice.

What are the downsides of cork flooring?

Cork flooring does have a few downsides; it’s not as budget-friendly as linoleum or vinyl, and it can be prone to dents and scratches because of its softness. If used in a bathroom, it will need regular maintenance to ensure it stays water-resistant.

What happens if cork flooring gets wet?

Cork is naturally water resistant, so a splash of water here and there shouldn’t make a big impact. If large amounts of water are left on the surface for long amounts of time, or if there are gaps between the tiles, it can damage the integrity of the floor. However, any cork flooring should be properly treated and sealed during installation to prevent water damage.

How long does cork flooring last in a bathroom?

With proper maintenance and regular sealing treatments (every 3-5 years), cork flooring can last for decades.

Is cork flooring easy to maintain in a bathroom?

With regular cleaning with appropriate products, and occasional professional treatments, cork flooring is easy to maintain in bathrooms.

Why should I choose professional installation for cork flooring?

To ensure the longevity and integrity of cork flooring, professional installation is a must.

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