We're looking to put new flooring ( approx. 1200 sq. ft.) throughout house, including kitchen and basement. I'm leaning towards a floating floor and was wondering if any of you have any opinions/experiances with cork, its wear, care, cost or ease of installation.
Thanks in advance.

 

Why are you doing so much sq ft if you dont mind me asking? We used neoprene at the gym. Last longer less likely to crumble away from wear

 

Thinking of doing, main floor, basement and Master/Mistress bedroom.
Neoprene, may not be the solution my wife is looking for and I like to sleep with both eyes closed.

 

Are you planning on using laminate? We evaluated the cost and we found it to be almost as expensive. You can also get denting and moisture issues. We saw denting that eventually lead to breaks

 

Sam,

Check out the pros and cons...

http://www.ehow.com/about_5379734_co...-flooring.html

 

Jackus, basically I agree with you about the laminate. I'll go with a solid floor, unless we go for the cork. Bamboo has an interlocking floating floor that seems I could install myself at my own pace.

Hey Bill,
Good articles. I've been doing research as well. I like cork cuz it is said to be easy on the legs and with the correct density and finish may last a long time. Bamboo, cuz it seems like a reasonable alternative and has a good price point. Hardwoods seem pricey for the amount we want to do.

 

i do flooring and i would suggest u put hardwood on the main floor u dont want lose money that u invented in u wanna make money on the house and cork breaks very easy

 

I don't know too much about it, but a bay in my building has Cork flooring (Seems similar to Laminate planks???) and its really durable. A ton of traffic goes through there, wet and dry and its in super nice shape. Must be different types of cork flooring?

 

Thanks, I like the look and feel of cork, but you make a good point.

 

There are many types. The recommended is 30 lbs. per sq. ft. ( Thanks Bill it was in your suggested site.)

 

I work in real estate and cork flooring has very poor return for your investment when you go to sell. It's very expensive and it hasn't caught on as a desirable flooring for most people, as mentioned above hardwood would be a better investment on your main floor.

 

Hey Andrew, your advice is the last nail in the coffin. I'll be forgetting cork. Any thoughts on bamboo?

 

Seems like you have made your decision but I found this info for you and figured I would share it anyway.
http://www.onlinetips.org/cork-tiles
Possible Problems in Use of Cork
Due to cork being a natural wood product, shades of individual tiles are naturally varied. Exposure to sunlight and UV rays over time will cause fading. In addition the cork will become brittle and frail. Prolonged or excessive exposure to moisture can cause the binder to deteriorate and eventually break down and crumble. This is more common when a wax-based binder is used.

In high traffic areas, abrasion will occur over time. This is especially true when the protective polyurethane coating has worn off. Dirt and grime left on the floor increases this abrasiveness. The porous property of cork makes it naturally prone to staining.

Spills should be cleaned up immediately with water and mild soap. The use of certain cleaners will contribute to the further deterioration of cork tile flooring. Ammonia and hydroxide-based cleaners will damage cork. Solvents, abrasive and caustic cleaners should never be used.

Prevention of Damage
Casters and gliders should be used under furniture, felt and rubber pads are recommended. Although cork flooring is kinder to our feet and posture for long periods of standing, high heels will dent cork and really should be avoided for any extended length of time.

 

I really like bamboo for the feel/warmth but that's about it. You spill on it and it's a bitch to clean.

Bamboo might be a better option but I've never seen bamboo in person.

 

Yeah, cork is out now for sure because I won't give up my high heels round the house.
Thanks Paul for making this decision easier.

Bamboo is still in the running Blaine, but hardwood is the leader.