Cork floors are classified under both “resilient floors” and “eco-friendly flooring” It’s made from the bark of the cork oak tree, which is harvested every ten years. It’s considered to be a renewable resource since the tree is left standing and it also complies with forest management techniques. Cork floors have been gaining popularity in recent times. They provide a durable and cost-efficient choice in the flooring industry.
Cost |
An affordable alternative to hardwood, stone and tile. |
One of the most expensive floor types. |
Offers a cheaper alternative to stone, hardwood and tile flooring. |
An affordable option similar to linoleum. |
A practical cost-effective floor type. |
May be pricier than other flooring materials. |
Installation |
Easy options
- Glueless
- Underlayment
- Pre-Glued
Glued |
Requires professional installation. |
Adhesive |
Peel and stick tile / sheets installed with an adhesive. |
Fitted tiles requiring a grout filler. |
Underlayment─ set with narrow grout joints. |
| Life-Expectancy |
15-25 yrs |
Lifetime |
25 yrs |
50 yrs |
75 + yrs |
75 + yrs |
Sunlight |
Built in UV protection, therefore not affected by direct sunlight. |
Some species affected by prolonged sunlight. |
Fades with exposure to sunlight. |
Fades with exposure to sunlight. |
Generally, ceramics are unaffected by sunlight exposure. |
It depends on the stone or rock type. |
How it affects resale price |
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Adds value to the resale price. |
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|
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Increments the value of a home’s resale price. |
| Components & The Environment |
Large portion made from recycled materials. |
May contribute to deforestation; however forest management techniques enable wood to be a renewable resource. |
Made from very natural ingredients. Most varieties are bio-degradable. |
Made from synthetic materials. |
Made from clay. |
Made from organic rock and sourced from quarries. |
| Fire-Resistant |
|
|
Yes |
Yes |
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Yes |