Replies

1. 
   Gabe | Jul 31, 2003 03:46am | #1

   Install it only where you would install any wood floor. It's more durable than a hardwood floor, it's warmer than a hardwood floor and it's easier on the legs and back than a hardwood floor.

   It's non allergenic and doesn't harbor mold spores.

   You clean it the same way as you would a hardwood floor.

   Gabe

1. 
   Floorman | Jul 31, 2003 05:52am | #2

   I'm gettin me some.

2. 
   plantlust | Jul 31, 2003 06:01am | #3

   Wouldn't a cork floor absorb water?  I thought I heard that it wasn't recommended for kitchens or bathrooms for that reason.Life is too short so eat dessert first, especially if it happens to be Cookingmonster's triple cinnamon truffles or her ginger-fig caramels.

1. 
   Bruce | Jul 31, 2003 07:07am | #5

   Remember the days of cork bobbers for fishing, and cork floats on nets and lobsta buoys?  The stuff will float practically forever because it's so non-absorbent.Formerly BEMW at The High Desert Group LLC

1. 
   plantlust | Jul 31, 2003 07:56pm | #6

   AHA.  I remember cork in wine bottles and I thought it was a combo of the nature of cork itself and the fact that the finish was very smooth that contributed to the floatability.

   For some reason I pictured a rough finished cork floor w/lots of nooks and crannies to hold water, flying batter, flung bits of veggies, garlic and all sorts of other stuff involved in cooking.Life is too short so eat dessert first, especially if it happens to be Cookingmonster's triple cinnamon truffles or her ginger-fig caramels.

1. 
   Bruce | Aug 01, 2003 02:30am | #7

   If you look at samples of cork flooring, you'll see that it's been sliced in a variety of directions, just like you'd see different grain in hardwood based on how it's sawn.  Many of the patterns have no more divots than a piece of ceramic tile.  Sure, some varieties have some crevices, but I imagine you might capture no more crud than you would in the joints of a strip plank hardwood floor.  The cells themselves are pretty much impervious to soaking up water.  And finished with urethane or wax (never both), it'll clean up pretty much like vinyl tile would.Formerly BEMW at The High Desert Group LLC

2. 
   plantlust | Aug 01, 2003 06:46am | #8

   Good to know.  Thanks for the info.

   How do you think it would hold up to dog paws?Life is too short so eat dessert first, especially if it happens to be Cookingmonster's triple cinnamon truffles or her ginger-fig caramels.

3. 
   Bruce | Aug 01, 2003 07:05am | #9

   Purely a guess ...

   I think a good quality cork with 3 coats of factory urethane, which is a common finish on some prefinished pieces, would scratch less than some wood floors ... which is not to say it would be bombproof.  And I think this would definitely vary with the cork you chose.  A solid cork tile, which is 4 mm thick, can also be carefully finish sanded and refinished.  We're talking about a 40 year floor, obviously with good care. Formerly BEMW at The High Desert Group LLC

4. 
   SIVES | Aug 01, 2003 04:03pm | #10

   "Images" the flooring showroom we send our clients to here in Atlanta has had a cork floor for many years- still looks brand new and they claim to have barely maintained it. It is in a high traffic area and has been subject to much abuse.

   All the Best,

   Stephanie

2. 
   Rugby | Jul 31, 2003 06:55am | #4

   My parents installed cork flooring (12"x12" I believe) in their 500 sq.ft. kitchen/living room addition.  It's installed over radiant heat pex.  They love it.  No complaints.  I called my Mom tonight and asked her what was the best thing about her cork floor.  She said that when she drops a plate or glass they don't break.

   They have some very active grandkids that visit alot and the floor takes alot of abuse.  It still looks great after 2 years.

3. 
   Bruce | Aug 02, 2003 02:38am | #11

   Cork links for perusal ...

   http://www.amcork.com/

   http://www.ecorkdirect.com/

   http://www.ifloor.com/cork/corkfloor.shtml

   http://www.corkandfloor.com/

   http://www.naturalcork.com/

   http://www.expanko.com/

   Formerly BEMW at The High Desert Group LLC