Bathroom Class Without The Sass, Cork Glue-Down Flooring

If you are on the look-out for a bathroom floor that can do warm and cozy without installing carpet, then look no further, say hello to cork. This natural made material is derived from the bark of the cork oak tree and it is highly water resistant, making it an ideal choice in the bathroom.

The best style of cork flooring for a bathroom is cork glue-down tiling. This tile or install type, is 100% water proof when installed correctly and has the ability to look great for decades! However this system requires the most preparation work and is labor intensive. We recommend a professional who is very experienced with this type of flooring to do the install. Why? Well here are 2 reasons. Glue-down flooring requires that you purchase water-based contact cement adhesive designed for cork flooring which can be expensive. And once down, that’s it, mistakes will be costly. Cork glue-down tile flooring is also not to be installed over a cement pad that is below grade or that has not been sealed properly. As you can see, the installation process is a bit tricky, which is why we suggest you leave this install to a professional who has performed it successfully many times over.

We know there are a lot of party poopers who claim that cork is a inferior material. But the truth is if you expect cork flooring to perform like stone (ceramic, marble, concrete ect.) then of course it will fail. It takes a lot to trash a stone-based floor, but cork is wood, and like all woods it does gather wear and tear. However if you take the steps to protect a cork floor you will reap all the benefits one will bring to your home.

A cork floor is a wonderful addition to your bathroom room. How? It’s softer and warmer than hardwood or stone. Also, it is better for your home and body than most other flooring materials. The best of cork’s benefits are all natural, right down to its genetic material. Suberin, a waxy substance found in cork, gives it the ability to stave off liquid invasion, so cork will not promote the growth of mould or mildew, and defends against wood-rot. Because it is wood, it of course is not completely water proof, so if it is exposed or submerged in liquid for long periods of time, it can warp or deteriorate. To protect against this, seal a cork floor with 2-3 coats of water-based polyurethane. This finishing process will not only seal your floor against liquids, but also helps to keep it strong against any dust and debris that can scratch the surface layer.

As the cellular structure of cork is made up of millions upon millions of air-sealed cells structured similar to a honeycomb, this gives it the ability to function somewhat like memory foam. Unlike other hardwoods or stone, cork is compressible and thus when walked upon, will have a ‘give’ to it. For your body, that means a softer surface that lends support, especially during long periods of standing or extreme exercise. Cork is also shock absorbent, so those stressful impact movements are absorbed into cork and dispersed away from your body.

In the bath room where moisture is present and can be a danger to a cork floor, but with the right install and upkeep you can have a warm, comfortable floor that will take on its environment and shine for years to come. Love your bathroom cork floor and it will love you in return.

Come see us at www.cancork.com today.