Cork flooring, anyone?

We had cork flooring in a room when we first got married. That was 48 years ago! I seem to remember my husband using some type of sealant on it and it lasted very well and always looked nice.

It's a lot more sustainable & eco-friendly than LVT or hardwood, that's for sure.I didn't know it was coming back into fashion though.
The old cork tiles used to be easy to cut, glue & varnish (I remember laying ours) but I expect it's a more slick-looking product now

So did we and, apparently, it is back but improved which is what I was hoping to hear about.

We have cork tiles down in our basement sitting room and hall way. I chose cork for the insulating effect since the floors downstairs are cold.

I really like the look, but will say that it didn't hold up to dogs running and turning at the bottom of the stairs. We have had to put rugs over top where the finish has worn off.

So I would say for looks, yes; for insulating, yes; durability, no. (and I'm sure someone will correct my punctuation .

Yes, we had those cork tiles in our bathroom years ago. They were well sealed and warm underfoot and easy to clean.

Thanks for all your input.

It's really the new incarnation that I am interested in.

Yes we had cork tiles in the kitchen. Looked good and very hard wearing.

Does anyone have recently installed Cork flooring or are we really ahead of the curve - for once!! Or, really, really behind.

OK, unless you intend to walk on them!

We had cork tiles in the kitchen and bathroom that lasted for years. When we eventually decided they needed replacing the new floor layers were extremely put out and rude about having to scrape it up as it was a really tough job. We also put up cork tiles on an ajoining wall as sound insulating and it has been very successful in that way. We have papered over it several times and it's still in good condition.

We put cork flooring in our kitchen and diner 3 years ago. We also put it in refurbished upstairs bathroom as I was worried about my husband falling on tiles.
What I would say is that the bathroom has held up the best as there is less traffic in there. We bought ours from The Colour Flooring Company but had someone else fit it for us.

Reminding me of cork flooring I had about 30 years ago. Might go for it again. I had it in the bathroom. Laid the tiles myself and varnished. The trick in keeping them looking good was to revarnish pretty regularly.

Both my mother and a friend had some of those pre-sealed cork tiles which have a thick clear layer of some sort of vinyl on them. They're easy to clean and I know that my mother's lasted for more than 30 years without any signs of wear. They were quite expensive and were professionally laid, but really worth the money. I wouldn't use them anywhere where they were likely to get wet though, as they are individually sealed so damp could go down between the tiles.

My worry with anything fixed (glued?) in a bathroom is accessing the pipework beneath if anything goes wrong with the plumbing. We developed a slight dip in our bathroom floor and on inspection the whole of the floor beneath was wet. The room below is a study no longer used daily so we hadn't noticed the (very slight) ring of damp on the ceiling. The plumber (it took six weeks to get one out, so we had to put bowls under the floor to catch the water) had to replace quite a lot of rotted wood throughout the room. Had we had "permanent" flooring (we had carpet) it would have cost a small fortune to get up and replace.

We also have Karndean planks in our kitchen/breakfast room so fingers cross we never get a leak there!

Behind the curve!

Had cork in a hallway 50 years ago. I didn't like. I had lived in a town that used cork in a lot of flooring material in those days so probably reminded me of the place. Definitely needs looking after. Have you looked into Amtico. If I could afford it, I wiukd have it all over downstairs (not sitting room) and in toilets and bathrooms.

The "new incarnation" of cork flooring is not tiles but is click together planks in a variety of shades. I know it is one of the more expensive choices in flooring but it is soft and soundproof. I prefer the Luxury Vinyl Plank because of all of the available styles and colors to match decor and mainly because I have dogs and there are ones specifically for households with dogs. Cork flooring is rather soft so you could get divets from furniture and from dog nail scratches. I have seen cork flooring in hallways (void of furniture) in commercial settings, where it looks nice. I think it mainly depends on the look and aesthetics you are creating in a room. For a playroom, I might go with LVP and a thick rug or interlocking carpet tiles. I also really love sculpted carpet for a luxurious look.

Just skip on by if you don't want to read an AI generated post!
I thought it was interesting.
My daughter was intending to look at cork again for her new kitchen/dining room but went with Marmolium in the end.
My experience of cork was in the 1990s.
Anyway... Here's what Gemini says:

Modern cork flooring has come a long way from the sometimes dated look people associate with it. Today, it offers a blend of natural beauty, sustainability, and advanced performance. Here's a breakdown of what makes for the "best" modern cork flooring, considering various aspects:
Key Features of Modern Cork Flooring:
* Durability and Protection:
* Enhanced Finishes: Modern cork flooring often features highly durable protective layers (e.g., polyurethane, ceramic-infused finishes) that significantly improve scratch, stain, and dent resistance.
* Engineered Construction: Many modern cork floors are engineered, meaning they have multiple layers. This can include a high-density fiberboard (HDF) core for stability and a top layer of cork. Some even incorporate a rigid core (similar to rigid core vinyl plank) for increased waterproof properties and stability, like Amorim Wicanders' WISE waterproof cork.
* Water Resistance: While cork is naturally water-resistant due to suberin, prolonged exposure to water can still be an issue. Modern innovations include better sealing and truly waterproof cork options (e.g., Amorim Wicanders' WISE) for areas like kitchens and even bathrooms.
* Aesthetics and Design:
* Digital Printing: This is a game-changer for modern cork. Digital printing allows for a vast array of designs, including realistic wood and stone textures, abstract patterns, and custom images, while retaining the comfort and benefits of cork. This overcomes the "limited styles" con often associated with traditional cork.
* Variety of Looks: Beyond printed designs, you can find cork in various natural tones, from light to dark, and in different plank or tile formats.
* Visual Interest: Many brands offer collections that highlight cork's natural variations and textures, creating a unique and warm aesthetic.
* Comfort and Performance:
* Underfoot Comfort: Cork's cellular structure makes it naturally soft and resilient, reducing fatigue and providing cushioning, making it excellent for kitchens or areas where you stand for long periods.
* Acoustic Insulation: It's an excellent sound absorber, significantly reducing noise transfer (up to 53% compared to laminate, according to Wicanders), making it ideal for multi-story homes or busy areas.
* Thermal Insulation: Cork's natural insulating properties help regulate room temperature, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, which can lead to energy savings.
* Hypoallergenic and Antimicrobial: Cork is naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and allergens, contributing to better indoor air quality.
* Sustainability:
* Renewable Resource: Cork is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without harming the tree, and the bark regrows every 9-12 years, making it a highly sustainable and eco-friendly choice.
* Low VOCs: Reputable modern cork flooring brands prioritize low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) content, often having certifications like GreenGuard Gold, Blue Angel, and Global GreenTag.
Top Brands Known for Modern Cork Flooring:
* Amorim Wicanders: A leading name in cork flooring, known for its innovation, including their "WISE" collection which offers truly waterproof cork options with digitally printed designs (wood, stone, and cork visuals). They focus on comfort, sound absorption, and thermal insulation.
* WE Cork: A fifth-generation cork family business offering high-quality cork flooring, including floating floors and glue-down options, often emphasizing family-friendly and healthy aspects.
* APC Cork: A major supplier in North America with a wide selection of floating and glue-down tiles and planks, known for superior installation systems and surface protection.
* Globus Cork: Offers a wide range of colors and sizes in cork tiles, with a focus on custom designs.
* iCork Floor: A factory-direct distributor offering economical pricing on various cork products, including "Swiss cork" for high resistance and waterproof qualities, and "Design cork" which blends features of wood, vinyl, and cork.
* Granorte: Offers modern patterns in laminated wood-effect cork flooring, Cork Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT), and premium cork leather floors, emphasizing acoustic and antimicrobial properties.
* Jelinek Cork Group: With a long history, they offer various types of cork flooring, known for durability and unique designs.
What to Look For When Choosing:
* Installation Type:
* Floating (Click-Lock): Easier for DIY installation, similar to laminate.
* Glue-Down Tiles/Planks: Offers a more permanent and sometimes more traditional look, good for intricate patterns.
* Finish: Look for durable, scratch-resistant finishes.
* Waterproof/Water-Resistant: Consider the level of moisture in the room. If it's a bathroom or kitchen, a truly waterproof option is best.
* Design/Aesthetics: Explore the range of colors, patterns, and digitally printed options to find a modern look that suits your style.
* Certifications: Check for environmental certifications like GreenGuard Gold to ensure low VOC emissions.
* Warranty: A good warranty indicates the manufacturer's confidence in their product's durability.
By considering these factors and exploring offerings from reputable brands, you can find modern cork flooring that is not only beautiful and comfortable but also highly durable and sustainable for your home.

When asked specifically about UK independent brands/suppliers:

Independent & Specialist UK Cork Suppliers:
* Puretree Cork: Based in the UK, Puretree Cork specializes in bespoke cork flooring and wall tiles. They focus on custom designs and offer a wide array of cork fabrics alongside their flooring, making them a good choice if you're looking for something unique or tailored. They emphasize eco-friendly and sustainable options.
* Charles Cantrill Ltd: Operating in the UK since 1822, Charles Cantrill Ltd is a manufacturer and supplier of various cork products. While they supply materials for manufacturing, they also offer cork floor tiles, rolls, underlay material, and expansion strips. They are a solid choice for quality cork products with a long-standing history.
* The Colour Flooring Company: Offers "Corka Flooring" which they describe as "cork flooring for the 21st century, simple to fit and super sustainable." They offer both pre-finished, water-resistant click planks and classic glue-down tiles, suitable for domestic and commercial projects.
* Flooring By Nature: This UK-based online retailer focuses on sustainable and natural flooring. They offer various cork flooring options under their "NaturTrend" and "EarthTone" ranges, highlighting cork's natural texture, warmth, and environmental benefits. They source their cork from a small family company in Portugal.
* The London Cork Flooring Company: As their name suggests, they are a dedicated cork flooring supplier in London, offering various brands and types of cork flooring, including Granorte.
* Treefloor: Offers plain cork tiles that are "totally natural and sustainable," suitable for floors, walls, and other DIY uses. They emphasize easy installation and the natural insulating and sound-absorbing properties of cork.

Madmeg

My worry with anything fixed (glued?) in a bathroom is accessing the pipework beneath if anything goes wrong with the plumbing. We developed a slight dip in our bathroom floor and on inspection the whole of the floor beneath was wet. The room below is a study no longer used daily so we hadn't noticed the (very slight) ring of damp on the ceiling. The plumber (it took six weeks to get one out, so we had to put bowls under the floor to catch the water) had to replace quite a lot of rotted wood throughout the room. Had we had "permanent" flooring (we had carpet) it would have cost a small fortune to get up and replace.

We also have Karndean planks in our kitchen/breakfast room so fingers cross we never get a leak there!

If someone is laying it for you they could lay thin board under it, in a small bathroom this would probably be pretty easy to lift, once you'd got under the edge at the skirting. Bathrooms are problematic though, carpet is not recommended but most other surfaces are difficult to lift.

At last! A couple of people who actually answered the poster’s question!

People just don’t listen, do they? The poster is asking if anyone has experience of the NEW cork tiles available NOW!
She is being bombarded by people’s tales of past experiences, some as far back as 30 years ago!!
What is up with people?
The question is:
What is your experience of the NEW (clue is in the word) Cork tiles?
PLEASE read the question, people!

Azalea99

At last! A couple of people who actually answered the poster’s question!

Sorry, added my twopennorth before seeing your post.! People are so quick to tell their sorry tale that they ignore the actual question. It’s annoying to say the least!

The poster is asking if anyone has experience with the new cork floors. I really don't think they are called tiles since tiles are the old style which involved glue and glue is toxic.

Although AI can be helpful, can we agree not to use AI generated text to answer questions? It makes conversations...errr...not conversations anymore. (No exercise of the noggin.)

My daughter had the new ‘engineered’ cork flouring laid in her kitchen, dining room and shower room a couple of years ago. It has been most impressive - standing up amazingly well to two small children, assorted wheeled toys and a large dog galumphing around on it. It doesn’t show dirt or marks and spills mop up easily. Looks as good now as when it was laid, and there are patio doors opening off one end, and another door to the garden at the other - kids and dog going in and out all day!