Flooring - Cork

Cork is a renewable sources and provide a green option for flooring.  

Cork is available in different textures, patterns and colours.   Like hardwood and stone, cork has natural shade variation which only adds to the beauty of the product. The textures and patterns can vary from traditional to contemporary and in many colours  

Cork comes from the bark of the cork oak tree found in the west Mediterranean.  It is harvested by hand and only 50% of the bark is removed.This way the tree continues to live and the remaining bark protects the tree from climate and insects.  This bark regenerates every 9 years. The best cork is used for wine stoppers while the remainder is used for flooring.   Cork is moisture resistant, durable and warm while adding comfort underfoot, thus making is excellent for kitchens, laundry rooms, playrooms, bathrooms and is excellent as an option for below grade as long as you install a moisture barrier.  Cork is anti-allergenic and is 100% biodegradable and recyclable.   Due to it's properties, cork is excellent for kitchens, laundry rooms, playrooms, bathrooms, basements and any other space you would like.  Due to it's cushioning effect, cork is great in kitchens where there is considerable standing.  Care for cork is simple - sweeping, vacuuming but no water.

Let's look at Wood Flooring - Hardwood and Engineered Hardwood

Do you wonder what is the best flooring for your home.  There are so many products on the market today it is fabulous but also can be a bit daunting. Certain flooring is best in certain spaces.
Some of the options are - Hardwood, Engineered Hardwood, Laminate, Cork/Bamboo, Ceramic, LVT,  Stone, Carpet.

Let's look at wood first.  What is the difference between engineered hardwood and hardwood?  Solid Hardwood will expand or contract due to changes in moisture content. Cupping or gaping can occur in our varying humidity conditions.  It is best to keep your selection to no wider than 4 inches as the wider the flooring the more pronounced the cupping and gaping. Solid hardwood should not be used below ground due to this fact.

That is where Engineered hardwood comes into play.   Engineered floors are real wood and are made by adhering a solid hardwood face layer to a sturdy multi-layered plywood core which are placed in opposing directions.  It is more stable and durable.  It is also excellent value since  you are only using an expensive top decorative layer, you are saving money.  This multi layered construction is a greener choice since use less trees than hardwood.  The plywood core is made of rapidly renewable wood grown on tree farms. This application also allows for wider planks without cupping or gaping.  Engineered flooring can be used below grade and will not be affected by the moisture.

Refinishing - We know you can refinish a solid hardwood floor.  What about engineered hardwood? Yes you can but it is not promoted to sand and refinish either type of floor. The original factory finish is strong and should not be removed.  This can void the wear warranty.  Refinishing is a long and arduous process and will not yield the quality of the original finish.  The other advantage to engineered flooring is that it can be used in basements over heated subfloors.  Because of the multi ply core construction they are more stable than solid wood.  You cannot install hardwood in a basement due to moisture changes.

Another decision to make is the finish - matte, satin, high gloss, wire brushed, hand scraped, distressed and on it goes.  So many options and so many beautiful wood floors. These days people are choosing their floors by texture rather than just colour.  Texture is more tactile and stimulates our senses. Adding texture can be a good choice with a growing family or pets as marks will be less visible. This give a rustic look while a more sculpted floor gives a contemporary look.

These days the finishes are so durable you only need to vacuum your flooring.  Do not use water or wax on hardwood or engineered floors