Frequently Asked Questions
- #1
Will my cork flooring fade?
One of the most prominent shortcomings of cork flooring is its tendency to fade. When exposed to direct sunlight cork fades at a rapid rate. Almost all floors are prone to some degree of fading when subjected to direct sunlight. However cork does so at a much faster rate than any other flooring product. Many flooring specialists advise against using cork for this reason alone. Faded floors often detract from the décor of your home. If you do plan on installing cork flooring, we recommend that you do so in an area that is not exposed to direct sunlight.
Fortunately, at Bennetts Carpets, we offer a wide variety of cork flooring alternatives. Our flooring products are all designed to be durable, hardwearing and good looking. We also try to ensure that our flooring solutions are resistant to rapid fading. Some of our most viable alternatives to cork include timber flooring and vinyl flooring, or laminate. Timber is great if you want to emulate the natural colours and textures of cork. Being a natural product itself, timber has many of the same advantages as cork. However, timber is far more durable. It requires a great deal less maintenance and can be restored to perfect condition. If you want something that requires even less maintenance, then you should consider vinyl of laminate flooring. These products resist water in the same way that cork does, but they do not need to be resurfaced every few years.
- #2
How do I maintain my cork flooring?
Cork flooring is quite unique and it requires a specific type of maintenance. The most notable maintenance requirement of cork is recoating. Cork is a pretty soft material and its surface coat is damaged easily. Things like dogs, furniture and even high heel shoes can dent, scratch and peel cork. For this reason, it requires relatively frequent recoating. Over the years, this can end up costing you a substantial amount. Other important maintenance steps include regularly sweeping and vacuuming. Because it is so prone to scratching, cork needs to be cared for well. If you allow small particles of dirt, sand or dust to accumulate, then they can have an abrasive effect. This will cause your cork floor to deteriorate rapidly.
Another thing to be careful of when cleaning your cork floor is mopping. Mopping with a soaking wet mop is not ideal, as cork can absorb water. Being a natural product, cork does have slightly porous properties. If you allow water to pool on your cork flooring, then it may absorb it. This will result in the floor swelling, which can then cause it to warp or buckle. If you need to mop, it is a good idea to wring the mop out quite firmly, so that it is only damp. You should also ensure that the protective surface coating is mostly intact before you do so.
- #3
Is cork flooring a good option for households with small children or pets?
Cork flooring is very prone to scratching and denting. There are many common causes of scratching, but perhaps the most common are pets. Larger dogs with hard claws on their paws can scratch cork floors quite easily. Similarly, small children are known to put all types of flooring through their paces.
By spilling things, tracking dirt through the house and moving furniture around, children place quite a strain on your flooring. Cork flooring is quite susceptible to damage in this way. Dirt and moving furniture can abrade the surface of your cork flooring and cause scratching or dents. As particles of dirt rub against the surface of the floor, they essentially act as sandpaper, which is quite harmful to the floor. Consequently, we advise against installing cork flooring if you have pets or small children in your home.
