Building a new house is exciting but it can be challenging if you do not plan out things properly. A lot of people don’t realize that the process of “finishing” of a house is as important as building its grey structure. You need to pay attention to the kind of materials you want to use to install wiring, paint the interior and exterior of the unit and, of course, cover its floor.
While there’s a whole list of modern flooring options to choose from, this blog will focus on cork flooring, as it’s becoming increasingly popular these days.
Let’s begin!
Cork Flooring: An Overview
Flooring is one of the last steps of constructing a house and the right type of floor can set the right aesthetic tone of your space as well as help you furnish that room.
Although cork has been around for quite some time, in recent years it has come under the limelight due to its practical application. The fact that it requires low maintenance, offers heat insulation and environmental friendliness make it one of the most en vogue house flooring options. Even if you have spent more than the budget you set for the grey structure of your house, you can consider cork flooring since it’s one of the more affordable options.
Let’s now discuss the cost of cork flooring in Pakistan.
Cost Of Cork Flooring
The average price of cork floor per square foot in Pakistan lies between PKR 50 to PKR 100. It is inexpensive as compared to other flooring options like hardwood and granite floors which can range from PKR 500 to PKR 2000 per square foot.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Installing Cork Flooring
Now that you have a fair idea of how much money you need to set aside for this type of installation, let’s discuss the pros and cons of cork flooring.
Pros Of Cork Flooring
- Inexpensive and easy maintenance
- Anti-microbial properties
- Heat and sound insulation
- Sustainable
- Easy refinishing
Let’s talk about the pros of cork flooring in detail.
Inexpensive And Easy Maintenance
The cost element of this particular flooring is very strong as compared to other flooring options. Not only that but it is also easier for someone to keep it maintained for long-term use.
Correct installation with layers of a high-quality sealer will give you peace of mind. It can be easily cleaned by sweeping or using a damp mop to remove dirt. If a household consists of pets, then one should be vigilant of pet accidents which need to be removed or cleaned right away or else the floor may be stained and its finishing could be disturbed.
Anti-microbial Properties
Cork has natural anti-microbial properties because of which it is mold, mildew resistant and does not let the colonization of these microbial organisms.
Cork is hypo-allergenic which means that it reduces the symptoms of asthma and it is best suited for the rooms of asthma patients. If you or any of your household members struggle with allergies or asthma, you probably would want to go with this flooring.
Heat And Sound Insulation
Stepping on a cold floor in winters can be a mood swinger but if you use cork flooring, because it is a natural insulator. Its cellular structure does not allow the passage of heat and maintains a certain comfortable temperature in winters.
Due to its thick and spongy nature, it dampens the sound and absorbs vibrations in a room.
Its spongy composition allows it to compress a little providing comfort to your feet and legs while standing for a longer period of time. When the weight shifts from a particular point, it comes back to its original shape.
Sustainable
Cork is acquired from the bark of oak trees and no tree is necessarily cut down to obtain it. These trees commonly grow on the Mediterranean Coast and can regenerate after every harvest. The oak acquired is compressed and formed into sheets bonded with resins for commercial products like flooring.
Easier Refinishing
A cork floor can be easily refinished by using grit paper or sandpaper before applying the new color of the coat. It would be advisable to hire a professional to do the job.
Cons Of Cork Flooring
There are also some disadvantages of opting for cork flooring:
- Weather sensitive
- Light sensitive
- Dents and scratches
- Absorb liquids and stains
- Regular sealing
Let’s take a deeper look in these cons of using cork for flooring:
Weather Sensitive
Unlike other tiles, cork is temperature sensitive and changes its form under different weather conditions. It contracts and expands depending upon the level of humidity in air. But unlike hardwood, it expands in all directions making it more stable.
If you plan on installing cork, you might need to invest in products to monitor and control the weather inside making it optimal for floor’s durability.
Light Sensitive
When the cork floor is exposed to direct sunlight, it affects its finishing and fades. The architecture of your house plays an important role in defining boundaries while finishing and decorating your house because if the window in your room gets direct sunlight, the cork floor shouldn’t be your first choice.
But if you still want to go ahead, you might need rugs, high quality blinds and light-filtering curtains for the protection of your floor.
Dents And Scratches
Having pets in your house will also influence your decision about which flooring option to go with. Pets nails, dragging something or any pointy thing can scratch or leave gouge marks on the floor. Heavyweight objects like dining tables, refrigerators etc. leave indents because these are not moved every now and then. Although its compression ability allows it to get back to its original shape, stationary objects can make permanent changes as well.
Use coasters for heavy weight items and keep shifting their place every few months.
Absorb Liquid and Stains
Unlike hardwood floors, cork is not waterproof and if anything spills over it, it needs to be cleaned right away. Neglect it for sometime and it will cost you a refinish because it will leave a stain behind even in the case of water.
Regular Sealing
If yearly or once-every-two-years maintenance doesn’t bother you, this might be the right choice for you. Sealing the floor is a time-consuming process but it keeps your cork floor fresh and warm and it doesn’t look outdated.
How To Protect Cork Floor
If you do decide to go with cork flooring, here is what you will need to keep it protected for a longer time:
- Don’t use harsh detergents rather use soap water
- Use a damp mop instead of soaking the floor with water
- Use pads or coasters under furniture or any other heavyweight object placed on the floor
- Keep your pet’s nails trimmed to avoid scratches
- Keep the floor hidden by direct sunlight. Use blinders if you have to
With timely protective measures and regular maintenance, cork flooring can last you a lifetime. So, this was all you needed to know about cork floors. If you liked this piece, you may want to check out our blogs on budgeted flooring options in Pakistan.
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