In our previous post, we’ve discussed how cork flooring is made and its different features. In this blog post, we’ll talk about the various advantages and disadvantages of cork flooring, the installation methods, and the cleaning and maintenance procedures.
- Is cork flooring pet-friendly?
Most cork floors come with multiple coats of water based polyurethane finish which usually makes them tough materials. Cork is better resistant to scratches and more adaptable to pet claws than hardwood flooring because of its natural impact-resistant property. Cork also has an anti-slip property which makes pet movements easier as they don’t need to use their claws to get a grip. This saves your cork floor from scratches for longer. However, if you have pets that move about a lot with poorly kept nails, the floor finish will get damaged quickly.
Also, if you have a ‘leaky’ pet, you should apply at least two coats of polyurethane after installation. This will help in sealing the seams and preventing urine from accumulating in between the planks or tiles. This way, you can minimize the chances of your floor releasing undesirable pet urine odours.
- What are the installation methods of cork flooring?
There are mainly two methods of cork flooring installation. The first method involves acclimating the cork tiles to the environment of the room where they will be installed. The subfloor is then prepared to ensure that it’s dry, level, and clean. Next, the acclimated tiles are directly glued down or bonded to the subfloor using adhesive.
The other method, known as floating floor installation, involves a tongue-and-groove mechanism where the tiles or planks are snapped together instead of bonding them with adhesive. Using this method, cork flooring can be installed on any existing floor surface such as tiles, vinyl or wood.
- How to Clean and Maintain Cork Flooring?
Cleaning and maintaining a cork floor is easy. To remove dust and debris, use a vacuum or a dry mop on a weekly basis. You can also use a dry or a slightly damp mop to clean the floor once a month. For deep cleaning, wipe the floor with a damp mop using a commercial cork cleaning agent after diluting it with water as per instructions. Make sure to wring it out thoroughly before applying it on the floor. Allow the floor to dry naturally.
Note that you should wipe off spills immediately because they can find their way into tiny cracks and seams especially when the sealant is weak. You can also minimize the risks of scratches from tiny debris particles on the floor surface by placing breathable mats at the entrance. Mats can also be used to protect the floor in and around the sink from spills and splatters. Use proper window treatments to protect the floor from direct sun exposure as UV rays can cause discolouration of cork flooring.
Now that you know all the important aspects of cork flooring, you can make an informed decision before purchasing it for your residential or commercial space. Contact AA Floors if you want to buy premium quality cork flooring in Toronto. We have an extensive collection and offer professional flooring installation service ensuring 100% customer satisfaction.
AA Floors & More Ltd.
524 Evans Ave Etobicoke ON M8W 2V4
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