The Cork Floating Flooring Versus The Cork Glue Down Tile

By Author: Vikram Kumar
Total Articles: 9825
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Many people are beginning to appreciate the natural cork and use it effectively in their homes instead of bamboo or hardwood. The cork oak tree is valued for its bark, which is regularly harvested, without damage to the trunk. By-products of the waste material derived from the cork are ground and pressed into sheets under high pressure and binding adhesives are used in small quantities. The sheets are used to make cork floating flooring panels and cork glue-down tiles or used in sheet form as underlay.

Cork floating flooring comes in planks that are utilized the patented Uniclic locking system and are easily installed without the necessity for glue. A natural veneer is pressed onto the surface layer and a permanent bond is created to display the natural pattern. Initially, the cork was manufactured as cork glue down tiles which were prefinished and ready to install. The preparation and installation process often takes longer and requires more steps. The sub-floor must be completely level and clean. You the must apply a manufacture required primer to the sub-floor and wait for it to be completely dry. Then, you can start ...
... applying your adhesive and laying down the cork tiles. Once complete you'll need to then use a drum roller to level-out the tiles and apply the require amount of costs of finish required by the manufacture. This is usually going to cost more to install with a professional since more labor is required. The Uniclic planks of the floating floor option takes less prep time and is easier to install, but of course is more expensive. The click down method of locking the cork planks are explained online at any of the dealer’s stores that sell cork products. Floating floors expand and contract as they ‘float’ or sit on an old floor. This is an excellent combination for radiant heat flooring.

It is not possible to install floating cork panels over carpet, but it can be effectively and safely installed over wood, ceramic and concrete. Use cork underlay to provide good sound barrier and acoustic effects. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. The cork glue-down tiles, as well as floating cork floors should be sealed at the joints, when installing. You can opt to pre-finish the cork flooring with a polyurethane product. This will help to protect against normal wear and tear for several years.

When you hire a professional interior designer to enhance the décor of your home, they will offer you good advice on the type of flooring to invest in after considering the lighting in the room or how much the room is exposed to light. In today’s market there is an explosion of patterns and colors due to advancing technology; such as digital printing and various processing techniques.

Make sure that you select materials that are certified and tested from reputed manufacturers. If you decide to use thick and dense material for the tile or plank you are guaranteed better soundproofing and durability. Since cork is a natural organic material, over time and exposure to light, you are bound to find variations in the color of the floor tiles. Opt to use cork flooring for your home or office and you will find that not only did you find great savings, you also found an excellent way to beautify your space.

Make sure you read the instructions carefully before you undertake the job. It is not difficult to maintain cork flooring regardless of whether it is cork glue down tile or cork floating floor planks. Get the floors periodically refinished professionally even before the original finish disappears to ensure the longevity and durability of your floors.

iCork has a sound reputation, we are happy to provide information on any cork product. Please come and ask us. Weigh the pros and cons and make your valued decision with our help. Use the cork glue down tile , or the cork floating flooring panels and enjoy living in a “green” home, or office environment.