All about cork in questions and answers

Cork is not yet the most popular option for wall, ceiling and floor decoration. It has pros and cons, and the coverage raises a number of questions. Our tips site decided to answer the most common ones so that you know everything you need to know about this finishing option..

1. What is cork made of?

Exclusively made from such environmentally friendly material as cork bark. The bark of young trees is used to create a spray cork. The portal wrote in detail about this finishing option. The bark of trees over 80 years old is used to create decorative coatings for walls, floors and ceilings. The cost of the material will depend on the age and quality of the cork..

2. What are the main advantages of cork coating?

In addition to environmental friendliness, the advantages of using cork coverings include excellent sound insulation qualities, hypoallergenicity, ability to repel dust, protection against condensation and mold, thermal insulation properties.

3. Are there any disadvantages to cork?

Of course, like any finishing material. The main disadvantage is low mechanical strength. Heavy and sharp objects can damage this finish. In addition, if we are talking about agglomerate, that is, panels created from cheap cork chips by pressing, then the composition will include adhesives, vinyl, varnish. So the question arises – did the material remain environmentally friendly, are the additives safe? In addition, the price of natural cork is quite high..

4. What types of coatings are made from cork?

For the walls, you can buy cork wallpaper made of crumbs. They cost about 1.3 thousand rubles per roll 8 meters long. In addition, there are panels for walls and ceilings 3 millimeters thick in different sizes – from 300×300 to 450×450 millimeters. Their price varies from 500 rubles to 1.2 thousand rubles per square meter. Adhesive and interlocking panels are produced for the floor. The first ones are glued to the base, the second ones are assembled in a thorn-groove system, like ordinary laminate boards. The price of flooring can range from 1.2 thousand to 2 thousand rubles. As you can see, you have a lot of options..

5. And what is better to choose for the floor – glue or lock coating?

Here you need to understand the difference in the operational properties of these options, as well as the styling features. The adhesive panels are glued directly to the floor, to a concrete screed or other substrate that must be perfectly flat. Floating, locking – like a laminate, by connecting and fixing in groove slots. The requirements for the evenness of the base are below. The adhesive panels are then varnished. This seals the joints and can be used in damp rooms. Castle cork floor is only suitable for bedrooms, nurseries and living rooms, where there is no risk of moisture ingress. We wrote about all the options for self-laying cork flooring..

6. Where is the technical plug used?

It comes in rolls or panels. This is a much cheaper option, but it is not used as a finish. Technical cork is used as sound and thermal insulation of floors, walls, in attics. In addition, technical cork is used to make a high-quality underlay for parquet boards and laminates..

7. How long does a cork floor last??

It all depends on how actively you will use it, as well as the availability of protection. If you cover the cork with several coats of varnish in the kitchen or hallway, like rooms with high traffic, you will extend the life of the floor to at least 20 years. In bedrooms and nurseries, cork is often treated with oil or wax. The most expensive protection is polyvinyl.

8. I heard that there are traces of furniture on the cork floor, how to avoid such a problem?

It’s simple – glue pieces of soft felt or felt onto the legs of a table, chairs, armchair, sofa and cabinet from below. Do not use rubber! She will stain the floor!

9. How to care for a cork floor?

Vacuum as usual. Wash, including with detergents, but not abrasive. Avoid the accumulation of large amounts of water, use a semi-damp cloth or mop during cleaning. Minor damage can be masked by applying an additional coat of varnish. In general, you will have to periodically update the protective layer anyway..