Cork is a great flooring material to use in almost any room of your home. It is eco-friendly and natural, making it the perfect choice for those who want to make their home “greener,” or for those who have allergies to deal with. The weight of your bedroom furniture is one of the primary things to consider when considering cork flooring for the bedroom. If the furniture is too heavy, it could create permanent indentations or marks on the cork flooring. If your furniture is particularly heavy, as is the case with many older armoires, dressers or beds, you might want to think about installing a bamboo or hardwood floor instead. However, if your furniture is more lightweight, you can use furniture pads between your bedroom pieces and the cork floor to cushion and protect it. You’ll discover that when you install cork in your bedroom, you will be rewarded with a floor that is comfortable, soft, resilient and full of character.
Basics of Cork Floors
One thing to remember about cork floors is that they are more prone to indentation marks, creases, and swelling when exposed to moisture, as compared to bamboo or hardwood floors. Although bamboo is certainly an eco-friendly flooring choice, it’s not the best solution for rooms and areas that are exposed to moisture. For example, cork flooring might not be the best solution for a basement bedroom. When cork is exposed to moisture, it swells and discolors, marring the beauty of the flooring. When installing cork flooring, you will want to make sure the surface is clean and free from debris. You will also want to make sure that the floor is even, so that you can achieve a good and long-lasting cork flooring installation.
Installing a Cork Floor
It’s usually recommended that homeowners do not attempt to install cork flooring on their own, unless they are knowledgeable about how to use the product. After all, as with almost any other flooring material, it takes a bit of time to become experienced with it. If you do want to install your cork flooring yourself, try installing it in a closet or other low visibility area first, until you get the hang of it.
When choosing cork flooring, there are three basic kinds from which to choose: interlocking lengths, glue-down tiles or rolls, or floating cork flooring. You should level and then clean the area before attempting to install the flooring material. Installing a vapor barrier over the sub-flooring before you lay down the cork is also a good idea, to help prevent against possible moisture.
If you choose glue-down flooring, you should be aware that it is a much more permanent option, which means it will be more difficult to remove in the future. Interlocking lengths of cork flooring are usually easier to install and easier to remove later if desired. You should take care to make sure the flooring is evenly positioned and aligned during installation. Allow a bit of space so that the product has room for natural expansion, but don’t leave large gaps.
Protecting Cork Floors
You’ll want to take care to protect your financial investment in your cork flooring. Taking off your shoes before entering the room is a good idea, especially in the case of heavy work boots or high heels. You’ll also love the cushioned feeling of the cork floor under your feet. Use furniture pads under all furniture pieces to help protect the floor’s surface, even if you don’t think your furniture is especially heavy.
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