Tips to Choose between Cork and Hardwood Flooring 

02/19/2024

When it comes to choosing flooring options for your home, you have innumerable choices in terms of material, design, finish, and style.  However, despite the availability of so many alternatives, hardwood flooring continues to be the top pick for many because of its extraordinary qualities.  

Though it is not a classic flooring choice like hardwood, cork has been growing in popularity in recent years. Choosing the right option requires a detailed analysis of their pros and cons across different categories.  

Cork Flooring Explained  

While most people have a basic understanding of hardwood as a flooring material, many of us are unfamiliar with cork flooring. This unique flooring material is derived from the bark of cork oak, a tree native to Southwest Europe and Northwest Africa. Generally speaking, it has gained traction as a flooring material because of its aesthetic appeal, comfort, and eco-friendliness. However, many other factors must be evaluated before opting for any flooring material.  

Cork Flooring V/S Hardwood Flooring 

Here are a few factors to take into account while choosing between cork and hardwood flooring.  

Durability: This is one of the most important factors for most homeowners because everyone wants a floor capable of withstanding the wear and tear resulting from different activities. If proper care is taken, hardwood floors can last for 100 years or even more. On the other hand, cork is a soft material that is susceptible to different types of damage. Cork can get punctured by dragging furniture across the floor or dropping a sharp object on the floor. These floors can also get damaged by dirt and debris, pet claws, and appliances. Also, when exposed to direct sunlight, these floors tend to fade and create a patch with a different hue compared to the surrounding area. The average lifespan of cork floors is approximately 20-25 years.  

Appearance: The regal appearance of hardwood has always been extremely popular. Indeed, the aesthetic appeal of hardwood floors can’t be matched by any other flooring type. Though cork flooring can be improvised to mimic the look of hardwood, it can’t create the same vibe or appeal.  

Maintenance: Both hardwood and cork require regular cleaning using somewhat similar procedures.  Cork has a higher water resistance compared to hardwood. However, to ensure 100% protection from water damage, water should never be allowed to sit on cork flooring. Also, a cork floor must be resealed every 5 to 7 years to protect it from water and other damage. Hardwood floors can also be protected from water damage by cleaning spills up quickly.  

Comfort: As a result of its softness, cork floors are more comfortable compared to hardwood. Many hardwood floor users address this demerit by using an area rug, carpets, or underlayment with a cushioning effect. Radiant heaters can be used to deal with the discomfort of cold hardwood floors.  

Sustainability:  There are many hardwood floorboards manufactured from sustainable species such as oak, mahogany, maple, black cherry, ash, etc. On the other hand, cork is also highly sustainable because it is made from the bark of the tree that regenerates throughout its lifetime.  

Cost: In addition to being the most desirable flooring choice for centuries, hardwood is also one of the most expensive flooring materials.  Cheaper price is one of the top reasons to opt for cork instead of hardwood.  

Budget permitting, hardwood is probably a better choice than cork for most homeowners. Please contact us at Enoak to find out the best hardwood flooring option for your home or office.