If you plan to renovate the bathroom in your Toronto home, put some thought into the type of flooring you select. In today’s marketplace, there are many different options available to you, and each has advantages and disadvantages.
One flooring choice that is receiving a lot of attention from Toronto general contractors and homeowners is cork. Cork floors are a popular choice for eco-friendly design enthusiasts who want a material that resists mold and mildew.
While many satisfied homeowners have installed cork floors during a renovation, some critics have less enthusiastic things to say about this material. Here, we will discuss both the pros and cons of installing cork floors in the bathroom to help you make the best choice for your Toronto bathroom renovation.
Advantages of Cork Floors
Cork is comprised of bark that has been separated from a tree without causing any permanent damage. Because there is no need to cut a tree down to create cork, the material is quite green. Cork floors contain tiny air pockets, and this makes them soft and quiet to step on. The material is also naturally warm which is a bonus for bare feet.
Cork floors are resistant to mold, mildew and dampness. Individuals with allergies also appreciate that these floors are hypoallergenic and easy to maintain by sweeping with a microfiber cloth or using a slightly dampened mop.
Disadvantages of Using Cork
Cork floors are water resistant, but they are not waterproof. While most will hold up well with normal day-to-day use, they can suffer damage if exposed to standing water. In these conditions, cork floors will often plump or warp. The waterproof nature of these floors can be increased by sealing them with a finish, but this does slightly diminish their environmentally-friendly appeal. When a finish is added, maintaining cork floors requires that it be re-applied every two years.
The softness of cork makes it susceptible to damage if a harder object is accidentally dropped on it, and this can cause permanent indentations or cracks in the flooring. When cork floors are installed in Toronto bathrooms that are exposed to a lot of natural light, homeowners also risk the floors fading or becoming discolored over time.
Cost of Cork Flooring
Installing cork floors in your Toronto bathroom is expensive. The material itself is costly unless homeowners are able to take advantage of bulk buying discounts. Because this flooring option is still relatively new, it is also important to enlist the help of a specialized professional Toronto flooring sub-contractor during the installation process.
An upside in factoring cost to install cork floors is a potential increase in property value and the added appeal of this material when homeowners choose to sell. The eco-friendly nature of these floors is appealing to many buyers, and listing cork floors as a feature in your Toronto bathroom can increase traffic and purchase offers.
Consider the strengths and weaknesses of cork before installing it in your bathroom, and discuss all of your flooring options with the general contracting professionals at Alair Homes Toronto. Our team provides sound advice that help homeowners to make educated decisions, and our bulk buying power will save you money every step of the way. To learn more, contact us for your free, no obligation consultation.