All types of floor cover are conventionally divided into three main groups: stone( here also includes ceramics), soft( linoleum, carpet, etc.) and wooden( board, parquet).They differ from each other in appearance, durability, price and a number of other characteristics. The last group( "wooden") includes such an exotic floor covering as cork, pluses and minuses of which we will consider today.
In a certain approximation, this material can be considered a variety of parquet. The presence of such floors in the house indicates a high level of prosperity of the owners, because the material is not cheap. Make it from the bark of the cork tree, from its upper layer. This is the basis of the material, which has a cellular structure. The top design( front side) is made both from the cork itself, and veneer of different wood. However, in order to give an objective assessment of such coverage, you should familiarize yourself with its pros and cons.
Advantages and advantages of the cork floor
- Low weight of the material, easy installation
- When installing such a floor, neither a special tool nor the services of a professional are required.
- Excellent sound insulation characteristics
- Paul is good at "jamming" the steps, but he will never grind the squeak.
- Ecological purity
- Moreover, it has high bactericidal properties.
- Well retains heat
Due to the cellular structure inside the material, air bubbles are always present. Therefore, in a warm room such a floor can not be cold, as it often happens with a coating of boards. Its temperature is the same as in the whole room.
The cork floor does not store static electricity - therefore, it does not "collect" dust. Such floors do not require any special care products. They are sufficient or to vacuum, or wipe with a damp cloth.
Walking on such a floor is good for health - the cork cover well massages the soles of the feet and is an excellent shock absorber. The latter quality is very useful for "failures" in the locomotor system.
The coating does not slip, therefore it is considered to be trauma-safe.
Self-healing ability
Despite the fact that the cork is a soft material, you can put heavy objects on such a floor without fear. The floor in this place is deformed, but after removing the load it will take its original form. However, increased "point" pressure should be avoided. Under the legs of heavy furniture you need to stack the stand.
Great possibilities in the choice of design solutions and the versatility of
Such a floor can imitate various types of wood, natural materials( for example, sandstone).In this case there is a cork of black and orange colors.
This coating can be used in any room, even with high humidity( for example, in the bathroom).The cork does not absorb water at all. Even after taking a shower, you can fearlessly get up on it, while it will be warm, unlike tile. Considering its elasticity, it will be invaluable in the kitchen. The dishes that fell on the floor will not break. Perfectly suitable for children's rooms, because kids like to fiddle on the floor.
The disadvantages of the
- coating do not withstand severe mechanical influences, it is easily damaged. To prevent increased wear( abrasion) or the appearance of scratches, the surface of the floor is recommended to be varnished( silicone is preferred);
- can not be repaired, and the batching presents great complexity;
- in the bright sunlight gradually fades. Therefore, in such rooms, you should choose light colors of the cover;
- is quite high cost.
