Bathroom Cork Flooring
Do wrinkles appear on your forehead as you read 'bathroom cork flooring'? No wonder. Cork flooring in the bathroom is possible. Cork is a material that can resist moisture and water. Cork flooring is a one-of-a-kind smooth, yet durable flooring solution, even for areas like the kitchen and bathroom.
When you think about using cork flooring in the bathroom, there are several things to take into account. The first is calking the base of all four walls. An appropriate sealant should be used to seal the perimeter of the bathroom. This prevents water from getting in the gaps. Moisture penetration is not a problem on the upper surface, but between the gaps, it can cause problems. Avoiding moisture penetration through the gaps in the cork tiles or between the tiles and the walls is also necessary to avoid bacteria.
Bathrooms, toilets, and kitchens are all areas where there is a good chance of water logging. For this reason, many builders do not approve of using cork flooring in the bathroom. In fact, bathroom cork flooring is a viable choice if you take the proper precautions such as avoiding scratches and filling the gaps with proper sealants. Otherwise, the floor can be damaged in the long run. You can ensure the durability of the cork flooring simply by calking the entire border of the bathroom and sealing the area next to the toilet. Also, avoid sharp objects and sand that may cause scratches.
Cork flooring in the bathroom has an elegant look which is hardly seen with other types of flooring. It gives a warm, cozy look. It is also comfortable to walk on barefoot even on a winter night. The surface structure of the cork prevents water from penetrating. This insulation can be affected by scratches which in turn will reduce the effectiveness of the cork in resisting water. There is a waxy outer coating which prevents water from entering the core of the cork. Problems may arise when that layer is damaged.
It is notable that cork oak trees are protected against the attack of different types of insects and the activity of microbes like bacteria. The bark, or cork, provides protection to the tree against such elements. This is a plus for using it in the bathroom. You will not have to worry about microbial activity or moisture retention in your bathroom cork flooring.
Cork flooring in the bathroom is durable and with proper maintenance, it can last for many decades. Refinishing the floor once a year with a polyurethane coating can also help the flooring last longer.
Bathroom cork flooring will not make your floors slippery, a great feature in wet areas. The surface is soft and allows for compression. Due to the peculiar cellular structure of the cork, the ability to regain its shape is higher than most other materials.
If you have decided to use cork flooring in your bathroom, great! You have made a fabulous decision for a warm bathroom. Make sure that you install and maintain the flooring as advised. It will serve you well in the long run.