Cork Flooring: Everything you NEED to Know OK—where do we begin? let’s begin by going point-by-point to help you discover the basics of everything you need to know before purchasing and installing cork flooring… 1. Thumbs Up for Eco-Friendliness Cork is an entirely renewable resource as cork can be harvested from the tree without cutting it down or harming it irreversibly (the cork regenerates on the tree). Cork flooring also acts as a natural insulator which can help cut down on your heating bills—and energy savings means ‘green’ in more way than one. 2. Types of Cork Flooring: Tile and Plank There are two types of cork flooring, tile and plank. Plank is the most popular form. Plank snaps together to create a ‘floating’ floor like laminate flooring, and tile is installed similar to vinyl flooring. We recommend plank as it has a number of benefits: it is easy to install (for a professional anyways), it absorbs sound, it works well in raised-access-panel flooring systems and requires little subfloor preparation. 3. Finish An affordable polyurethane finish will help make the cork floor resistant to scratches and should be applied to every cork floor after installation. A paste wax-style finish is another finishing option. 4. Maintenance Cork flooring can actually look better as it ages due to the natural patina, but it must be well cared-for. Care for your cork floor includes: regular sweeping/vacuuming, regular mopping with a damp (not wet!) mop with a light cleanser lightly misted over it and cleaning up all spills immediately. 5. Colour Cork, like other hardwood flooring types, is susceptible to fading over time due to sunlight, so strongly consider adding some UV film to your windows to protect it from strong sunlight. Note that when sunlight from windows changes the colour of a floor it rarely does so evenly. 6. Humidity Cork, as a wood, is also susceptible to heat and humidity. Since Canadians naturally regulate the temperature inside their homes with heat and air conditioning, heat isn’t a major concern—but, humidity is. To maintain your cork floor you want to maintain a home humidity level of 50%, to avoid the damaging effects of humidity-induced contraction and expansion. Now that you’ve learned what you need to know, as a homeowner, about cork flooring—it is time to call the professionals at Tony’s Flooring to get a quote for your new cork floor and its installation. After all, you don’t want to install a cork floor without getting a quote from the flooring experts in Etobicoke.]]>
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should Toronto homeowners know about cork flooring: everything you need to know?
When considering cork flooring: everything you need to know, evaluate durability, maintenance requirements, and cost per square foot for your specific needs. Tony’s Flooring Centre at 268 Royal York Rd offers expert advice and free estimates to help you make the right choice for your Toronto home.
How do I choose the right flooring for each room?
Match flooring to each room’s demands: waterproof options like LVP for bathrooms and kitchens, soft carpet for bedrooms, durable hardwood or laminate for living areas, and moisture-resistant flooring for basements. Consider foot traffic, pets, and maintenance needs.
How much does new flooring cost in Toronto?
Flooring costs vary by material: carpet $3-$8/sq ft, laminate $4-$8/sq ft, LVP $5-$10/sq ft, hardwood $8-$15/sq ft, plus installation $2-$6/sq ft. Use our flooring cost calculator for a quick estimate.
Visit Our Etobicoke Flooring Showroom
See and feel the difference quality flooring makes. Tony’s Flooring Centre features a 4,100 sq ft showroom at 268 Royal York Rd, Etobicoke. Call (416) 255-9631 or request a free quote online. Open Tuesday through Saturday.