How to Clean Cork Floors?
How to Clean Cork Floors?
Blog Article
To clean cork floors, use a soft broom or vacuum with a hardwood setting to remove dust and debris, then mop with a damp (not wet) microfiber mop and a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid excessive moisture and harsh chemicals. With simple care like this, cork floors remain beautiful, resilient, and comfortable for years.
But beyond their easy upkeep, cork floors are making serious waves in Perth homes—and for good reason. As sustainability becomes more than a trend and comfort becomes a non-negotiable, cork is being rediscovered as one of the most practical and stylish flooring solutions available. Whether you're renovating your home, building new, or updating an investment property, cork flooring in Perth offers a unique combination of eco-friendliness, insulation, and design versatility that other materials struggle to match.
Let’s break down what makes cork flooring a smart, sustainable, and aesthetically appealing choice in the Western Australian climate.
What Is Cork Flooring Made Of?
Cork flooring is crafted from the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus suber), harvested sustainably without harming the tree. This natural material is ground, compressed, and formed into tiles or planks that come in various finishes—from raw and rustic to polished and contemporary.
In the context of flooring options in Perth, cork offers a refreshing alternative to engineered timber, vinyl, or laminate. It’s biodegradable, renewable, and often installed with low-VOC adhesives, which makes it a healthier choice for your indoor environment.
Why Perth Homes Are Embracing Cork Floors
1. Thermal and Acoustic Insulation for Perth’s Climate
Cork naturally insulates. Its honeycomb-like cellular structure traps air, helping cork flooring regulate indoor temperature—cool in summer, warm in winter. In a Perth home where temperature fluctuations can be intense, this insulation means reduced reliance on heating and cooling systems.
Additionally, cork absorbs sound, making it ideal for busy households, home offices, or apartments where noise control is key.
2. Durability That Matches Busy Lifestyles
Despite its soft and comfortable underfoot feel, cork is surprisingly durable. Modern cork flooring options come with protective surface coatings that resist stains, scratches, and wear. This makes them perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchens, hallways, and living spaces.
With proper cork flooring maintenance, these floors can last decades—and unlike ceramic tiles or timber, cork doesn’t chip or splinter when damaged.
3. Water Resistance With the Right Finish
While raw cork is absorbent, cork floors are sealed with polyurethane or water-based sealers to make them water-resistant. This makes them a viable option for kitchens and even bathrooms, provided spills are wiped quickly and sealing is maintained over time.
Cork flooring in Perth bathrooms or coastal areas requires slightly more attention—but when properly installed and sealed, cork holds up beautifully.
Cork Flooring Installation in Perth
Cork floors can be installed as either glued-down tiles or floating floor planks with click-lock systems. The latter is particularly popular for DIY installations or quick renovations.
A level subfloor is essential. For professional-grade results, engaging a flooring specialist ensures proper underlayment, expansion gaps, and sealing. Many suppliers in Perth now offer pre-finished cork tiles that speed up installation and minimize mess.
Design Versatility:
Gone are the days of cork being synonymous with retro orange-brown tiles. Modern cork flooring comes in a variety of colours, textures, and grains. Whether you're chasing the clean look of Scandinavian minimalism, the raw earthiness of natural tones, or a bold, geometric pattern—cork can deliver.
It pairs beautifully with both heritage homes and new builds across Perth, lending warmth and individuality that synthetic floors can’t replicate.
Eco-Friendly Credentials That Matter
Planet Ark is proud to be part of a movement that puts sustainability first. Cork harvesting doesn’t kill the tree, and the bark regenerates every 9 to 12 years. It's one of the rare flooring choices that’s 100 percent renewable, biodegradable, and recyclable.
Beyond that, cork flooring contributes to better indoor air quality. Its natural resistance to mould, mildew, and termites makes it a hypoallergenic choice—especially valuable for households with kids, pets, or allergy sufferers.
Conclusion:
In Perth, where sustainability, climate adaptability, and comfort converge, cork flooring stands tall as one of the most practical and design-forward choices for residential and commercial spaces alike. Its unique mix of thermal insulation, noise reduction, durability, and eco-friendliness makes it not just a surface to walk on, but an investment in wellbeing and sustainability.
Whether you’re renovating a character home in Fremantle or outfitting a new apartment in Subiaco, cork offers warmth, function, and unmistakable charm.
FAQs
Is cork flooring suitable for Perth’s climate?
Yes. Cork naturally insulates against heat and cold, making it perfect for Perth’s warm summers and cool winters. Its thermal properties help regulate indoor temperatures year-round.
Can cork flooring handle water or humidity?
Properly sealed cork flooring is water-resistant, making it suitable for kitchens and bathrooms with regular upkeep. However, prolonged standing water should be avoided.
How often should cork floors be resealed?
Typically every 5 to 7 years, depending on foot traffic and wear. Resealing maintains water resistance and extends the floor's life.
Is cork flooring pet-friendly?
Yes, cork is soft underfoot and scratch-resistant to a degree. Pet nails should be kept trimmed, and any accidents should be cleaned quickly to protect the seal.
How long does cork flooring last?
With proper installation and maintenance, cork floors can last 25–40 years.
Can I install cork flooring myself?
Floating cork floors are DIY-friendly, especially with click-lock systems. However, professional installation ensures the best long-term performance and finish.