Cork Flooring: Anyone?
#1
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Cork Flooring: Anyone?
We are going to tackle our basement this winter. The look we are going for is "Urban Loft" feel.
Stats: Poured 10" thick concrete, 8'"6 high. Approx 1500sq feet, the utility rooms are already boxed off with studs and drywall as well as a pre-plumbed bathroom.
Originally, had planned on a stained concrete floor, since we don't really like carpet throughout -- but with the little guy, it doesn't seem like a very safe option. I saw cork featured on an HGTV program and it looked pretty cool. Also, we like it because it is more unique and an environmentally friendly option to boot.
Anyone have any experience with cork flooring?
http://www.naturalcork.com/pdfs/22fcnsup.pdf
Stats: Poured 10" thick concrete, 8'"6 high. Approx 1500sq feet, the utility rooms are already boxed off with studs and drywall as well as a pre-plumbed bathroom.
Originally, had planned on a stained concrete floor, since we don't really like carpet throughout -- but with the little guy, it doesn't seem like a very safe option. I saw cork featured on an HGTV program and it looked pretty cool. Also, we like it because it is more unique and an environmentally friendly option to boot.
Anyone have any experience with cork flooring?
http://www.naturalcork.com/pdfs/22fcnsup.pdf
#2
Unofficial Goat
iTrader: (1)
Sounds like a good material for the purpose, the only caveat I see is laying on top of concrete as that article states cork is near impermiable to water, my concern would be it trapping moisture under the cork and creating problems over the years. I would want a floating sub floor underneath it to allow the concrete to breath. This is all my speculation though a installer may suggest otherwise as I have no experience with it.
#4
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How's the cost? I need to replace the laminate in my kitchen (effing water cooler leaked.....twice).
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#6
Konichiwa
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Cork flooring is REALLY easy to dent. Just go push your nail into a piece in the store. It stays that way forever. Bad product if you have little kids, dogs, or wear shoes in the house, if ever. And holy cow, don't drop anything on it.
#7
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Having said that, no flooring product is impervious to abuse. We don't have dogs and don't wear shoes in the house - so yeah, I think we're gonna give it a try.
Thanks for the feedback though.
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#8
has Gloryhole Girls in
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From what I've read, cork is good at rebounding. I don't plan to push nails into the floor routinely.
Having said that, no flooring product is impervious to abuse. We don't have dogs and don't wear shoes in the house - so yeah, I think we're gonna give it a try.
Thanks for the feedback though.
Having said that, no flooring product is impervious to abuse. We don't have dogs and don't wear shoes in the house - so yeah, I think we're gonna give it a try.
Thanks for the feedback though.
#10
The Third Ball
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#11
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I believe the term for this is "patina."
Doesn't most cork flooring have enough of a visual texture that, unlike wood or laminate with a smooth finish, small dents may not show?
Doesn't most cork flooring have enough of a visual texture that, unlike wood or laminate with a smooth finish, small dents may not show?
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#14
Senior Moderator
I like the look of bamboo
#15
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#17
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Wow! Coming together nicely!
Are you going to leave the duct work and ceiling beams exposed? I like that look.
Still going with cork floors?
Are you going to leave the duct work and ceiling beams exposed? I like that look.
Still going with cork floors?
#20
Team Owner
One of my neighbors did his basement in the style of an Irish pub. He left the ceilings and ductwork exposed, but had them all spray painted a dark matte chocolate brown color. It is a very cool look and he still has easy access to the mechanicals of his house if he needs it.
#21
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#22
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Thanks, feel free to critique when its all put together.
Yes, that's the look we're shooting for, a "loft" feel.
Yep, on order from:
http://www.ifloor.com/
Are you going to leave the duct work and ceiling beams exposed? I like that look.
Still going with cork floors?
http://www.ifloor.com/
#23
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Can't wait to see this finished...
#25
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Samples of bamboo and cork for the main flooring area.
Granite color
Bamboo going here on the stage.
Cabinets from IKEA. Had to add a slightly recessed door to accommodate the swing of the fridge door.
Splurged on natural slate and 1x1 accent tile wall. Originally was going to go for some glass tile since its pretty hot right now, but decided it was too trendy (stone never goes out of style) if you look closely though, there is a bit of glass mixed throughout...
If all goes well, should hopefully be wrapped up by the end of next week.
#26
Senior Moderator
Looking good!!!
#27
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#28
Floor covering on concrete slab in bsmt looks like a recipe for mold.
Look into it, maybe vapor barrier, pt furring, another vapor barrier, wood subfloor covered by gypcrete, and some type of under-floor ventilation system? Some guys already got it figured out, not me
Look into it, maybe vapor barrier, pt furring, another vapor barrier, wood subfloor covered by gypcrete, and some type of under-floor ventilation system? Some guys already got it figured out, not me
#29
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I think a vapor barrier pretty much goes without saying. We've been in the home for two years and its tighter than a drum. Besides being 10" thick poured concrete, we also have a skin tight sealer on the exterior of the foundation.
In addition to vapor barrier, we upgraded from 3mm to a 6mm cork underlay too. Here's a cross section:
Cork is anti-microbial and is resistant to mold and mildew.
http://www.powellflooring.com/corkflooring.html
After experiencing it, am surprised cork is not more popular - its very comfortable to walk on.
In addition to vapor barrier, we upgraded from 3mm to a 6mm cork underlay too. Here's a cross section:
Cork is anti-microbial and is resistant to mold and mildew.
http://www.powellflooring.com/corkflooring.html
After experiencing it, am surprised cork is not more popular - its very comfortable to walk on.
#31
Awesome, you get a mold free resiliant floor w/o the nightmare of work that I described. If it does not work, you just tear it out the cork at $4/square foot, by that time would need replacement anyway
Below grade basements can be a horror, running dehumidifiers, electricity costs like a couple fridges...
Below grade basements can be a horror, running dehumidifiers, electricity costs like a couple fridges...
#32
I've always heard cork is awesome, and have felt it (although not walked on it)...I'd love to use it for our flooring, but we have a 110 lb dog, and that soft material is just not an option. You can scratch it with your fingernails.
#33
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As for the upstairs, its pretty boring. Standard suburban colonial with traditional fixtures -- most of our furniture is transitional though.
#34
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As for a dog, it probably wouldn't be a good choice for a large dog -- maybe a lap dog. I grew up with larger dogs and would love to have one, but the boss says no.
Just waiting for the fridge and a few minor details to wrap up this week. Should have the final pics up shortly.
#36
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Wasn't even paying attention, I was supposed to say something creative with that milepost.
Am thrilled that the project came in under my budget projections - was able to save some $ by sourcing a lot of materials directly without retail mark-up.
Am thrilled that the project came in under my budget projections - was able to save some $ by sourcing a lot of materials directly without retail mark-up.
#37
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Four bar stools going here.
Still looking for a decent set of faceplates.
Future billiards table going here.
100" Projection screen just arrived. Still waiting for the bullnose.
#39
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Thanks again for the complements. I had the bricklayer put that in to break up the monotony of the back wall. Envision putting a blown up image of a nighttime city skyline of some sort. I'll post a few more pics when we finish cleaning up a few leftover items. I hope we don't regret not adding a dishwasher.
#40
'10 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Well unfortunately I stumbled across this thread a little to late, I work for a small business which sells cork flooring. They sell "green" home building supplies and a few home cleaning products which are green.
More to the point cork flooring is actually quite neat, it serves as a great option for basement flooring as it absorbs moisture quite well and holds heat quite well. How much did you pay for the flooring install per square ft?
Also what material was used on the counter tops? Granite?
Great job renovating your basement it looks wonderful.
~Cheers!
More to the point cork flooring is actually quite neat, it serves as a great option for basement flooring as it absorbs moisture quite well and holds heat quite well. How much did you pay for the flooring install per square ft?
Also what material was used on the counter tops? Granite?
Great job renovating your basement it looks wonderful.
~Cheers!