If you have decided on cork flooring in your new build, you are to be congratulated on your choice and as you would expect, natural cork does require some TLC. This amazing material comes in 2 forms – tiles and boards – and when installed, should be coated in a special sealant, which protects against liquid spills and general wear and tear.
Here are a few cork care tips from professional flooring installers.
- Mopping – We recommend a weekly mop with a thick mop that has excess water removed, leaving it damp rather than wet. Of course, you should sweep the floor with a soft brush prior to mopping. If you want a home remedy for cork floor cleaning, mix four parts vinegar with one part water, which can cut through dirt and grease. Avoid using cleaning solutions that are not recommended for cork flooring.
- Clean Spills Quickly– The longer liquid sits on cork flooring, the more chance it will penetrate the sealant. Use tissue to soak up spilt liquid and leave the area to dry naturally. If you are looking for high quality cork tiles Sydney or your city prefers, a Google search will bring up a list of established flooring companies.
- Direct Sunlight Can Cause Cork To Fade – If you have a lot of windows, you might want to install blinds to prevent fading. If there is a clear line between sunlight and shade, this can change the colour over a period of months.
- Polyurethane Coating – While some flooring companies might recommend waxing as a way of taking care of cork flooring, most experts would recommend a polyurethane sealant, which offers better protection. When the floor is installed, the team would give at least one coat of sealant, or perhaps two.
- Use Rubber Furniture Pads– Heavy furniture can cause the cork to sink slightly, therefore you should use special rubber furniture pads to spread the weight and avoid making indentations in the floor.
- Removing Scratches – The easiest way to repair scratches in cork flooring is to use a wood filler of similar colour. Mix well and use a putty knife to fill in the scratch; leave it to dry and sand with fine abrasive paper and you won’t be able to see the scratch. Once sanded and swept, you can add a little polyurethane sealant over the affected area and that’s it.
- Resealing The Floor – This can be done every year or thereabouts, depending on how much traffic. If you are unsure how to go about this, call in the company that installed the cork flooring and ask them to reseal it with another coat or two of polyurethane. Of course, the floor cannot be used until the coating is hard, which might take a full 36 hours.
When looking at cork flooring, it is best to actually visit a flooring showroom, where you can experience a range of cork tiles and planks in a natural setting. The sales staff are very knowledgeable and can answer any questions you might have.