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When looking at cork flooring, consumers will see that there are two main types – Cork glue down tile and cork floating flooring tile. While the floating flooring is easier to install and is good for use in homes, the glue down tile is “The recommended application” for a commercial area. Don’t be afraid of those words. Cork floating floor can also still be used in commercial application but it has a few cons. How do you choose which one to use in your project? Taking some time to get to know the plusses and minuses of each type of flooring will give you the best information and will help you make the right choices. Only when you know the pros and cons can you really decide on what is right for you, your budget and your time line. Glue down tiles: Plusses 1. Tiles are durable, high quality, easy to care for and are CAREFREE for commercial owners 2. Longest lasting cork floor available on the market (can go upwards of 100 years – with some basic care) 3. The flooring has a professional finish that impresses anyone that sees them 4. WATER PROOF – no moisture will make it through this floor and damage it 5. Can withstand heavy use for about one to two years before requiring another coat of water based polyurethane 6. Designed for IN-FLOOR RADIANT HEATING 7. Price per square foot is roughly $1.00 less than the floating floor 8. Cost of shipping is greatly reduced d/t light weight material (could reduce shipping by half) Glue down tiles: Minuses 1. Length of time required for installation is about one to two weeks depending on square footage that is being covered 2. Requires more effort to install and the process is a little more complex.If you decide to call a professional to do the installation, the money spent on installation can greatly affect your bottom line 3. Requires the purchase of water based adhesive and water based polyurethane which will again add considerably to the bottom line 4. This kind of flooring cannot be laid in a basement or over a cement pad that is below grade or that has not been sealed properly Floating Floor in a Commercial installation: Plusses: 1. Speed of installation – contractors love working with the material 2. Lower cost for installation/square foot when quoted by contractors 3. Damaged areas easier to replace as compared to replacing tiles in a glue-down floor 4. Work well with radiant in-floor heating Floating Floor Minuses: 1. Still require 2 coats of water based polyurethane when installing in commercial area 1a) No savings if trying to reduce the use of water based polyurethane...both glue down and floating will need polyurethane in a commercial installation 2. NOT WATER PROOF! Cannot be placed in bathrooms or areas of high humidity 3. Cannot be “dry mopped” do to water issues 4. Cost of material is more expensive than the glue down tile Resource Box iCork Floors is your one stop shop for all types of Cork Flooring . Here you can find cork floating flooring as well as cork glue down tile.
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