What is cork and cork covering. Adhesive and interlocking cork floors

Yes, yes, we will talk about the same cork that is used to seal bottles of expensive wine. Cork is the bark of the cork oak tree, which grows in the Western Mediterranean. It is the lightest of natural hard surfaces. What makes cork even more attractive is its low sound and thermal conductivity, as well as the fact that it does not absorb many liquids. Such unique material could not go unnoticed: it is widely used in rough and fine finishing.

From cork oak bark to flooring

Only two types of oak produce true cork bark. The first “harvest” can be taken at 25–30 years of the tree’s life. The bark is cut in a circle and carefully removed sharp end ax handles This cork is not useful: the first layer is too hard and falls apart into small pieces.

After this, the tree is left alone for 6–9 years and waits for the next layer, which is already suitable for use, to grow. By the way, removing the cork correctly does not cause any harm to the tree.

The removed cork is turned into floor (as well as wall and even ceiling) coverings in different ways. More precisely, the technology is the same, but the costs and quality of the source material are different. So, cork covering can be of the following types:

- Solid balsa veneer. The most expensive type of cork. Individual floorboards in one collection are selected by color.

- Agglomerate. This is cork chips, which when high temperature pressed into a single coating. Most cheap option: any pieces are used, even the smallest ones.

- Combination of agglomerate and large veneer. This is a compromise solution in which large pieces of veneer and small pieces coexist.

Agglomerate (crumb plug)
Agglomerate. Small and medium crumbs
Agglomerate

These types of cork do not differ in wear resistance and mechanical properties. The difference lies in the appearance and the fact that for better adhesion of the crumbs, plasticizers are used, calling into question the environmental friendliness of such a cork. Therefore, keep in mind: most often sellers praise the environmental friendliness and naturalness of cork, meaning veneer, but they sell agglomerate.

Kinds cork coverings

Of those cork coverings that are laid on the floor, technical cork, adhesive coverings and floating floors stand out.

Technical traffic jam Available in rolls, plates and even granules. It is used as a substrate under the main floor (for example, laminate) for insulation and sound insulation. Cork crumbs fill the voids between the walls and floors.

Adhesive cork coverings Available in the form of tiles. Their sizes are 300×300, 450×150, 600×300, 450×450 mm. Can be sold with or without a top protective coating. Thanks to standard sizes from cork tiles different color You can post patterns and drawings. This type of cork is considered the most resistant to water and is used in damp areas.

Floating cork floor(aka cork parquet) is a cork coating glued to MDF. It is produced in the form of panels measuring 900×185 mm and is assembled according to the same principle as interlocking laminate. It is better not to fill such a floor with water: MDF may swell.

Veneer and agglomerate
Cork floor in the kitchen
Cork tiles in the kitchen

Advantages of cork

The advantages of cork are talked about a lot and convincingly. If we put aside emotions, the following undeniable properties remain:

Cork provides very good heat and sound insulation. Such a floor will be warm, pleasant to the touch and slightly springy underfoot.

Cork is not afraid of water and does not rot; it is chemically inert.

Cork is not eaten by beetles, rodents or microorganisms.

Disadvantages of cork flooring

The first disadvantage of cork flooring lies in its price. A meter and a floor will cost you 1000–1700 rubles. for parquet and from 400 to 1000 rubles. for a plug for glue. The price depends on the thickness of the cork layer and the type of coating (veneer, agglomerate).

Owners of cork floors often complain about marks from furniture. No matter what the sellers say, the mark from the cabinet or even the bedside table does not disappear completely, but reminds of itself with a dent.

The protective layer that covers the cork wears off over time. In areas of heavy traffic (corridors, kitchens) a path will be trampled. This means that the cork floor will have to be renewed (removed old varnish, recoat) or change.

Cork - what kind of material is it? Everyone knows that it is used for sealing wine bottles, for making winter fishing rods with your own hands, and in the production of shoes. However, little is known about cork as a building material. Cork is a new product in the field of finishing floors, about which controversy continues, since the material is exotic and by no means cheap. What are the pros and cons of cork flooring? What is this coating better than laminate? Is it applicable in your kitchen and bathroom?

Cork is the bark of the cork oak tree, which grows in Mediterranean countries with a warm and humid climate. The most extensive plantations of such oak are located in Spain and Portugal, therefore these countries are world leaders in the field of cork processing and production from it building materials. The tree is grown in Asian countries, however, due to climatic conditions different from the Mediterranean, the quality of, for example, Chinese cork is worse.

Cork floors are divided into three types:

1. Adhesive;
2. Castles;
3. Technical.

Floors that require adhesive base, absolutely natural. They are solid pressed panels different sizes(30x30, 45x15, 45x45, 60x30), their thickness ranges from 4 to 6 mm. Two-layer tiles:

• Bottom – pressed cork chips,
• The top is high grade veneer.

This type of cork covering is highly moisture resistant and can withstand temperature fluctuations due to impregnation with a special composition. As a rule, adhesive cork floors are used in the hallway, bathroom, toilet, balcony and kitchen.

This type of coating provides creative space for designers. Using a cork different shades, you can apply any mosaic to the floor and thereby create a completely unique finish.

Laying the floor requires a carefully prepared base. It should be smooth and free of debris. The panels do not require a backing and are attached with regular universal adhesive.

Castle floors are called cork laminate. This is a multi-layer material in which there is agglomerate on the bottom (cork covering made of compressed chips), MDF in the middle, and cork veneer or several more layers of agglomerate on top. The total thickness of the slab can reach 12 mm, dimensions – 90x18.5 cm.

Like regular laminate, cork flooring is equipped with locks, which greatly simplifies the installation process. No adhesive base or sealants are required, only a 2-3 mm backing. After the floor is laid, it is coated with several layers of varnish. As a rule, cork flooring manufacturers recommend the compositions that are best to use.

Technical cork floors are not used for finishing floors, since they are nothing more than remnants of production. Technical coverage made from cork is produced in plates, rolls or granules. Their main purpose is to fill defects in the base or serve as a backing for laminate flooring.

Benefits of cork

Even though the cork floor more expensive than linoleum and laminate, the material is very beneficial. To appreciate its attractiveness, it is necessary to consider the advantages and disadvantages of cork flooring.

• Cork is absolutely environmentally friendly. Not only the material is natural, but also the method of its extraction, the tree does not suffer.
• The coating is antistatic. Thanks to this, the surface does not attract dust, which is very important in the kitchen, as well as for small children and people with allergies.
• Safe for human health. Doesn't highlight harmful substances when heated.
• Prevents the formation of mold and mildew, which is a fairly common problem in the bathroom.
• Has good sound insulation. It insulates noise not only on the floor, but also when used on walls and ceilings. Even in recording studios they use cork material. If something falls on a cork floor, there will be no crash.
• By cork floor It's nice to walk barefoot. It is very soft and holds heat well. There is no need to install a “warm floor” system under such a coating.
• Useful for people with musculoskeletal problems. Judging by the reviews, the elastic cork floor springs when walking, reducing the load on the body. And the lack of slipping will be indispensable for older people.
• Cork flooring is easy to install. The principle of installing the coating is the same as that of laminate with locks. Adhesive boards do not require special skills or tools.

The technology of laying cork on the floor is accessible to anyone home handyman

• Easy to care for. The surface can be vacuumed and wiped with a damp cloth. Solvents and hard surface cleaning materials should be avoided.
• Strength and durability. The honeycomb surface structure reduces friction and reduces external impact. A cork floor will last about 10 years;
• The interlocking cork floor can be used immediately after installation. But to be on the safe side, it is recommended to impregnate the surface with a special protective substance.
• The ability to create any patterns on the floor, even consisting of several colors.
• Possibility to free yourself from skirting boards and thresholds. You can create a monolithic floor or tightly attach it to a covering made of another material.
• There is no need to leave gaps between the covering and the wall.
• There is a choice of surface gloss levels. The adhesive plug requires a final varnish, which can be either matte or glossy.
• It tolerates temperature changes well, which cannot be said about laminate. Therefore it is suitable for cottages and balconies.

The honeycomb surface structure will help avoid slipping in wet areas

Disadvantages of coverage

Despite its many advantages, cork flooring is not without its disadvantages, including:

• Quite a high price. Adhesive cork flooring is more expensive than ready-made interlocking flooring. But due to simple installation, the resulting cost is much lower than that of parquet.
• Low moisture resistance. But this disadvantage is eliminated with the help of additional wax impregnation.
• A critical drawback is flammability and vulnerability to external influences. Under heavy furniture, the cork bends, leaving marks from the furniture legs. Therefore, it is recommended to install gaskets in such places that will reduce the load on the floor.
• Adhesive cork flooring, unlike laminate, is quite difficult to install with your own hands. Required.

• You cannot immediately walk on an adhesive cork floor or place furniture. The floor can be used within 24 hours, as long as the varnish is completely dry.
• Cork does not tolerate direct sunlight well. In long and intense sunlight, natural decorative elements fade over time.
• Difficult to dismantle the adhesive coating. If the slabs are glued to the screed, it will be difficult to tear them off because very strong glue is used.

Choosing the right flooring is the key beautiful design and increased comfort of housing.

Flooring requirements:

1. The floors are beautifully decorated.
2. It is pleasant to walk on them barefoot; it is desirable that they are warm and soft.
3. Possess high heat and sound insulation.
4. The coating is durable.

These requirements are fully met by cork flooring.

Cork flooring

What is cork flooring?

The flooring is made from the bark of the cork tree, which grows in Mediterranean countries. Leaders among suppliers of raw materials and finished products– Portugal and Spain.

Cork flooring. Main characteristics

Cork material has a cellular structure and consists of a huge number of small chambers filled with air. There are about 40 million cells in 1 cm3 of raw material. Each cell has a layered structure. On the outside it is covered with two layers of fiber, then it goes air gap, then the base of the cell is suberin ( tree resin) and a cellulose core, which gives the cell rigidity.

The low thermal conductivity of cork makes it so flooring material an excellent heat insulator. For example, a 6 mm thick cork floor covering provides a heat transfer resistance of 0.15 m2K/W.

• Sound absorption depends on the thickness of the coating. Sound absorption coefficient 0.85.
• Material density 240 kg/m3.
• Does not absorb water. Moisture permeability is less than 13% by weight of the material.

Advantages and disadvantages

Material advantages

• The cork coating has good shock-absorbing properties. A floor made of cork reduces the load on the human musculoskeletal system. If you have Small child, then you don’t have to be afraid if it falls on such a floor.
• After loading, a cork floor quickly restores its structure.
• Thanks to thermal insulation properties Warm floors are not installed under such a covering, since the material itself is warm to the touch.
• Environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic, not damaged by fungi and bacteria, and has a high density.
• It has excellent sound and noise insulation characteristics and is fireproof.
• Not afraid of exposure to moisture and water, does not rot. The surface of the coating, even when wet, is not slippery. Therefore, they are used in the bathroom.
• The cork has a beautiful appearance. If desired, the surface is tinted. The main thing is that the texture of the cork is preserved.

Patterned floors

• Not difficult to care for. Wash with detergents, clean, vacuum, etc.
• Cork floor tiles can be easily repaired if damaged. It is enough to cut out the damaged area and replace it with a new insert.

Disadvantages of floor cork

• Do not touch the coating with sharp objects, otherwise it may be damaged. Furniture can stand on such a floor, but only if a protective pad is placed under the legs. But despite the density of the cork, even with protection, after a while traces of dents will appear under the legs of heavy furniture.

Dents on the plug after prolonged mechanical impact

It is not advisable to install such floors in the hallway, since sharp heels will damage the coating.

Chair leg pads

• High cost of material.

How much does cork flooring cost? Depending on the type of coating, installation method and thickness, the cost of the material ranges from 400 to 1000 rubles (in case of purchasing 1 sq. m. of material for adhesive installation) and from 1000 to 2000 rubles (1 sq. m. for cork parquet or laminate) .

Attention! It is better to choose flooring products from well-known manufacturers than from little-known companies, even if their products are cheaper.

• In heavy traffic areas protective covering wears out and needs to be renewed.
• Short service life compared to other floor coverings.
• Careful preparation of the subfloor, since cork material is soft, and therefore a poorly prepared subfloor will lead to damage to the coating.
• Cork flooring can be easily scratched when moving furniture.

Cork flooring, types

Depending on the manufacturing technology, there are the following types materials:

• solid veneer;
• agglomerate;
• a combined material of veneer and agglomerate.

Solid veneer is an expensive material. For production, whole tree bark is used. Sold as tiles.

Agglomerate – made from crushed raw materials. During the production process, it must be pressed under high pressure and temperature, as a result of which the crumbs are glued together into sheets. The price of such material is less than natural material. The density of the agglomerate is less than that of natural cork. Thermal conductivity directly depends on the density of the agglomerate. The agglomerate is white and black.

Combined. Veneer is used for production, which cannot be used as a solid piece. Under high pressure glued with the agglomerate.

Types of cork flooring

Cork fiber is used as technical cork and as cork for flooring. Technical coating is used as a substrate for a finished floor.

As finishing coating The following varieties are used:

• tiles;
• boards;
• roll stopper.

Glue floor

For this technology, coatings are produced in the form of tiles, which are fixed with a special adhesive. Standard modules are squares 300x300 mm and 400x400 mm or rectangles with sides 450x150 mm and 600x300 mm.

Module structure for adhesive technology installation

The top of the cork is covered with a protective transparent layer or a layer with added pigment. This type of floor is used in the bathroom, kitchen or restrooms.

The modules consist of two layers: the bottom one is cork, made of pressed chips, the top one is veneer.

After installation, the mats are coated with polyurethane varnish to protect the material. Be sure to cover the gaps between the modules with varnish. The protective coating is applied in several layers.

Module thickness 4-6 mm.

Floating floor or cork parquet

This is a multilayer material that consists of MDF boards, on top of which a cork layer is glued. Available in the form of a board with sides 900x185 mm. The varnish is applied during the production process, so this protective layer is more durable than in the case of an adhesive floor.

Cork laminate can be installed on old laminate or linoleum flooring. The main thing is that it is whole and even.

The boards have a tongue-and-groove type locking connection.

If necessary, the modules can be disassembled and reassembled.

Board structure for cork floating floor

Attention! Since the base is a laminate board, it is not recommended to install such floors in wet rooms, since laminate is afraid of moisture. Additionally, the top of the cork is covered protective layer from vinyl film, varnish or veneer.

Roll stopper

Expensive looking cork flooring. The coating is prepared as for the organization of an adhesive floor.

The finishing material is installed with glue, and after the roll is glued, it can no longer be moved or adjusted. Therefore, it is difficult to lay such floors with your own hands and it is better if the material is installed by specialists.

Roll stopper

If you think that plain floors are boring, then you can purchase photo floors or photo parquet.

Wood-look modules are produced that imitate oak, pine or exotic wood species. You can install imitation cork floors ceramic tiles etc.

Cork photofloors in the interior

Laying cork flooring with glue

Stage 1. Preparing the subfloor

To organize floors made of pressed floor cork, a prepared base is necessary, since a hole or, conversely, a bump will harm the material.

Concrete screed, wood or iron covering are used as the base for the floor.

If used as a subfloor wood flooring, then sheets of plywood or fiberboard are laid on top of it. Concrete screed leveled using a self-leveling mixture, which, after drying, is cleaned of debris and sanded.

Stage 2. Installation of floor modules

The modules are installed in the direction from the center to the walls.

The adhesive is applied to both the subfloor and the tiles. A technological gap of 3-5 mm is left between the tiles and the wall.

The modules are pressed against each other either by hand or using a rule. If necessary, use a wooden hammer.

After drying, the surface must be further processed.

Stage 3. Application of a protective layer

Before applying the protective layer, the floor is freed from dust using a vacuum cleaner.

Polyurethane varnish is carefully distributed over the surface with a wide velor roller.

After drying, apply a second layer.

Between applying layers, the surface is cleaned with fine abrasive sandpaper. If the sagging is large, then use a spatula.

How to care for cork flooring

Caring for cork floors is simple and does not require time. To increase the service life, the cork on the floor is treated special compounds. It is applied using a brush or microfiber mole in several layers. After each application, it is necessary to allow time for the composition to saturate the material.

It is also necessary that the premises comply with temperature regime 20-25°C and humidity about 50 – 65%.

To wash contaminated cork flooring, it is better to use soft detergents, which do not contain aggressive components.

Attention! When cleaning, do not use abrasive substances, brushes or sponges, which can damage the surface of the flooring.

Spilled liquid must be wiped up immediately, without waiting until it stains the material.

If there are stains left on the floor, remove them with fine-grained sandpaper. Then this place is treated with wax or varnish.

It is necessary to periodically renew the protective coating. To do this, remove the old layer using fine-grained sandpaper manually or using a sander, clean the surface from dust and re-coat it with polyurethane varnish. Drying time – 12 hours. During this time, you should not perform any work on the floor.

If you are installing heavy furniture, then place cork or felt pads under the legs, which will increase the area of ​​contact with the floor and reduce the pressure in this area.

If you decide to use floors made of balsa wood in the hallway or corridor, then be sure to lay a rug over it, which will not allow the coating to be spoiled by street particles of dirt and dust, and will not allow sharp heels to press down the material. Rubber or latex-based mats should not be used as they may leave a black mark on the floor.

Cork flooring is an environmentally friendly and practical floor covering made of natural wood, cork oak bark. Find out more about the production, types, advantages and disadvantages of cork floors to make the right choice!

Production Features

Cork flooring is made by pressing the bark of the cork oak tree. These amazing trees, living up to 200-230 years, grow in only 7 Mediterranean countries, more than 50% in Portugal. Such a narrow distribution is associated with the special climatic conditions necessary for the full growth of oak.

To obtain high-quality cork, the bark of the third cut is taken - from trees approximately 40 years old. The bark is removed in the summer: experienced workers use special tools and techniques to avoid damaging the tree. Recovery takes about 10 years - with proper care behind the oak tree.

The removed cork dries on the plantations for six months, after which it is transported to the factory, where it is dried in special chambers for another 6 months. The dried material is sent to production lines for the manufacture of various types cork floor coverings.

Pros and cons of cork flooring

The main advantages of cork flooring:

Among the shortcomings there are enough high price cork flooring, as well as low efficiency in combination with underfloor heating systems - due to the natural insulating properties of the bark. In addition, cork parquet boards are resistant to pinpoint dents and cuts. When installing furniture, it is recommended to make supports for the legs.

Types of natural cork flooring

Interlocking floors

Cork laminate has simple technology installation: glueless interlocking joints are used. Multilayer structure with MDF or HDF board and a top protective layer of varnish applied at the factory.

Advantages of floating cork flooring:

• operational installation;
• use immediately after installation;
• possibility of dismantling;
• no additional installation costs;
• You don't need a perfectly level subfloor.

The cost of interlocking cork floors is slightly higher than glued ones. In addition, the coatings are less moisture resistant: use in dry rooms without temperature changes is recommended. For living rooms- living room, bedroom, children's room, as well as for offices with average traffic, a floating cork floor is ideal. For you, we have put together an excellent selection of locking plugs from the best manufacturers!

Glue plug

Classic cork is glued to the floor with contact glue, and after drying it is covered with several layers of varnish. The method of installing the adhesive plug requires professional skills and experience.

Pros of glue cork:

• moisture resistance;
• the material is combined with other coatings;
• installation without thresholds;
• the scope of application is unlimited;
• cut is allowed.

Adhesive parquet is used for wet areas, and is also indispensable for country houses, office and commercial facilities with moderate traffic. In our company's catalog you will find a huge range of high-quality cork parquet at competitive prices!

Substrate

Technical cork is used as a heat and sound insulating substrate under the laminate, parquet board and other floor coverings. As a rule, it is made from cork agglomerate and produced in rolls.

Design solutions

The coating has a special texture, characteristic only of the structure of evergreen oak bark. Additionally, it is possible to apply a chamfer - on 2 or 4 sides.

However, manufacturers from Switzerland and Portugal went even further: photo-printed cork appeared on the building materials market. Thanks to the use of modern digital printing, high image resolution and color rendition are achieved. We offer exclusive cork floors with wood or tile photo printing from Corkstyle, Corksribas, Granorte Vita, Egger, Wicanders!

In our salon you can also order professional installation of cork flooring in Moscow and the Moscow region.

Choose adhesive and interlocking cork flooring, with natural veneer or photo printing in the specialized online store Cork-24. There are specialists working for you who will select the best option flooring, will give all the necessary consultations, arrange delivery in Moscow and to the regions of Russia.

Oak bark floor slabs are positioned as a practical, original and functional covering. Both well-known factories and local organizations are involved in their production. Let's find out if cork flooring is as good as they say it is.

Cork coating: characteristics and types

The bark of the cork oak tree, which grows in Portugal, Spain and other Mediterranean countries, is used to produce many household goods and some production processes products: wine bottle caps, bags, shoes and much more. But most interesting product considered to be floor covering.

For the production of cork flooring we use:

• solid veneer - a thin cut of bark, the most expensive option;
• granulated (finely ground) bark mixed with polymer binders and special additives - agglomerate. This is the most affordable and widely used in the production of finishing and decorative materials.

The structure of balsa wood - photo.

The peculiarity of cork is its structure. The structure is well represented in the photo below. It can be seen that the product consists of honeycomb cells filled with air. This is what gives the material its famous elasticity under mechanical loads.

Cork flooring is available in several types:

Rectangular or square tiles

It is made from agglomerated crumbs up to 8 mm thick. Some designs may add a V- or U-shaped bevel. Shades of the finished floor come in a wide variety - from natural to extravagant. The latter is achieved through the introduction of pigments into the composition or the use of surface photo printing technology: a high-resolution photograph depicting a board or artistic parquet, marble or grass, leather, etc. is applied to the finished coating.

The product is being mounted glue method. Wherein back side can be clean or with a layer of glue already applied to it, covered protective film. The result is a durable, reliable and beautiful cork floor. There are, of course, disadvantages to this installation. Firstly, after work, you must apply a layer of varnish, wax or oil to the surface. Secondly, replacement damaged area complex and time-consuming.

Photo of cork laminate.

This is an HDF board veneered with a sheet of pressed or solid cork. Paper impregnated with polymer resins is glued to the bottom or a cork backing is integrated. This coating is very convenient to install, as it is installed in a glue-free, “floating” way.

Cork flooring for wet areas

Cork laminate on a composite hydrobase.

The same laminate, but instead of a standard HDF board, a composite sheet made from a mixture of PVC, quartz filler and some other components is used. The product is called hydrobase. Its texture is visible in the photo below. It is not cheap, but practical and durable. A kind of LVT cork floor is formed. Its advantages are undeniable - absolute water resistance provided that a protective polyurethane or acrylic varnish is applied to the surface after installation.

Caring for the finished cork covering is easy. Manufacturers recommend protecting the fabric from abrasive loads by:

• flooring of dirt-proof rugs;
• gluing protective pads made of felt or plastic to furniture legs;
• laying silicone protective mats under the rollers.

Advice! Any rubber products They leave hard-to-remove stains on the cork, so do not buy rugs or carpets based on polymer gum.

Cleaning can be done using a vacuum cleaner or a well-wrung out soft cloth. Abrasive detergents, stiff bristled brushes, and solvents are contraindicated for cork. And to remove stains or heavy pollution It is better to use special cleaners from the Loba, Forbo, etc. series.

Pros and cons of cork flooring

Unusual structure of the floor covering and lack of complete information gave rise to many speculations and rumors about the traffic jam. First, let's list the advantages of the material. Among them:

Now we list the disadvantages of cork as a flooring material:

Regardless of which cork floor you choose, you can use its pros and cons in any case to your advantage. If the product is high quality, from a trusted manufacturer, then it has:

• certificate of conformity Russian standards quality or production rules;
• sanitary and epidemiological conclusion. That is, the products have been tested for compliance with the standards for the release of toxic substances (formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and others), have low MDI values ​​and are allowed for use in residential premises;
• fire safety certificate.

Choose high-quality coatings and strictly follow the installation instructions. Then cork flooring will be the best purchase for you.

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