Cork laminate. Cork laminate: types, characteristics, installation technology and care. How to choose a quality laminate

Cork-based laminate is a fairly new finishing material for Russia, gaining popularity every day. The coating looks very aesthetically pleasing and natural. It is distinguished by its natural texture and tactile warmth. Like any other coating, cork laminate has pros and cons in certain quantities, but it still has more advantages.

Properties and features of cork laminate

The manufacturing technology is unique in that three types of cork can be used to produce one panel: agglomerated (pressed), veneer, and a mixture of cork veneer and pressed chips.

Cork laminate has several layers in its structure:

1. The bottom layer is cork (agglomerated cork backing). The purpose of the substrate is to level out small unevenness in the base. Differences should not exceed 3 mm.
2. The main one is a moisture-resistant HDF, MDF or fiberboard board with cut grooves and ridges;
3. The middle heat and sound insulating layer is compressed cork no more than 1 mm thick.
4. Decorative – valuable wood veneer or cork veneer;
5. The top (layer) is protective. It is a vinyl or varnish covering.

Cork flooring has been popular for a long time - it is an environmentally friendly coating, very attractive in appearance, but, unfortunately, it belongs to a price category that not everyone can afford. It is simply not available to the mass consumer. Therefore, the manufacturer began to look for some compromise solutions where the cork would have a strong but cheap base.

Cork laminate is a panel based on either MDF board or moisture-resistant chipboard. Well, the front side of this floor is covered with cork material. This is a panel with a cork top, and the installation of the panels is similar to the installation of conventional laminate.

In fact, the material is very similar to traditional laminate. This is a practical multi-layer design that consists of several materials. The similarity with laminate panels is so great that you might not always guess that this is a more complex material.

The design of cork laminate is as follows:

• The bottom layer is compressed cork chips;
• Chipboard or MDF;
• A layer of cork chips;
• Wood veneer (usually oak veneer);
• Protective covering (usually vinyl).

The design of such panels also includes a locking connection. There is a groove on one edge of the panel, and a tenon on the other. That is, the assembly of such a laminate is as simple as possible. There are some nuances, but they are no more than when laying conventional laminate.

Pros: cork laminate

It is worth separately describing the advantages of this floor. The first is the ease of installation, which can be handled even by an owner who has never dealt with laminate before. The second point is that this material has high maintainability. If any panel fails, you can easily replace it with a new one. That is, the integrity of the entire coating is not compromised.

Also cork laminate:

• Has the required moisture resistance;
• Has high elasticity;
• When walking on it, you will feel the elasticity of the flooring, the softness of the flooring;
• The decorative design of the panels is widely represented;
• Compared to regular cork flooring, cork laminate will cost several times less.

Of course, it would be unfair not to talk about some of the disadvantages of such coverage. Unfortunately, it has low tensile strength - that is, you should not walk on such a floor in stiletto heels.

Such a coating on top of a “warm floor” system will also not be effective - its thermal insulation properties are such that it will allow no more than 20% of the released energy to pass through. And, of course, the strength of laminate cork is lower than that of natural cork. That is, the service life of the floor is 10 years.

Where is laminated cork installed?

As mentioned above, cork tends to spring underfoot. It's good for the spine. But cork laminate is more rigid, so it cannot be said that this useful feature will be very noticeable. Nevertheless, such a coating would be good in a children's room - it does not slip, is warm, and soft. The child simply won’t get hurt.

Moisture-resistant cork laminate can be safely placed in the kitchen. But despite the fact that you are a neat person, sometimes it can be difficult to remove serious stains from such a surface. The surface is rough, that's why this happens.

In principle, you can lay cork laminate in any room. It will look good in the living room, in the bedroom, in the hallway. You can lay the floors throughout your entire apartment using the same material, in the same style, according to the same plan. In terms of price, it is by no means parquet, but it will also be more interesting than ordinary laminate.

Which is better: laminate or cork flooring?

By the way, you need to make sure that you are really buying cork laminate and not an imitation coating. The most popular cork laminate comes from Portugal, and products from Spain, Germany, Poland, and China are also actively present in our markets. And material will differ from material.

High quality cork laminate:

• Has smooth cuts, no burrs;
• The boards are well packed, there is no visible damage to the protective layer;
• The boards are the same size - when two boards are joined, the gap is almost invisible;
• Very dense, inclusion-free bottom layer;
• High class of wear resistance, since the cork itself is not very durable.

You need to care for this laminate in the same way as regular laminate. This is a vacuum cleaner, this is a damp (wet, not wet!) rag. If it is a vinyl-coated laminate floor, then it makes sense to rub the floor with mastic three times a year. As already mentioned, do not walk on this floor in stiletto heels. Yes, and furniture can be dressed in felt covers. Any harsh, abrasive products are prohibited.

Is this laminate better than regular laminate? It is more interesting, it is supplemented and improved, and it will be brighter in appearance. Therefore, of course, the popularity of cork laminate is understandable.

Real cork flooring: what makes it special

If you are still leaning towards a real cork floor (save up and fork out for cork), then you should understand why it is so good. Cork flooring will feel warmer than laminate cork. Cork absorbs heat more slowly. Cork does a great job of dampening noise.

This material is resistant to deformation, that is, the legs of heavy furniture, which, as it seems to you, almost pushed through the floor, in fact will not leave marks. The floor has slip resistance. And most importantly, cork is environmentally friendly. It protects against harmful radiation, including radioactive radiation. And they even proved that cork can reduce the influence of hepatogenic zones.

The quality of the cork is remarkable - dust does not accumulate on it. That is, this floor, one might say, is indicated for allergy sufferers. Cork has an excellent orthopedic effect: the load on the spine while walking is reduced. The natural cork coating is considered durable. This floor will last 15-20 years.

Advantages of cork laminate (video)

Of course, cork laminate only partially takes on the advantages of natural cork that are listed above. But, nevertheless, he also got something. And even this is enough to consider this coating, which is more advanced than traditional laminate.

Have fun and make the right choice!

Laminate with cork has successfully taken a leading position among floor coverings. This material appeared recently, but has already managed to displace traditional linoleum from the market. Today it is used for furnishing both residential and commercial premises. In addition, thanks to the chic choice of textures and colors, cork laminate is very popular in modern interiors.

It allows you to create an unusual atmosphere in the room, filling the space with natural beauty and comfort.

Peculiarities

Recently, cork wood flooring has been used for finishing floors. And for good reason, because this material, in addition to its aesthetic appeal, also has excellent heat and sound insulation. Its structure is similar to a laminate and consists of:

• Bottom layer. It is a cork backing, which is made by pressing fine chips. Its thickness reaches 3 mm, it is responsible for insulation and smoothes out small irregularities on surfaces.
• Moisture-resistant plate. They are made from MDF or plywood sheets. A tenon and tongue are applied to the ends of the material, which ensures rigidity and quick assembly of the coating.
• Layer of pressed cork. It is glued to the slab and performs the function of heat and sound insulation. In addition, this layer reduces the load on the floor.
• Decorative surface. It is obtained from cork oak veneer. The strength of the material and the appearance of the future coating depend on it.
• Protective layer. Ensures the safety of the product during operation and prevents abrasion and wear. To do this, the veneer is covered with vinyl film or a special varnish.

Varieties

In the interior of modern housing you can often find cork laminate. There are several types of this material, each of which has an individual design, texture and color. The most popular option is considered to be a classic-style coating; it is made from handmade natural veneer, which is obtained from the bark of special types of wood growing in Portugal. The cork layer is glued to the base in such a way that The thickness of the product does not exceed 6 mm. In addition, this laminate is made entirely of oak bark and does not contain artificial additives.

Cork flooring with photo printing looks elegant and stylish. Its homeland is Switzerland. Thanks to the beautiful ornamentation, the use of such coatings in design has become limitless. Thus, today it is possible not only to make flooring from unusual types of wood, but also to decorate it with multi-colored boards with patterns imitating lawns, a hayloft or a world map.

The textured photographic image is transferred directly to the cork, then primed and transformed into a real work of art.

Cork laminate based on hydroslabs is not afraid of moisture. As a rule, it is laid in rooms with high humidity. The main components of this material are a 2 mm thick waterproof plate and quartz. This flooring is well suited for kitchens and bathrooms, as it allows you to save on additional heating. In addition, laminate is characterized by strength and wear resistance.

The flooring is also easy to install and is well suited for small apartments or studios. If you lay the same floor everywhere in the house, the area of ​​the premises will appear visually larger. The material is easy to install and maintain.

No less popular is techno array. It is something between a parquet board and a laminate. The product has received positive reviews, as it has a wide selection of images and shades; it can be used in the decoration of any room. The base of the techno-solid consists of high-density fiber boards; the sides are covered with veneer. A digital composition is applied to the outer layer and secured with hot varnish. This floor can be used for more than 20 years, it is wear-resistant, environmentally friendly and has an original appearance for interior decoration.

For lovers of unusual aesthetics, this would be a good choice. cork laminate decorated with leather. It is made from several layers, the top of which is recycled leather. This flooring can imitate the skin pattern of a crocodile or snake. The material is completely environmentally friendly, it contains crushed fibers of natural origin. In addition to its stylish appearance, this coating also has good thermal insulation and is reliable in use.

Practicality should be in everything, especially when it comes to finishing materials for the floor. Therefore, recently vinyl flooring has often been chosen, which looks like ceramic tiles, carpet or natural wood. As for the performance characteristics and structure, the product is identical to cork laminate. Thanks to unique processing technologies, such floors have increased flexibility, are resistant to moisture and do not fade in the sun. The top layer of the laminate is made from PVC and is additionally protected from exposure to ultraviolet rays with a special solution.

The decorative pattern and texture is applied to the base of the cork and opened with vinyl.

In addition to its composition, cork laminate also differs in the method of fastening. There are lock and glue floors:

• Castle. This is a multilayer material, the bottom layer of which is made of cork agglomerate. It is a substrate. The product also consists of fiberboard and veneer. Various prints can be applied to the surface of the laminate, and installation is reminiscent of installation work with a parquet board. The floor covering is secured using special locks.
• Glue. The thickness of such a product does not exceed 6 mm; the material is obtained by gluing cork chips and covered with veneer or vinyl. It will be difficult to lay such a floor yourself, since the base must be perfectly level and properly prepared. Otherwise, the coating will repeat the entire surface relief and the work will be ruined. As a rule, adhesive laminate is installed in rooms with high humidity, secured with glue.

All about the features of laying cork laminate, see the following video.

Advantages and disadvantages

Cork floors have many positive characteristics, thanks to which the finishing material has taken precedence in design. This flooring fits harmoniously into any style and fills the room with a special touch of nature. The main advantages of the product include:

• Heat preservation. Laminate flooring can even be laid on a concrete base and not worry about the cold transferring to the surface.
• Environmentally friendly. The product is completely safe for the environment and humans. Excellently repels water, bacteria and dust.
• Noise absorption. Serves as good insulation from extraneous noise.
• Unique surface. The laminate is springy and soft. Provides comfort when walking, reducing the load on the spine.
• Combination with infrared heating. Ensures uniform heat distribution. You can even walk on this floor barefoot without slippers.

• Easy to care for. Cleaning can be done using a damp cloth and a vacuum cleaner.
• Quick installation.
• Resistance to mechanical and chemical influences. Cork laminate is not subject to rotting processes and is not afraid of mold and fungi.
• Aesthetic appearance. The product is presented in various decors and colors, imitating the texture of all types of wood.

Flaws:

• It is subject to tearing, so you cannot walk on such a floor in stiletto heels.
• Requires good preparation of the base during installation work.
• Short service life.

Unlike regular laminate, cork can last no more than 10 years.

Design ideas

Today it is impossible to create a modern interior without a floor covering such as cork laminate. It is truly considered the main decoration of any room, as it harmoniously complements the overall decor of the rooms. In addition, the composition on wooden plates is not ordered and is not repeated, this makes the product interesting and bright.

The construction market is represented by many types of this coating, which are unique in appearance. Cork flooring with wood and marble textures looks beautiful. Traditionally, the color range of the material consists of sand, yellow and brown, but more contrasting shades are also found. For example, ocher or boards with colored splashes look unusual.

Not so long ago, cork flooring was a real exotic, however, today it is becoming more and more popular due to the fact that it has many different advantages, for example, an excellent ability to retain heat, “dampen” noise, softness and safety for dishes that accidentally fall off the table, expensive gadgets, small children, etc. However, cork laminate also has a drawback - its price per square meter is so high that not everyone can afford to choose such a floor covering. In this material we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of cork laminate, its cost, installation and other nuances.

The type of laminate we are interested in is made from cork oak, a tree with an unusual wood structure. However, they used to supply (and still supply, although it is difficult to find this type of flooring) solid wooden flooring made of cork oak. Its price is so high that only the wealthiest citizens could afford to purchase such flooring.

After some time, a cheaper version of the coating appeared on the market - cork laminate, which retained all the original valuable qualities.

This is how cork laminate began to be supplied to the market - flooring assembled from a thin layer of cork wood and particle boards:

• high density;
• medium density.

At the same time, it was possible to achieve a more simplified process for installing floors in residential buildings and other premises.

Cork laminate is made according to the standard scheme for this flooring:

• in the form of long, medium-thick planks;
• using the locking fastening method.

It is also worth paying attention to the structure of each laminate plate. So, it consists of 5 layers.

1. The first layer of laminate, the bottom one, the one that is the base of each tile, is made of natural cork, which is made by pressing crumbs of this material.

2. The second layer is represented by one of the following materials:

• fibreboard;
• chipboard.

3. The third layer of the laminate plate is also made of natural balsa wood.

4. The fourth layer of coating is also balsa wood, or wood of other species, made in the form of veneer.

5. The fifth layer of the material is represented by various protective coatings that serve to protect the laminate from damage and extend the life of this material, for example:

• vinyl;
• cork.

As you can see, one laminate plate contains so many different materials. By using such inexpensive elements as chipboard and MDF, it was possible to reduce the cost of the flooring several times, while the quality of the laminate and its original properties remained almost at the same level as that of the more expensive version of the cork floor.

Prices for Egger cork laminate

Cork laminate Egger

Advantages and disadvantages of cork laminate

Despite the fact that cork floors appeared relatively recently, they have gained great popularity all over the world. For what merits she came to them, let's look at the table below.

Table 1. Advantages of cork laminate

One of the main advantages of cork is its non-toxicity and natural purity, thanks to which cork laminate is widely used for installation in children's rooms.

However, despite the fact that this coating does have a large number of positive aspects and various advantages, it also has disadvantages.

1. Thus, due to the softness of its structure, cork laminate can easily burst under pressure, so you will have to forget about walking around the house in heels during the holidays.
2. It is very important to level the floor before laying the cork laminate using a cement screed or self-leveling mixtures, otherwise the coating will not lie as it should.
3. The service life of cork laminate varies depending on the class of material. To find out how many years it will have to be re-laid, read the information presented on the counter or ask the seller.

Types of cork laminate

Today, cork laminate flooring is turning from an unprecedented luxury into commonplace, and is found in the homes and apartments of more families. Interestingly, there are several varieties of this flooring, which differ from each other:

• texture;
• color;
• design.

Thus, the most common classic coating option today is hand-made veneer from balsa wood, the appearance of which looks like cork. The thickness of this veneer is approximately 6 millimeters. What is noteworthy is that it contains no artificial additives, so it can be called environmentally friendly.

A newfangled trend has come from Switzerland to Russia, which consists in finishing the flooring of apartments with a cork laminate, with photo printing applied to it. As you can understand, this innovation has made the use of such laminate truly relevant, because now it can be decorated as you please.

It is better to choose a textured photograph to create a solid appearance of the finishing detail. After applying the image, a primer is applied, and voila: you do not live in a simple apartment, but in a house where the floor is a work of art.

Provided that the cork laminate was produced using hydroplates, then it is not afraid of any moisture. This type of laminate is usually used:

• for laying the floor in the bathroom;
• in the kitchen;
• on the first floor of a house with a basement, etc.

The use of cork flooring is also great for small apartments, since due to the unusual structure of the floor, even a small home can acquire real comfort.

Today, techno-solid is also popular among cork floors, which is something averaged between:

• laminate;
• parquet.

This techno-array is based on the use of high-strength and density fiber boards, while the sides of these boards are covered with cork veneer, on top of which some kind of photo composition is applied. Techno-solid is a new type of cork flooring, and its service life is 20 instead of 10 years.

A separate type of cork floors are laminates that have been decorated with leather, for example, snakes or crocodile. This flooring contains natural fibers. Not only does it look stylish, but its thermal insulation properties are also improved.

Cork laminate classes

Cork laminate is presented in several wear resistance classes, there are three in total. Let's look at each of them in the table below.

Table 2. Classes of cork laminate

Caring for cork laminate

A coating such as cork laminate requires a much greater number of maintenance procedures than the traditional type of this flooring, which are needed to extend its life.

Regular care of cork laminate flooring involves cleaning it from dirt, which should be done daily. So, for example, it would be advisable:

• sweep the floor daily and wipe it with a damp mop;
• or vacuum the laminate flooring to remove dust from debris.

This regular maintenance is necessary to prevent dirt from accumulating and to prevent you from having to clean the coating harder and accidentally damaging it. It is better to vacuum the floor several times a week than to scrub it for hours once a month; it will be healthier.

Note: If you don't have a vacuum cleaner, use a broom with soft wires or artificial bristles for sweeping, as the floor can be easily scratched.

However, even if you start using a vacuum cleaner, once a week you should still clean the floor using the wet method, but only after sweeping. A microfiber cloth or sponge mop works great as a cleaning cloth.

To achieve the best result, you need to add to the water:

• a few drops of pH-neutral floor cleaning liquid;
• or soap;
• or a special cleaner for cleaning cork floors.

As an affordable alternative, you can use white food vinegar in the following ratio: 60 milliliters of caustic liquid per 4 liters of water.

1. Do not wet the cloth too much to prevent the cork floor from absorbing moisture and swelling. If you get the floor too wet, soak up the liquid with an absorbent cloth.

2. Do not add too much detergent as it may leave streaks.

3. The following products are prohibited for cleaning cork floors:

• ammonia;
• whitening;
• containing abrasive particles

4. Brushes with coarse bristles, vacuum cleaner attachments equipped with wheels, steam generators and other units that can damage the floor are not suitable for cleaning the flooring.

In addition to regular cleaning of the laminate, once a month you need to do a general cleaning using the same detergents that we indicated above, diluted with water in a higher concentration. And once every 6 months or a little less often, it is necessary to polish the floor or apply a protective layer to it. Polishing for cork laminate is sold in all hardware stores. It allows:

• protect the floor from accidentally spilled moisture;
• prevent dirt from penetrating into the coating structure;
• mask visible defects;
• seal the worn coating;
• protect the floor from ultraviolet radiation.

It is important to apply cork laminate polish following simple rules:

• only on a dry surface that has been previously cleaned of dust and other contaminants;
• shaking the mixture before use;
• rub the polish into the coating in a circular motion using a cotton cloth;
• Allow time to dry after application (approximately 30-60 minutes);
• If necessary, polish again.

Every five years, subject to intensive use, and after 7 years with an average coating load, you need to update the laminate using special means, such as:

• polyurethane sealant;
• cork floor oil;
• cork wax, etc.

You need to apply the product according to the instructions, and then let it dry for 2-3 days.

Rules for laying cork laminate

The method of laying cork laminate differs slightly from the method for conventional laminate, and these differences are rather pleasant and make life easier.

The laminates made using cork are joined using the same floating method without the use of glue. The segments of the future floor are transformed into a single whole due to the following located at their ends:

• thorns;
• grooves for tenons.

It is due to the presence of these two elements that the method of laying laminate is called “locking”, since, without having fastening at the base, each of the laminate plates is fixed relative to each other very reliably.

This installation method has many advantages:

• it runs quickly;
• can be used in any room;
• does not require specific construction skills;
• allows for the replacement of damaged slabs, without necessitating the opening of all floor panels or even several around the broken plate;
• the structure of the resulting coating is very dense.

Step-by-step instructions for laying cork laminate

The instructions describe several main stages of laying the flooring we are interested in. The installation described in it is not complicated. Let's start looking at the steps.

Step No. 1 – adapting the flooring to the climate inside the apartment or other premises

Cork laminate flooring is installed not only in living rooms, but also in offices and other common areas, where the load on the flooring is somewhat higher.

However, in addition to such a factor as the intensity of wear, it is necessary to take into account that within these premises the following parameters will vary:

• temperature;
• humidity.

Before you start laying the laminate, it is necessary for it to “get used” to the microclimate of the room being renovated.

To ensure that during the installation process the flooring plates do not expand and contract, deforming each other, but lie on the subfloor once and for all, it is necessary to adapt the cork laminate to the above-mentioned room climate parameters by doing the following:

• bringing material for finishing the floor into the room;
• leave it there without packaging for a period of 48 hours.

During the specified amount of time, all natural metamorphoses will occur, such as the expansion of wood under the influence of moisture and heat, or its drying out and reduction in dry air conditions, thus the laminate will take its final dimensions.

Step No. 2 – leveling the base

Despite the fact that laminate laid in a floating manner does not require a perfectly flat subfloor, and moreover, it can hide many small irregularities, nevertheless, for its smooth installation it requires at least the absence of serious errors.

Thus, according to the requirements of building codes and regulations, the preparation of the subfloor for laying any laminate should ensure a height difference not exceeding 2 millimeters by 2 meters. However, the presented indicator was calculated for outdated generations of the flooring in question; today, some manufacturing companies require a much less rigid ratio, equal to 3 millimeters per 1 meter.

As for local unevenness, the size of each of them on the rough field should not exceed three millimeters, then you can safely lay the laminate.

Thus, after dismantling the old flooring, which you now plan to replace with cork laminate, you need to level the subfloor using:

• cement screed;
• self-leveling mixtures.

After leveling, the floor covering of the rough layer should harden and become smooth. Afterwards, you should wipe it down, clearing it of excess debris, smoothing out any unevenness and any cracks. Once the subfloor is in nearly perfect condition, you can begin installing the cork laminate underlayment.

Cement screed is the most popular and economical option for leveling a subfloor.

We wrote in the article how to carry out all the work. Detailed instructions, calculators for calculating materials.

Step No. 3 - installation of the substrate

The backing itself for cork laminate is not a mandatory element, however, it is advisable to install it in those spaces in which water will potentially settle on the floor, for example:

• on the ground floor of a private building equipped with a basement;
• In bathroom;
• in the kitchen;
• in technical premises, etc.

Let's immediately clarify an important point: moisture is the killer of the laminate we are interested in, since it leads to very rapid and obvious deformation of the coating, which can hardly be quickly stopped. This deformation usually manifests itself in the appearance of gap spaces between the laminate plates.

The substrate is needed in order to create a vapor barrier layer for the laminate, thereby protecting it from destruction and extending its service life. Foamed polyethylene is widely used as such a substrate.

Its flooring is done as follows:

• the material is applied directly to the subfloor;
• There must be an overlap for the walls of approximately 3-4 centimeters.

The vapor barrier layer is applied overlapping, all resulting joints are secured with tape.

At this stage, in general, you can finish, unless you want to achieve additional effects from the substrate, such as:

• additional thermal insulation;
• improved sound insulation, etc.

Provided that you still have noisy neighbors, or in winter the floors in your apartment are unusually cold, then you can add to the vapor barrier layer:

• a layer of technical cork;
• polypropylene backing.

However, the materials listed above can not only create an atmosphere of silence and warmth in your home, but also level out the remaining unevenness on the subfloor, which will greatly facilitate your further work on laying laminate flooring.

Step No. 4 – laying the laminate using the “floating” method

Now you can begin laying the cork laminate on the coating we prepared in advance. Installation in this case will be carried out in the same way as laminate flooring from other types of wood is laid.

You need to start by laying the laminate plates in a row. You need to start from the far corner of the room and move towards the nearest one.

As for the seams running between the rows, to obtain a checkerboard pattern, which looks most organic in the case of laminate, it is necessary to move each subsequent row by half or at least a third.

The panels are fastened as follows:

• the tenons of the next segment of the flooring are inserted into the grooves of the laminate plate already laid on the floor;
• then the board is gently pressed, while simultaneously pushing the tenons further into the grooves, and laying it in a row.

Interlocking laminate installation is done using the tongue-and-groove method.

If you did everything correctly, the boards will snap into place. Now a wooden laying block is placed on the end part of the panel laid on the subfloor, which must be hit several times with a hammer. So you:

• seal the joints between the flooring parts;
• do not damage the laminate.

However, instead of a block, you can use a mallet - a hammer with a wooden or rubber base, which, even with direct interaction with the laminate, will not leave any dents, cracks or chips on it.

Remembering to compact the joints with hammer or mallet blows, continue laying out the laminate in rows, gradually covering the entire room.

It is very important to remember that when laying cork laminate, there should be gaps of several centimeters between the coating, as well as walls, pipes, thresholds and other obstacles of various types, since laminate is a coating that gradually expands over time in any case.

Provided that the size of the gaps left is too small, or there are none at all, the laminate will rest against walls or other obstacles and begin to put pressure on them, as a result of which the flooring will deform, and everything will have to start from the very beginning.

Step No. 5 - laying the baseboard

Such a familiar material as plinth will come to our aid - a shaped “edge” for flooring, made from a variety of materials. Since we are considering laying cork laminate, it is better to select skirting boards that are made from this unusual wood species in order to complement the overall ambiance of the room with such an elegant touch.

However, if you do not have the opportunity to purchase an expensive cork plinth, you can replace it with:

• wooden product;
• plastic;
• MDF option, etc.

To attach the cork plinth to the walls, you must use a special mounting adhesive; other products may require the use of fastening devices, such as:

• self-tapping screws;
• clips;
• nails;
• dowels, etc.

Whatever baseboard you choose, you need to attach it to the walls in such a way that there is approximately 2 millimeters between the flooring and this interior detail.

Let's sum it up

Cork laminate is a solution for those people who value comfort and coziness, but cannot afford to purchase pure cork. However, you need to understand that the cost of laminate is also not small, but quite tolerable if you really want to become the owner of a warm, soft floor that has a therapeutic effect. Before you buy a specific coating, get advice from the seller, and he will help you choose the most suitable type of cork laminate for you.

Prices for Tarkett laminate

Tarquette laminate

Video - Cork laminate: design and installation features

Today, the building materials market offers a huge variety of products, which puts buyers in a difficult position when choosing flooring. Of the two most worthy floor coverings: cork and laminated - which to choose? Which is better, cork or laminate? And is there a compromise in resolving this issue?

Cork oak, or rather its bark, has been used for interior decoration for a very long time. The usefulness of this material cannot be overestimated. Its general use was stopped only by the rather expensive price of this natural cork covering.

Laminate floors have already firmly won their rightful place in the ranking of flooring materials. They are practical, durable, easy to install and look great at an affordable price.

When choosing a floor covering, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of each room: its purpose, the amount of load on the floors, the temperature and humidity inside the room. It is also necessary to have information about each of the two materials being selected.

Properties of cork floor

Cork floor is natural eco-friendly a coating that is unusually pleasant to the tactile sensation: soft and warm when you walk on it barefoot. This is the quietest floor that can store heat perfectly. This floor does not slip. Due to its moisture resistance, it can even be used in the bathroom.

Cork material has a special porous structure, which provides it with extraordinary, useful properties:

• high strength, elasticity - the coating is able to recover after compression from load;
• excellent thermal insulation properties and noise absorption;
• moisture resistance;
• resistance to chemicals;
• antistatic - the material does not accumulate static electricity;
• bactericidal properties - the material is resistant to the formation of fungi, mold, etc.;
• the floor does not slip at all.

These wonderful properties of cork flooring fully meet the requirements for flooring in residential apartments and houses.

Types of cork covering

1. Adhesive cork boards.
2. Cork panels with locking elements (Cork laminate).

Adhesive cork boards usually have dimensions: 300*300, 300*600, 150*450 millimeters and a thickness of 4-6 millimeters. This type of floor is installed using the adhesive method on a previously prepared hard, dry base with good adhesion.

The rough base for adhesive cork flooring can be a prepared wooden floor or a cement screed. It’s even better to first lay sheets of plywood or OSB on the leveled base; this will make installing the cork much faster and easier.

When all the cork slabs are glued to the base, they are varnished in several layers and left until completely dry. This coating will last 8-10 years, the service life is determined by the quality of the varnish composition and the degree of load on the floors. At the end of its service life, the surface of the cork flooring is renewed by removing the remaining varnish and recoating it in several layers. The floor will be ready for further use.

Cork panels with a locking system (cork laminate) for mounting a “floating” floor, they usually have dimensions of 900 * 185 millimeters and a thickness of 8, 9 and 12 millimeters.

The emergence of cork laminate is due to the high cost of natural cork and the search for ways to reduce this cost. The structure of the laminated panel is taken as a basis. Having made certain adjustments: changing the lower stabilizing and decorative layers, we got a combination of cork with laminated material - cork laminate. Its structure:

To install laminate flooring with cork, the base of the floor is first prepared and leveled, cleaned of dust and dirt, then the underlay material is spread on it. This process is similar to installing laminate floors.

The actual installation of cork laminate is completely similar to the installation of laminated flooring.

Step-by-step instructions for laying cork laminate with your own hands:

Cork laminate: pros and cons

Cork laminate has many remarkable qualities that determine its undeniable advantages over other finishing materials.

Advantages:

• low thermal conductivity, which ensures the ability of the cork floor to retain heat for a long time and to feel this heat when in contact with the cork covering;
• high level of sound insulation, allowing you to muffle unnecessary sounds and ensure silent movement on the cork laminate floor;
• high wear resistance of cork panels, due to which the service life reaches 30 years;
• the moisture resistance of the material makes it possible to use cork flooring in rooms with high humidity;
• As a natural material, cork flooring is environmentally friendly, which ensures its hypoallergenic properties;
• resistance to chemicals, high resistance to the appearance and development of mold microorganisms and fungi;
• ease of installation of cork flooring;
• ease of maintenance of the coating, the ability to clean the surface of the slabs from heavy contamination;
• the ability to carry out repairs and dismantle floors made of cork panels with locking systems.

Along with the many wonderful properties of cork flooring, there are also some flaws:

• there is no point in combining it with a floor heating system due to the high thermal insulation of cork material;
• the use of safety caps for furniture legs to avoid the consequences of heavy furniture - irreversible deformation of the decorative surface of the cork laminate;
• in places of greatest traffic, the varnish layer will have to be restored;
• The material is quite expensive - this is perhaps its main drawback.

Having decorated the floors indoors with natural cork or cork-based laminate, you will see that this is a wonderful material that can bring comfort and warmth to both a city apartment and a country house.

The best manufacturers of cork coverings

Corporations from Portugal are the leaders among manufacturers of cork coverings. And this is understandable, since the cork oak, from the bark of which cork is made, mostly grows in this country. Cork coverings are manufactured by companies in Belgium, Switzerland, Serbia, Germany, and Russia.

Brand Wicanders - belongs to the Portuguese company AMORIM GROUP, a leading manufacturer of cork flooring. The company's employees are constantly improving technology and developing new types of products.

Several collections of cork coverings from this company are known. There are cork coverings designed to look like stone, metal, ceramic tiles, leather, wood, but preserving all the qualities of cork.

The Wicanders Vinylcomfort collection contains materials for areas with intense traffic. The plates have a special protective layer.

The Wicanders Linocomfort collection contains materials with a variety of designs and unusual color schemes.

Company Corkart- from Portugal. Famous for modern innovative developments.

Advantages of cork laminate flooring Corkart (Portugal):

• high degree of elasticity;
• high-strength products;
• unique design;
• high sound insulation rate;
• excellent combination of technical indicators.

Aberhof- a company from Germany, engaged in the production of various types of flooring materials: laminated, cork coverings for walls and floors. The main principle of the company is quality.

Advantages of Aberhof cork flooring:

• CORKLOC locks, very durable, developed in-house. Provide protection for panel joints from moisture;
• use of environmentally friendly WRT varnish with ceramic particles that provide excellent protection of the cork from any damage.

Corkstyle- Swiss company. Cork boards and Corkstyle laminate are characterized by excellent quality, the range is varied.

The company has many different collections of coatings, even with photo printing.

Features of Corkstyle cork flooring:

• UNICLIK locks - heavy-duty;
• high wear resistance. Two types of varnishes are used: Hot Coating and X-Protect, providing a high level of wear resistance;
• the level of moisture resistance has been increased - the floor will withstand the presence of water on its surface for 24 hours without harm;
• high environmental friendliness of products, class E1. This means that the formaldehyde content in the product is minimal.

Maestro Club- the brand unites companies from different countries.

The collections have excellent performance characteristics and are environmentally friendly.

The Rondo collection features environmentally friendly cork floors that have antistatic properties and do not rot or burn.

In the Fado collection, all materials are highly wear-resistant. High-strength Hot Coating varnish is used to effectively protect the cork coating.

Egger - products are manufactured in Austria and Germany. The Egger cork laminate from this company has established itself as a high-quality coating with a surface of increased wear resistance. The operational durability of the products is guaranteed for up to 25 years. The products have received many significant European awards.

A wide variety of imitations of natural wood.

All leading manufacturers of cork materials produce high-quality products with excellent technical performance and performance characteristics.

Laminate floor

Pros and cons of laminate flooring

The structure of a laminated panel can be compared to a multilayer cake made from several layers:

Before laying the laminated flooring, preliminary preparation and leveling of the floor base, cleaning it from dust and dirt is required. Then the base material, previously selected and purchased, is laid on the base.

About choosing a substrate and laying a laminate floor is described here:

Laminate flooring is a “floating” floor; the panels are connected to each other, but are not attached to the base of the floor in any way. To ensure that the laminate floor can “change” in size within small limits when temperature and humidity fluctuate, it is necessary to leave a technological gap near each wall.

The size of the gap is usually from 10 to 15 mm, it can be larger, but keep in mind that it must be completely covered by the plinth without leaving a gap. To maintain the same size of gaps on each wall, special spacer wedges or pieces of panels are used. Once installation is complete they are removed.

When laying, it is easier to first assemble the entire row of panels and then attach it to the previous row. Do not forget that the floors are installed like brickwork: with offset joints of panels of adjacent rows.

Nowadays, as a rule, laminated panels of commercial classes are used: 32-33. In residential apartments, such a floor will last a long time, at least 15 or 20 years.

Laminate floors come in a huge variety of colors and textures. There are a lot of decors with authentic imitations of natural materials: wood, natural stone, ceramic tiles, and even the skin of exotic animals. You can choose laminated panels for any interior and for every taste.

Advantages:

• affordable price with good quality;
• variety of sizes and decor;
• strength and wear resistance at a high level;
• resistance to minor fluctuations in room temperature;
• moisture resistance within certain limits;
• harmlessness;
• ease of installation, the ability to dismantle and reinstall if necessary;
• possibility of repairing selective panels;
• ease of care.

Flaws:

Someone else cannot decide for you what is better: laminate or cork; it is your choice, your preferences and your capabilities. Let's say one thing: no matter how you answer the question of which is better: cork flooring or laminate, you will not go wrong, because both materials are worthy of your choice, they are each wonderful in their own way.