NWFA - National Wood Flooring Association

Cork

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Species - Domestic

Top portion is finished with water-base finish; bottom with oil-based finish

Appearance

Color: Varies from light to dark; many colors available depending on manufacturer

Grain:  Distinctive look unlike wood - cork is actually the bark of a type of oak.

Variations:  Many patterns available depending on manufacturer.

Workability

Sawing/Machining: Cork may be cut with a utility knife

Sanding: Use the finest grit possible to flatten the floor. The following sequences are recommended for use only with a multi-disc sander or a hard plate on a buffer. If the edger is used, fine sandpaper (100/120/150) should be backed with a maroon pad.


Nailing: Cork is installed using adhesive

Finishing: All surface-type finishes are successfully used on cork (choose a finish that will bend as the cork compresses). Oil-and-wax also is used frequently.
Comments Pay particular attention to subfloor preparation, as cork is very sensitive to moisture, and also transfers any imperfections in the subfloor to the surface appearance. Origin: Spain and Portugal

Properties

Hardness/Janka: Varies

Dimensional Stability: Cork reacts quickly, sometimes within hours, to changes in moisture. (Typical dimensional stability measurements do not apply to cork's composite construction).

Durability: Availability

Readily available.