Cork Flooring in the Bathroom

Resilient, earthy, stylish; a cork floor can turn any room into a cozy haven. Cork flooring is widely used in kitchens because it is resistant to dings and scrapes, affordable, and easy enough to install for even the most novice DIYers. For these reasons, bathroom cork flooring installation is a clear choice as well. Let's explore the basics of cork flooring in a bathroom:

Naturally Resistant to Mold and Mildew

Because of imminent water spills that can occur in a bathroom, cork flooring is a great choice. The material is waterproof (think of the cork in a bottle) and has a naturally occurring chemical, suberin, which makes it mold and mildew resistant. More, the surface is less slippery than most tile products, making it an ideal for children or older individuals who may be susceptible to slipping. All-in-all, cork floors allow you to enjoy your bathroom without unnecessary water damage.

A Warm and Soft Underfoot

Imagine stepping out of a shower or bath onto a naturally warm and inviting surface. That's the essence of cork floors. Cork is a naturally insulated and heat absorbing material, which keeps your floors warm. Soft like suede, cork also offers a naturally cushiony underfoot, almost like carpet.

Design and Color

Believe it or not, cork floors come in a variety of options. Color varieties range from subtle beiges, browns, off-whites, to more vibrant colors like yellow, violet, and red. Cork flooring planks and tiles come in varieties like high gloss, smooth, matte, and textured; while shapes include plank, rectangle, strip, tile, or random.

Installation

It's important to caulk around the perimeter of your cork floor as a precaution against the heavy amount of water spills that can occur. That way, your subfloors and walls will not be discolored or warped by excess water. Planks or tiles typically overlay a pre-existing subfloor using a tongue and groove system.

If you lean towards purchasing eco-friendly materials, consider bathroom cork floors because it is a naturally occurring material that is renewable. All in all, when properly installed and maintained, cork flooring in bathrooms is a quality choice that will last for many years. Plus, it runs between $3 and $22 per square foot, making it a less expensive but visually comparable to hardwood floors.

More Reading: This Old House, "How to Lay a Cork Floor"