If you’re ready to update your home with new flooring that doesn’t just look great but is also sustainable and more comfortable than other types of bare flooring, cork flooring should be at the top of your list.
There are a lot of different types of cork flooring on the market. One brand that may be of interest to you is iCork.
iCork Floor is a direct distributor of Forna cork flooring. iCork touts products and prices that beat its competitors. But are these just claims? What do consumers who’ve purchased and installed this flooring really think about iCork?
In this post, we’re going to take a look at what makes iCork stand apart from its competitors. We will also look at where it falls flat.
Before you shell out hundreds or thousands of dollars for your new flooring, make sure that you’re investing in the right product. Read on to learn more about iCork flooring products.
Is iCork Flooring Durable?
No one wants to spend time and money replacing floors year after year. So choosing a durable flooring option is likely at the top of your list.
Before you pull out your wallet, let’s explore whether cork flooring is a durable option for most households. More specifically, we will explore how iCork flooring performs compared to its competitors.
Cork flooring, like the products from iCork, is extremely durable. It is often longer wearing than other types of hard flooring.
iCork’s cork flooring is also sustainable and hypoallergenic. It is also resistant to mildew, mold, and insects.
iCork’s flooring is also naturally insulating. As a result, your flooring is quieter, softer, and warmer than other flooring like hardwoods.
What sets iCork’s products apart from its competitors is that all flooring products are finished with three layers of polyurethane varnish. This varnish is clear and odor-free and keeps your floors looking their best while also making them more water-resistant.
Over time, your iCork flooring may begin to show wear and when this occurs, simply reapplying a coat of varnish can restore the beauty of your cork flooring.
iCork’s flooring also has cellular memory, meaning that it springs back over time. If your floor dents under heavy furniture, for example, it will spring back from compression after moving the furniture for a short period of time.
To back up the quality of its products, iCork offers a 10-year residential wear warranty and a lifetime structural and joint integrity warranty. The wear-through warranty covers the surface of your flooring but not gloss reduction.
The lifetime structural warranty protects you from manufacturer’s defects, while the joint integrity warranty maintains that all joints will remain secure and planks will not come apart.
One important drawback to note is that you should protect your flooring from excessive exposure to direct sunlight. Customers have complained that flooring exposed to direct sunlight began to peel and change colors. This type of damage is not covered under iCork’s warranties.
Is iCork Flooring Affordable?
In general, cork flooring is priced at about $3 to $8 per square foot. iCork’s flooring is priced at about $3 to $4 per square foot, which is extremely competitive with other brands and types of hard flooring.
Of course, the pricing varies based on several factors, including the specific product you purchase and any current sales. The pricing of the flooring itself isn’t the only cost to consider, either.
You will need additional materials for the installation of your flooring. This includes trim pieces, adhesives (if applicable), and tools. Of course, a professional installer may cover these costs. Otherwise, you will have to supply the tools and materials yourself.
Can I Save Money With Self-Install?
iCork flooring has a competitive price, but professional installation can really drive these costs up. While there’s no pricing that’s set in stone due to factors including the size and complexity of the job and the contractor you select, you can reasonably expect to pay at least several hundred dollars for a small, easy cork floor installation.
Some handy homeowners choose to cut costs with self-installation, but is this a good choice for the average consumer that has no prior flooring experience?
iCork flooring is surprisingly easy to install, thanks in part to its Uniclic locking system. This system makes the process similar to installing laminate flooring. But even if you’ve never installed any type of flooring before, iCork makes it easy for beginners.
iCork also provides detailed instructions on its website for installing its products. These instructions are very specific, outlining steps from prepping your subfloors to completing the finishing touches.
iCork flooring is much easier to install than other types of hard flooring. However, it’s important to note that you will need to put aside plenty of time to complete the project. For a single, smaller room, this could be a few hours, while a much larger project could take several days.
You also need to make sure that you have the right tools for the job. Fortunately, you don’t need very much for your installation. Basic tools include tape measures, rubber mallet, a tapping block, and a circular saw, which you can rent from many home improvement stores.
Is There A Color or Style That Complements My Home?
iCork has a wide variety of colors and styles of cork flooring to choose from. First, you can make your choice between floating cork flooring and glue-down cork tiles. iCork also offers wood-like cork flooring, as well as narrow planks that come in 5-inch and 7-inch sizes.
iCork flooring is available in a variety of different colors, from white and light gray to darker shades like mahogany and ebony. iCork flooring is also available in a variety of styles and patterns, including wood-like flooring and planks and tiles that look like marble.
In short, you won’t find a shortage of different styles, colors, and sizes of iCork flooring. If you’re unsure of which flooring product is right for you, you can order five free samples directly from iCork Floor to check out the quality of the flooring and compare your top picks.
How Do I Care For My New Flooring?
iCork flooring products are very easy to clean and maintain. For floating floors, care is similar to laminate flooring. You can do regular cleaning with a broom (or hard floor vac) and a damp hardwood-friendly mop with non-abrasive floor cleaner to keep your floor looking its best.
Never use heavy-duty cleaning products, abrasive cleaners, and waxes on your iCork flooring. Doing so may dull the finish or cause damage to your floors which is not covered under the warranty.
You can use most of iCork’s flooring products in rooms including kitchens and basements. However, you should never install a floating floor in the bathroom.
While these products are water-resistant, they are not completely waterproof. They can be irreparably damaged by excessive exposure to moisture and humidity.
If you want floors for your bathroom, you can use iCork’s glue-down tiles. It is best to hire a professional or at least consult with an installer for tips and tricks before tackling this type of installation.
Cork flooring is extremely durable and resilient, but there are a few precautions you can take to make sure you get the most out of your new floors. Rotating heavy furniture to prevent denting, using furniture coasters and leg protectors to protect the surface of your floors, and keeping the claws of your pets short are all ways to protect your new flooring.
You can’t sand a refinish cork flooring like other types of hard flooring. However, you can reapply the polyurethane finish if your floors look dull or show wear.
It’s also important to protect your floors from excessive exposure to sunlight, as previously mentioned. This can be done by using area rugs in sunny areas or using window treatments like curtains, blinds, or shades to shield your floors from sunlight exposure.
Final Verdict
iCork flooring products offer a variety of benefits. Not only do these floors look great, but they’re softer, quieter, and oftentimes more durable than other types of hard flooring. iCork flooring is also a great choice for the budget-conscious consumer.
iCork flooring is also easy to install yourself, helping you save as much as thousands of dollars on the cost of your new floors. The products themselves are also very affordable.
Keeping your floors looking their best is no problem. You won’t have to worry about scratches, dents, and other problems that you would face with hardwoods, wood-look tile, or other types of hard flooring.
However, you should be aware that floating floors aren’t waterproof. They can be damaged when exposed to moisture and excessive exposure to sunlight can cause your floors to peel or become discolored.
Overall, though, iCork flooring is an affordable, low-maintenance bare flooring choice. If you’re considering the purchase of cork flooring, keep iCork’s low-cost, high-quality products at the top of your list.
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