Cork flooring is gaining popularity across the UK for its beautiful natural look, comfort underfoot, and sustainable origins. Made from the bark of cork oak trees that naturally regenerate, it’s one of the most eco-friendly flooring options available. Combining warmth, resilience, and sound insulation, cork flooring brings comfort and practicality to modern and traditional homes alike.
At UK Flooring Depot, we believe the right flooring should reflect your lifestyle, values, and sense of style. Cork flooring offers all that and more — a perfect balance between design, durability, and environmental responsibility.
Key Takeaways
Cork flooring is made from renewable cork oak bark, making it one of the most sustainable flooring materials.
It provides excellent insulation, sound absorption, and comfort underfoot.
Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and home offices.
Naturally water-resistant, hypoallergenic, and easy to maintain.
A perfect blend of beauty, comfort, and eco-friendliness for UK homes.
What Is Cork Flooring?
Cork flooring comes from the bark of cork oak trees, carefully harvested without harming the tree. The bark grows back, allowing for repeated, sustainable harvesting every few years. The cork is processed into granules, pressed, and turned into planks or tiles — resulting in a durable, cushioned, and thermally efficient flooring material.
Its natural honeycomb structure allows cork to compress under pressure and spring back, making it both comfortable and resilient. This unique combination of softness and strength sets it apart from harder surfaces like Real Wood Flooring or Laminate Flooring, while still offering the same timeless appeal.
Why Choose Cork Flooring?
Cork flooring is more than just environmentally friendly — it’s designed to make everyday living easier and more comfortable. Its built-in insulation helps maintain warmth during colder months while reducing energy use. It’s also sound-absorbing, creating a quieter home environment, especially in multi-level houses or flats.
Because cork is hypoallergenic, naturally resistant to mould and pests, and easy to clean, it’s an ideal option for families and allergy-sensitive households. The soft, cushioned feel is gentle on joints, making it particularly suited to kitchens, offices, and living areas where you spend a lot of time standing.
If you’re drawn to natural-looking floors, you may also appreciate our Herringbone & Parquet Flooring for its intricate patterns and timeless charm.
Where Can You Use Cork Flooring?
Cork flooring works beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, hallways, and home offices. Floating cork floors with a click-lock system are easy to install and ideal for dry areas. For moisture-prone rooms like bathrooms, however, glue-down cork is the better choice as it can be sealed for extra water resistance.
While cork naturally repels moisture, it’s best to avoid prolonged water exposure. For areas that need added protection — such as bathrooms, entryways, or laundry spaces — you might also explore our Waterproof Flooring collection for extra peace of mind.
Is Cork Flooring Waterproof?
Cork itself is naturally water-resistant — after all, it’s used in wine stoppers — but the flooring’s seams can allow moisture through if not sealed correctly. Floating cork floors require proper sealing to prevent water seepage, while glue-down options, when installed and varnished properly, provide better moisture protection.
Although cork performs well in kitchens or occasional splash zones, it’s best to avoid standing water. For households needing full waterproof assurance, consider our high-performance Vinyl (LVT) or Waterproof Flooring collections, designed to withstand heavy moisture and humidity without compromise.
The Benefits of Cork Flooring
Cork offers a blend of practicality and natural beauty that few materials can match. It’s thermally efficient, helping to maintain warmth during winter and coolness in summer. Its soft texture absorbs impact, reducing strain on joints, and its acoustic qualities make it ideal for families or pet owners seeking a quieter home.
Visually, cork’s organic patterns and warm tones pair effortlessly with both rustic and contemporary interiors. Whether you’re renovating a modern apartment or a countryside home, cork provides timeless appeal with sustainable value.
Homeowners who love natural tones and texture may also find inspiration in our Real Wood and Herringbone & Parquet collections, both offering stunning alternatives that complement cork’s natural charm.
Installation and Maintenance
Floating cork flooring uses a simple click-lock system that’s easy for DIY enthusiasts to install, while glue-down cork requires a level subfloor and professional fitting — particularly in high-moisture areas. Always allow cork flooring to acclimate in the installation room for 48–72 hours before fitting.
Maintenance is effortless: vacuum with a soft brush, mop lightly with a damp cloth, and avoid harsh detergents. Use felt pads under furniture to prevent dents, and refinish every 5–10 years to restore its original sheen.
If you’re after quick-fit alternatives with similar warmth and durability, browse our Laminate Flooring collection for easy-maintenance designs, or check our latest Sale for limited-time flooring offers.
Does Cork Work Well with Pets and Families?
Yes — cork flooring is an excellent choice for homes with children or pets. Its cushioning absorbs sound and impact, while its naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic surface keeps your home cleaner and healthier. Small scratches can be refinished easily, extending the life of the floor.
This makes cork a practical and stylish flooring solution for active households looking for something soft, quiet, and eco-friendly.
FAQs
Is cork flooring durable?
Cork flooring is highly resilient and can last for decades with proper care. It compresses under pressure but springs back to shape, making it resistant to dents and everyday wear.
Can cork flooring be used with underfloor heating?
Yes. It’s fully compatible with water-based underfloor heating systems. For electric systems, a levelling compound or thin concrete layer should be installed between the heating elements and the cork.
Does cork fade in sunlight?
Yes, cork can fade with prolonged UV exposure. Protect it with blinds or rugs in bright areas, or consider shaded finishes to reduce discolouration.
Is cork suitable for bathrooms?
Only glue-down cork flooring is suitable for bathrooms when properly sealed. Floating cork should be avoided in wet areas.
How often does cork need refinishing?
Usually every 5–10 years, depending on traffic. Refinishing involves lightly sanding and re-varnishing the surface to restore its beauty.
Summary
Cork flooring is a natural, sustainable, and stylish flooring solution that perfectly balances beauty and performance. Its renewable origins, comfort underfoot, and acoustic insulation make it an excellent choice for UK homeowners seeking a practical yet eco-friendly upgrade.
Whether you’re designing a calm home office, a warm kitchen, or a quiet family space, cork flooring delivers exceptional comfort and timeless appeal.
At UK Flooring Depot, we offer a wide range of flooring styles to match every home and lifestyle. Explore our full collections today:
Real Wood Flooring
Herringbone & Parquet Flooring
Vinyl (LVT)
Laminate Flooring
Waterproof Flooring
Sale
Discover flooring that combines comfort, quality, and sustainability — only at UK Flooring Depot.
