Cork flooring and timber flooring in Melbourne have pros and cons for high-traffic areas

When building your dream home, it is important to prioritise flooring of high-traffic areas such as the kitchen, living room and entryways. Imagine the frustration of spending a fortune on a new timber floor installation, only to have it replaced in a few years because it’s prematurely worn down, stained, and curling. 

With so many varieties of materials available on the market, finding the perfect flooring can be an overwhelming process. You’d need to consider durability, comfort, aesthetic appeal, and maintenance needs. Cork and timber flooring are popular and highly recommended choices for flooring due to their standout performance under pressure. With Croydon Floors’s expert advice, learn more about the pros and cons of these two flooring materials to make the best decision for your home.

Durability and Longevity

A cork flooring installation is unique because it has a naturally high resistance to impact, thanks to its cellular structure composed of millions of air-filled chambers. This means that cork floors can withstand drops and heavy foot traffic with minimal denting. That’s why it’s often recommended for high-traffic areas such as kitchens, living rooms, and entryways. 

This doesn’t mean that it’s invincible. Heavy furniture or high-impact objects like dropped tools or sports equipment can still make a gnarly dent. However, with a strong UV-resistant finish such as polyurethane or acrylic, its resistance to scratches and stains increases.

On the other hand, timber floor hardwood varieties such as oak, black butt, or spotted gum, are some of the most durable flooring options available. Their natural density and hardness offers superior impact resistance compared to cork. This makes them highly ideal for areas in homes with pets, kids, or frequent entertaining.

That said, timber is not impervious to wear. Over time, it may develop scuffs or deep scratches, particularly if the floor isn’t maintained properly. Refinishing the floor every 5 to 10 years and proper maintenance can restore its original beauty and extend its life for decades.

Moisture Resistance

High-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms are prone to spills and humidity. While cork floors are water-resistant, they are still vulnerable to excess moisture. When exposed to large amounts of moisture over time, they can warp or swell. To mitigate this, it’s crucial to ensure cork flooring is treated with a water-resistant sealant and regularly checked for potential leaks.

Hardwood timber floors, on the other hand, are susceptible to water damage. Exposure to humidity and wet conditions can cause timber floors to expand, contract, or warp. 

However, engineered timber flooring (a layer of hardwood on top of plywood) is more stable as it minimises the risk of expansion. Treating your timber floor installation with water-resistant finishes or a moisture barrier underlay can also prevent water infiltration and damage.

Scratch Resistance

Cork, while naturally resistant to scratches due to its elasticity, is still vulnerable to sharp objects and heavy furniture. To increase its scratch resistance, it can be treated with additional protective coatings. However, this may not fully prevent deeper gouges or permanent marks from sharp objects.

When it comes to timber, the key to minimising scratches is the hardness of the wood. Some hardwoods are rated highly on the Janka hardness scale, which indicates how much force is required to embed a steel ball into the wood.

Hardwoods with a higher Janka rating will ensure greater durability. Additionally, a protective finish like polyurethane can increase its scratch resistance.

UV Resistance and Fading

While cork floors can resist UV rays to some extent, prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to fading, particularly for natural cork finishes. For areas that receive plenty of sunlight, using UV-resistant sealants is essential to prevent the colour from deteriorating over time.

Timber floors, especially lighter woods like oak and ash, are susceptible to fading from UV rays over time. Like cork flooring, UV coatings can help protect against fading, but no treatment can fully prevent it.

Thermal Insulation and Comfort

The standout feature of cork flooring in Melbourne, when it comes to high-traffic areas, is its natural ability to act as a thermal insulator. In Melbourne, where temperatures can fluctuate drastically, cork provides excellent insulation. This keeps the floor cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Timber has natural insulating properties as well but tends to be less effective than cork at maintaining temperature consistency. However, when paired with underfloor heating timber can provide a cozy and comfortable surface for high-traffic spaces. Its thermal properties also efficiently distribute heat across the room in homes with radiant heat systems.

The Verdict – Cork Flooring or Timber Floor Installation?

Ultimately, choosing between cork and timber flooring for your Melbourne home comes down to your specific needs and priorities. Cork offers superior soundproofing and comfort, however, its long-term durability might be compromised under heavy use, especially in high-traffic zones. Timber, on the other hand, is built to last, offering exceptional strength and elegance, perfect for homes where longevity and timeless appeal are the priority.

Whether you’re leaning toward the comfort of cork or the enduring beauty and resilience of timber, let our flooring experts at Croydon Floors help you. Explore a wide range of cork and timber flooring options tailored to your needs, or contact us for further inquiries.