Appearance

Cork is made from a layer of the bark of the cork oak tree, Quercus suber, which is grown in Spain, Portugal, and Tunisia. The cork interior of the flooring is sometimes covered by a cork veneer ¹ that can offer the appearance of other materials such as bamboo or even marble, but usually, cork has a unique appearance. Because of this, cork does not provide the uniform look of laminate. The overall look of the floor will be varied and may not be to everyone’s taste. Cork is sold in planks and tiles.

Laminate, on the other hand, is made from a combination of organic and inorganic materials. A bottom paper layer provides stability to the internal particle board ² layers and the upper image of the desired wood species or stone type. On top is a clear finish that gives the material a durable surface. All of these layers are laminated together under pressure and heat to create the final material. Usually, laminate flooring comes in planks, but it is available in tiles as well.

Cork is the softer surface for walking and standing. This is an advantage in the kitchen. Despite being installed on a pad ³, laminate is a hard surface that may not be comfortable to stand or walk on over time. Moreover, flooring made of cork must be protected from direct sunlight, or the color will change. Laminate is not affected by sunlight.

Costs

Cork is also the most expensive flooring material of the two, mainly because it is an imported material. The cost for cork ranges from $3 to $9 per square foot depending on the quality and type. Labor for professional installation will add $1.50 to $3 per square foot. For example, a living room that is 18 feet by 20 feet will cost approximately $1,400 for materials. Labor will cost about $600. The underlayment ⁵ will cost about $100 for a total cost of $2,100.

Laminate ranges from $2 to $8 per square foot, plus the extra cost of the pad ³. The difference in price is determined by the thickness of the laminate material and quality of the finish. Labor for installing this floor will be about $1.50 to $3 per square foot. For example, a living room that is 18 feet by 20 feet will cost approximately $1,040 for materials. Labor will cost about $525. The underlayment ⁵ will cost about $100 for a total cost of $1,665.

Moisture & Mold Growth

The sealant used on cork flooring and the quality of the application determine how well the floor resists moisture. No amount of sealant will protect cork from standing water or persistent, high humidity. Cork tiles or planks will curl and discolor if exposed to these hazards. Laminate flooring is particularly susceptible to water damage. Any standing moisture will cause the plank’s interior material to warp and the surface to discolor.

Noise

The naturally soft surface of cork is noise resistant and insulating. Laminate, on the other hand, often has an artificial sound when walked upon. Some homeowners dislike the hollow or clicking sound that the floor makes. A professional installer can suggest a special type of acoustical underlayment ⁵ to prevent this.

Environmental Concerns

The greener choice is cork because it is a renewable and recyclable resource. The tree bark can be harvested every 9 to 13 years without harming the tree. Cork flooring is also hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, which inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

In addition, cork has the reputation of being warmer on the feet in winter and cooler in summer because of its springy, cellular structure. The small air pockets in the flooring act as an insulator, keeping heat out in summer and retaining interior heat in winter.

Cork is also resistant to insect infestations. The wood layers within laminate, however, can be inviting food for termites and carpenter ants.