[momofabrood]

We have been researching and have come up with different answers each time! We have a home built in 1970. Hardwood floors throughout except bathrooms and kitchen. The kitchen has linoleum right now and is shot. We are remodeling our kitchen and wood floors would look great HOWEVER we have a lot of traffic and daily spills (as we have many children). We are looking for something we can lay ourselves over the linoleum. We want something that looks nice but most important can handle the spills, banging, and many feet. WE thought laminate wood might be a good option but were discouraged with other reviews. Any suggestions would be so very helpful!
Thanks.

 

[DangerMouse]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

I'd consider cork.
It cushions things that drop.
It's soft to walk on.
It's warm in winter.
It's very durable and has been used in the Library of Congress forever...
It's from a renewable resource.

DM

 

[momofabrood]

Is cork more water resistant than laminate wood?

 

[DangerMouse]

I'd say yes, but as with any flooring, clean up any spills as quickly as possible.

DM

 

[woodman58]

As Dangermouse said, cork is a good choice. Cork by itself is impervious to water. However the core material is not. In my opinion all cork should have atleast one (preferably two) coats of poly put on after installation. This will insure no water will penetrate to the core.

 

[DannyT]

cork is waterproof but you wouldnt want water soaking through to the substrate its mounted on. it would be a good choice for a kitchen. 3/4 inch brazillian tigerwood would be a good choice also in my opinion. they even use it for decks. its 170% harder than oak flooring. but the cork is probably the best choice. I think it looks better than laminate. I have installed laminate that looked like tile and it looked pretty good, better then the wood look laminates.

 

[DangerMouse]

Another choice, though not quite as soft (kids drop things, they're funny like that) could be CVT.
Composite vinyl tile looks like ceramic, but won't crack like ceramic on poorly supported floors.
It's thick and can be grouted, and is likely a wee bit warmer in winter than ceramic tiles.

DM

 

[user1007]

Cork floors are great in kitchens. They have some natural cushioning and sound reduction qualities and they breath. Look for quality materials, not box store stuff though. Nicer cork comes in a variety of colors and patterns and as tiles or engineered floating type panels.

Engineered bamboo---especially laminated strand bamboo---is also very beautiful and comes in just about any color from near white to ebony. Again, buy good flooring not box store stuff.

Good companies put exceptional finishes on both bamboo and cork flooring and warrant it for an extended period of time.

I have used products from this company quite a bit, and clients and installers seem pleased with it, but am not endorsing it as the only or even the best source. It will give you a starting point as to what to look for though. Your local QUALITY FLOORING store might be worth a visit too.

http://www.duro-design.com/index.cfm/floating-cork-flooring/

 

[momofabrood]

Have to say I looked up the VCT and it looks a bit too much like my elementary school - bad memories! The cork looks like a good option is it washable like the laminated floors? Can you interlock it the same for installation? :no:I have never looked at it in person and I am guessing that it is high quality since it is more money? LOL!

 

[DangerMouse]

I have to agree. I've never liked tiles ANYwhere.... they always look.... "institutional".... like a hospital.... which we all love visiting, right? :laughing:
Cork is washable, yes. Damp mop recommended to avoid water seeping between planks. Same as wood.

DM