RESILIENT TILE:   CORK

Cork floors are made from the outer bark of the cork oak tree.  Cork installations are highly decorative, and specialized.  The natural resins in the cork, added resins, heat curing and hydraulic pressure bind the mass together.  Thus cork floors are wood floors and must  be treated as such.  Traditionally the surface is given a heavy coat of wax or wax-resin mixture at the factory.   Always consult manufacturers instructions on maintenance and sealing.  Traditional maintenance uses liquid solvent or paste solvent wax. Today water based formulations are making progress into the traditional solvent market.  Water based formulations are clearer, lighter in color, significantly more durable than traditional solvent based waxes.  

CAUTIONS

• Protect against indentations.  Cork is relatively soft and can be permanently damaged by heavy loadings of small areas.  Use adequate furniture rests and protect against heavy loads.
• Avoid excessive use of water.  Excessive water, especially hot water, will penetrate between the tiles causing a loosening of the adhesive and eventual warping and cracking of the tile.
• Avoid abrasives.  Cork can be permanently scratched by sand, grit and coarse floor pads.
• Avoid high alkaline cleaners.  Highly alkaline materials will deteriorate the cork.  They cause embrittlement and in some cases whitening.