Vinyl plank flooring has become an increasingly popular flooring option for homes and businesses in recent years. One of the reasons for its popularity is the wide variety of styles and designs available.
Vinyl plank flooring comes in wood, tile, and stone looks that can mimic high-end flooring materials at a fraction of the cost.
One decision buyers face when selecting vinyl plank flooring is whether to choose a product with a cork backing or not. Cork backed vinyl plank flooring provides some potential benefits compared to other backing materials.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what cork backed vinyl plank flooring is, its pros and cons, and help you determine if it’s the right choice for your home or business.
What Is Cork Backed Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Cork backed vinyl plank flooring has a thin layer of cork attached to the bottom surface of the vinyl planks.
The cork layer typically ranges from 1mm to 3mm in thickness.
The cork provides some extra cushioning and also helps absorb sound, providing acoustic benefits.
The top vinyl layer imparts the look and durability of the flooring.
Cork backed vinyl plank flooring is completely waterproof, just like other vinyl plank options, thanks to the solid vinyl top layer.
The cork backing gives it a slight softness underfoot that some buyers prefer over standard vinyl plank flooring.
Cork is an environmentally friendly, renewable material harvested from the bark of cork oak trees. The trees are not harmed during harvest, as the bark regenerates after being stripped.
Choosing a cork backed vinyl plank flooring may appeal to eco-conscious homeowners for this reason.
Pros of Selecting Cork Backed Vinyl Plank Flooring
- Enhanced Comfort and Warmth
The cork backing on this type of flooring provides extra cushioning and comfort underfoot. Standard vinyl plank flooring can feel quite firm and stiff.
The subtle softness of cork backed options is often appreciated, especially for homes with children or older residents.
Cork also provides thermal insulation, so cork backed vinyl plank flooring often feels warmer than types without cork. This perk is perfect for basements, bathrooms, and kitchens where cold floors are common.
- Sound Absorption
The cork layer underneath vinyl plank flooring helps absorb sound. This provides acoustic benefits by reducing noise and echoes within a room. Cork naturally dampens vibrations and sounds from footsteps, voices, and home activities.
Home theaters, nurseries, bedrooms, and other rooms where limiting noise is key can benefit from cork backed vinyl plank flooring for sound absorption.
- Moisture Resistance
Cork is naturally water resistant due to its waxy suberin component. Combining this moisture resistance with an impermeable vinyl top layer results in a completely waterproof flooring product.
Cork backed vinyl can be installed in wet areas like basements and bathrooms without concern.
The cork backing prevents moisture from seeping in from below. It provides a protective barrier for the vinyl plank flooring, keeping the planks fully intact and preventing warping or water damage issues.
- Floor Leveling Ability
The thin layer of cork helps smooth over small imperfections in the subfloor. Dips, bumps, and uneven spots get filled in by the cork backing layer. This provides a more even and flat surface for the vinyl plank flooring atop the cork.
Rooms with cracked or uneven concrete or flaws in the wood subfloor can benefit from the floor leveling perk of cork backed vinyl planks. The floor ends up flat and smooth during installation.
- Environmentally Sustainable Material
Cork is a renewable and sustainably-harvested material.
The cork oak trees used for cork flooring backing are not cut down or harmed.
Their bark regenerates after each harvest. Choosing a product with cork backing keeps with environmental best practices.
Cork is also biodegradable and recyclable.
At the end of its lifespan, cork backed vinyl flooring won’t end up in a landfill. It can be recycled or naturally decompose if disposed of properly.
This gives it an edge over vinyl plank flooring with plastic or rubber backing layers when it comes to ecological impact.
- Cost Savings on Underlayment
Cork backed vinyl plank flooring doesn’t require a separate underlayment layer. The cork backing fulfills the same role in cushioning and floor prep. Going with a cork backed vinyl plank product means saving money on purchasing and installing a separate underlayment.
Underlayment material, labor for underlayment installation, and thinset adhesive for the underlayment layer are expenses you avoid with cork backed vinyl flooring. This results in cost savings for both materials and project installation.
Cons of Choosing Cork Backed Vinyl Plank Flooring
- Potential Mold Growth
There have been some concerns raised about potential mold growth between the cork layer and vinyl plank flooring. If moisture seeps in, the space between the cork backing and vinyl plank could allow mold to form.
Proper installation and maintenance is required to prevent moisture ingress and the damp conditions that enable mold growth. But this remains a potential downside that does not exist with vinyl plank flooring lacking a cork layer.
- Less Rigid Support
While the cork backing provides cushy softness, some may find it lacks adequate rigidity and support. Flooring experts debate whether the cork backing softens the flooring too much, failing to provide a stable foundation for the vinyl planks.
There are concerns the planks could buckle or warp over time without a harder, more rigid backing material supporting the vinyl planks.
- Not Ideal for All Climates
The moisture absorbing nature of cork makes it susceptible to expanding and contracting based on humidity and dampness levels. In very damp or humid climates, the cork could become misshapen, making the flooring above unstable and prone to damage.
Cork is best suited for average or dry climate controlled environments. Wet climates may prove challenging for cork backed floors to maintain their structure and appearance over years of use.
- Difficult Repairs and Replacements
Repairing or replacing damaged planks in a cork backed vinyl floor requires peeling up not just the plank but also the cork layer below. This makes for a trickier, more labor intensive process compared to swapping out a damaged plank in traditional vinyl flooring.
Taking up cork backed planks also increases the risk of tearing or compromising surrounding planks during the repair process due to the cork adhesive and padding.
- Can’t Install Over Radiant Heat Systems
Cork has low thermal conductivity. This means it does not transmit heat effectively from radiant heating systems installed in the subfloor. As a result, cork backed vinyl planks cannot be installed over radiant floor heating systems.
Homes that want to make use of radiant floor heating for whole floor temperature control won’t be able to choose cork backed vinyl plank flooring. The cork backing will interfere with and block heat transmission from the radiant heating system in the subfloor.
Is Cork Backing on Vinyl Plank Flooring Worth It?
So should you choose cork backed vinyl plank flooring or go with a more traditional vinyl plank floor without cork? Here are a few key factors to consider when deciding:
- Climate: Cork backing performs best in average to dry environments. Very humid, damp climates can cause issues over time.
- Noise Level: Do you want to reduce echoes and noises? Cork backing absorbs sound effectively.
- Underfoot Feel: Prefer a soft, warm feel underfoot? Cork provides extra comfort and cushioning.
- Subfloor Condition: Does your subfloor need leveling out? Cork can help smooth over dips and divots.
- Environmental Impact: Cork is an eco-friendly renewable material if sustainability is important to you.
- Cost: Cork backing saves money on underlayment materials and installation.
- Mold Concerns: Install and maintain the floor properly to avoid moisture risks.
Ultimately, the pros of enhanced comfort, sound absorption, and sustainability for many homeowners outweigh the cons of potential moisture risks. Cork backed vinyl plank flooring provides a great balance of vinyl plank durability and cork’s cushioning comfort.
Cork Backed Vinyl Plank Or Cork Flooring: Key Differences
Cork flooring is another option that provides softness, insulation, and other benefits of cork. How does it compare to cork backed vinyl plank products?
There are a few key differences between solid cork flooring and cork backed vinyl:
- Durability: The vinyl topping on cork backed vinyl plank flooring is more scratch, stain, and dent resistant than solid cork flooring.
- Waterproofing: Cork backing paired with vinyl plank construction results in fully waterproof flooring. Solid cork flooring can suffer water damage if moisture seeps in.
- Installation: Cork backed vinyl plank flooring installs just like traditional vinyl plank flooring by floating or gluing planks. Cork tiles generally require professional installation.
- Styles: Vinyl plank topping allows cork backed floors to mimic wood, tile, and stone designs. Solid cork flooring has a signature cork visual.
- Cost: Cork backed vinyl plank flooring is generally cheaper than solid cork floors.
For homeowners who want cork’s benefits but also the durability, waterproofing, DIY-friendly installation, and style options of vinyl plank flooring, cork backed vinyl products offer the best of both worlds.
Cork Backed Vinyl Plank Flooring Reviews
Now that we’ve covered the pros, cons, and key considerations for cork backed vinyl plank flooring, let’s look at some top products on the market. Here are five highly rated cork backed vinyl plank floor options:
1. Home Decorators Collection Vinyl Plank with Cork Backing
- Wide range of wood look designs
- Attached cork underlayment up to 2mm thick
- Wear layer: 20 mil
- Scratch and stain resistant
- Lifetime residential warranty
Reviews: Homeowners praise the authentic wood looks, easy DIY installation, and durability of these cork backed vinyl planks from Home Depot. They also note the comfort underfoot thanks to the cork layer.
2. TRAFFICMASTER Cork Backed Vinyl Plank Flooring
- Stone and wood styles
- 1mm cork backing
- Clear silicone coating for stain resistance
- High durability surface layer
- Low VOC emissions
Reviews: Customers recommend this budget-friendly cork backed vinyl plank option for basement and kitchen installs. They note the planks are easy to cut and snap together firmly during DIY installation.
3. Cali Bamboo Cork View Vinyl Plank Flooring
- Floating click-lock installation
- Cork backing made of recycled materials
- Realistic stone visuals
- Scratch resistant flooring surface
- 100% waterproof
Reviews: Homeowners mention how the cork backing reduces sounds in this Cali Bamboo vinyl plank flooring. They also note the warmth and comfort underfoot.
4. Parterre Cork Backed Vinyl Plank
- Four wood look options
- Cork backing layer up to 2.5mm thick
- Attached cork underlayment
- Low VOC emissions and low odor
- FloorScore certified
Reviews: According to reviews, Parterre’s cork backed vinyl plank flooring is easy to install, affordable, and attractive. Homeowners mention appreciating the quiet, soft feel underfoot.
5. NovaCore Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring
- Stone, wood, and abstract designs
- CorkPlus HD attached underlayment
- Scratch, stain, indent, and fade resistant
- Minimal VOC emissions
- Lifetime residential warranty
Reviews: Customers praise the styling options and say NovaCore’s cork backed vinyl planks are durable and easy to clean. They mention the flooring seems warmer due to the cork backing.
Cork Backed Vinyl Plank Flooring: FAQs
Still have some questions about cork backed vinyl plank flooring? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Yes, the cork backing provides benefits like sound absorption, insulation, comfort underfoot, and subfloor leveling ability. Cork backing gives vinyl plank flooring enhanced acoustic and thermal properties.
Cork backing is a good option not just for vinyl plank flooring but also for laminate and hardwood flooring. The cork provides sound and heat insulation for any type of floating floor.
No, vinyl plank flooring with an attached cork backing does not require any additional underlayment installed prior to the flooring planks. The cork backing layer serves as the underlayment.
Cork and felt backings are considered the best backing options for vinyl plank flooring. Cork provides comfort and acoustic benefits. Felt offers rigidity and structure. Homeowners should choose based on their specific needs and the subfloor type.
The Bottom Line on Cork Backed Vinyl Plank Flooring
Cork backed vinyl plank flooring provides a cushioned, quieter walking experience compared to traditional rigid core vinyl plank products. The renewable cork layer offers sound dampening, insulation, and subfloor leveling abilities.
Cork backed vinyl planks are completely waterproof thanks to their vinyl construction.
Potential issues like mold growth or instability can be prevented with proper installation and maintenance.
Overall, the acoustic, comfort, and environmental benefits make cork backed vinyl plank flooring an excellent choice for eco-minded homeowners who want the warmth and softness of cork paired with the durability and waterproofing of vinyl plank flooring.
Good and timely information since we are trying to decide between cork-backed LVP or solid cork. FYI, we recently discovered that WE Cork has come out with a line of waterproof cork floor tiles.