Cork Flooring that Feels Warm, Quiet and Comfortable Underfoot.
Cork Floors Suit Homes Where Comfort Matters Just as Much as Appearance.
Cork floors offer a sense of comfort underfoot, a natural warmth, and a look that brings something different to a room without trying too hard.
At Floorboards, we supply and install cork flooring for homeowners, interior designers and builders across the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and lower Coromandel.
If you’re comparing flooring options and want something that’s warm and comfortable underfoot, cork is well worth considering.
Modern Cork is Different from Cork Tiles Popular in the 70s and 80s
Older cork floors were typically made from square tiles glued directly to the subfloor, then sanded and finished on site with polyurethane. While this was a common and more budget-friendly approach in the 1970s and 1980s, it was also time-consuming, less healthy than today’s finishing systems, and tended to yellow over time. It also made repairs more difficult, as damage often required reworking or fully replacing the floor.
Our Modern Cork Flooring is a Completely Different Product.
Today’s collections come in plank form, giving the floor a more contemporary look with their micro bevels. Installation is usually done as a floating floor rather than a direct adhesive system, making the process more straightforward and allowing the floor to expand and contract without shrinking and cracking. Our cork products also use the Uniclic joint system, which means repairs are far more manageable than they used to be.
Another practical difference is the finish. Older cork tiles often needed to be lacquered after installation and then left to dry before the floor could be used. Modern cork planks are prefinished, so the surface is ready to walk on from day one.
Why Cork? It Feels Good to Live With
Some flooring decisions are mostly visual. Cork tends to be chosen for how it feels as well.
The surface has a subtle natural cushioning that makes everyday areas more comfortable underfoot, especially in homes where people are often barefoot. Kitchens, living spaces and bedrooms can all benefit from that extra warmth and give.
Cork also helps create a quieter feel in the home. It has natural insulating qualities, which can soften sound and contribute to a calmer atmosphere overall.
For households wanting a flooring option that feels easier on the body, cork can be appealing because it is gentler underfoot than other harder surfaces, such as tiles, polished concrete, or thin lino.
This small difference creates a subtle shift in how you feel at home and how you walk through the space.
A Flooring Surface for People Looking Beyond the Standard Options
Cork is often chosen by homeowners who want a material with a more thoughtful story behind it.
With our cork flooring made by Torlys, you’ll be pleased to know the surface is cork bark, regularly harvested from living trees, and it’s FSC Certified (FSC-C092674).
Because cork is a renewable resource, it appeals to people who are paying closer attention to what goes into their home, not just how the finished space looks.
That doesn’t mean choosing cork is only about sustainability. For many people, it is the combination of style, surface feel, warmth and comfort underfoot, practicality, and the knowledge that their floor is made from a certified renewable material.
Cork Flooring is Natural and Different, and That’s Part of the Appeal
You might want a natural floor, but not every homeowner wants the look of timber. Cork offers something different.
Its natural patterning makes its surface unique on every plank, which can work beautifully in relaxed interiors, coastal homes, renovated character homes, and new builds where the aim is to create warmth without making the space feel too spacious.
Interior designers often like cork because it brings personality to a room in a quieter way. It doesn’t dominate a space, but it does give it character. If you’re after a floor that feels more individual and intentional, cork is worth considering.
Why Cork Flooring Might be a Good Choice for You and Your Home
Apart from its comfort and appearance, our cork flooring offers several practical advantages in new and renovated homes:
It feels warm underfoot
It has a softer surface than many other hard flooring options
It can help reduce noise throughout the room
It suits homes where comfort is a priority
It is compatible with most traditional underfloor heating systems (however, it's unlikely you’ll need to turn it on!)
It is a good fit for people wanting a sustainable flooring option.
As with any flooring choice, the right product and proper installation matter. That’s where good advice makes a difference.
See Cork flooring in person and get all your questions answered
Contact us or visit your nearest Floorboards Showroom in Hamilton or Tauranga to see samples and selected cork floors installed.
If you’re interested in cork flooring, we can help you compare our collections, talk through where it will work best, and guide you toward a floor that suits the home you’re creating. If you are working with an interior designer or builder, we welcome the opportunity to chat with them as well.
We have two showrooms, one in Hamilton and the other in Tauranga, that give you the chance to see current options up close, compare tones and textures, and get practical advice from people who understand flooring, not just product names.
Contact us below, or visit your nearest Floorboards Showroom.
Cork Flooring FAQs
How Much Does Cork Flooring Cost?
We do not provide a price per square metre for flooring, because the final cost depends on the unique requirements of your space. Layout and features of the room, stairs, trims, choice of underlay, and floor protection from other trades working in your home will need to be considered.
The best way to get accurate pricing is to talk with our team and arrange a free measure and quote.
What is Modern Cork Flooring?
Modern cork flooring is installed as an engineered plank with cork surface layer, stable core board and built-in cork underlay. This product is designed for easier installation and residential use. It differs from older glued cork tiles by using a floating floor installation system. Planks are prefinished with low VOC protective layers, so no polyurethane is needed.
Is Cork Flooring Still Suitable for Modern Homes?
Yes. Modern cork flooring works well in contemporary homes because it comes in plank form, has a cleaner finish with a micro bevel, and offers a more refined overall look than older square cork tiles.
What are the Benefits of Cork Flooring?
Our cork flooring is made by Torlys. It's warm and comfortable underfoot, compared to many other hard-surface flooring options, quieter in the home, and compatible with most traditional underfloor heating system. Torlys cork is also made from a renewable, natural material that’s FSC Certified.
Is Cork Flooring Comfortable to Walk On?
Yes. Cork flooring has a shock absorbing feel underfoot than many other hard flooring types, making it a comfortable, quieter option for everyday living.
Is Cork Flooring a Sustainable Flooring Choice?
Cork flooring is often chosen as a more sustainable option because it is made from renewable cork bark harvested from living trees. Many other products such as selected timbers also use FSC Certified material.
How is your Cork Flooring Installed?
Our modern cork flooring is installed as a floating floor, planks are connected with the Uniclic joint system by Unilin. The prefinished engineered planks is backed with CorkPlusTM and features built-in Microban® antimicrobial product protection, which inhibits mould growth. Once we have installed your floor, you can walk on it straight away without the need for polyurethaning.
Do you Install Cork Flooring?
We supply and professionally install our cork flooring. Our installation teams will install floors into homes throughout the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and lower Coromandel regions. Making it much easier for you and ensuring a professional finish.
Can Cork Flooring be Used with Underfloor Heating?
Yes. Modern cork flooring is compatible with most traditional underfloor heating systems, making it a practical option for homes where warmth and comfort are important, but it's unlikely you’ll ever turn it on!
Why is Cork Flooring Becoming Popular Again?
Cork flooring is returning in popularity because it combines comfort, natural warmth, sustainability, and a distinctive appearance that feels different from more common flooring styles.
Where Can I View Cork Flooring Collections?
You can view the latest cork flooring collections by contacting Floorboards or visiting your nearest Hamilton or Tauranga Showroom to compare colours, textures, and finishes in person.
Hamilton Showroom - Ph 07 959 1861
79 Church Road, Hamilton (Level 1 in the Carpet Mill Building)
Tauranga Showroom - Ph 021 977 548
12/8 Toorea Street, Papamoa
Ph 07 959 1861
Level 1, 79 Church Road, Hamilton
Ph 021 977 548
12/8 Toorea Street, Pāpāmoa Beach, Pāpāmoa
