7 best cork flooring manufacturers

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

More and more Russians prefer to use natural materials for the decoration of apartments and houses. Cork is one of the best floor coverings in terms of sustainability and safety. Interestingly, the bark removed from the cork tree grows back quickly, so nature is not harmed. Experts also consider the advantages of a cork floor to be lightness, elasticity, and good water-repellency. Thanks to the introduction of special additives, manufacturers are able to increase resistance to combustion, impart antistatic properties to the coating. Today in the domestic market you can find cork panels from different manufacturers. Which one should you give preference to? Our experts will help you answer this question.

How to choose a cork flooring manufacturer

1. Products from Europe have proven themselves best on the Russian market. This is explained by the use of high-tech equipment and the availability of quality raw materials in countries such as Portugal, Germany and Switzerland.
2. To reduce the final cost of cork floors, some European manufacturers are locating production sites in Russia. Thanks to a strict control system at all stages of production, it is possible to maintain an optimal combination of price and quality.
3. Chinese companies have also been actively participating in the competition. They draw attention to their products with low prices. But with quality, everything is not always smooth, since cunning Asians use waste cork production for manufacturing. The connection of small components is carried out using toxic adhesives and varnishes.
4. However, the choice of cork flooring depends not only on the manufacturer. Experts recommend deciding on the type of panel. There are slabs made of pressed material that are mounted with glue. An alternative to glue structures would be a castle floor. It is also called floating. Docking of multi-layer panels is carried out using a lock (tongue-and-groove system). Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Our review includes 7 of the best cork flooring manufacturers. The winners were determined taking into account the feedback from domestic consumers.

Advantages and disadvantages of glued and interlocking cork floors

Cork floor type	Advantages	disadvantages
Glue	+ can be combined with other floor types + maintainability + easy renewal with new varnish + resistance to moisture and temperature changes	– thorough preparation of the base – additional costs for adhesive and protective varnish – complex installation
Castle	+ factory varnish + minimal preparation of the base + no additional material costs required + quick self-assembly	– suitable for dry rooms – prolonged contact with water is not allowed – difficulties with replacing a worn-out panel

Rating of manufacturers of cork floors

Nomination	a place	Name of product	rating
Rating of manufacturers of cork floors	1	Corkstyle	4.9
	2	Wicanders	4.8
	3	Corkart	4.8
	4	Egger	4.7
	5	MJO	4.7
	6	MAESTRO	4.6
	7	Floor Step	4.5

Corkstyle

Rating: 4.9

A wide range of cork floors is offered to the domestic buyer by the Swiss company Corkstyle. The catalog contains more than a hundred versions. There are materials with classic designs, as well as original floors with photo prints. Experts explain the high popularity of the products by the time-tested quality, the use of environmentally friendly materials and modern technologies. So, the cork itself is supplied from Sardinia and Portugal, the base is produced by the well-known company Kronospan, and the protective coating is carried out with the Loba brand varnishes.

By design, the company offers solid panels equipped with a lock, or floors mounted with glue. The first place in the rating of the brand was ensured by such qualities as excellent quality, a wide selection of drawings, various mounting options, and continuous improvement of technology.

Advantages

• environmental friendliness;
• reliability;
• a wide range of;
• Swiss quality.

disadvantages

• high price.

Wicanders

Rating: 4.8

The oldest manufacturer of cork flooring is Wicanders. It was created in 1868 and was a small Swedish farm. Today, the plants of the largest manufacturer are located in different countries, including Russia. The company managed to achieve the uniqueness of its products thanks to the multilayer structure. The main layer is made of natural cork, thereby increasing the comfort of the floor covering and reducing heat loss. In addition, the multi-layer panels absorb sound, providing a quiet home.

The manufacturer's collection includes products with a classic and decorative style. Experts gave the company the second place in the rating for its poor resistance to moisture and mechanical stress.

Advantages

• adhesive and lock structures;
• environmental friendliness;
• heat and sound insulation;
• elasticity.

disadvantages

• swelling of panels upon ingress of moisture;
• damaged by hard objects.

Corkart

Rating: 4.8

The Portuguese company Corkart began its history in 1997, when Jose Correia Nevis created his family business. The company is located in the heart of cork plantations near the capital. The manufacturer pays great attention to product quality. For this, innovative technologies are used, the qualifications of employees are constantly being raised, and an effective control system has been established. Only the best raw materials from Portuguese plantations are used in the production.

The brand managed to win the hearts of Russian users due to its unique designs and best features. It is in the Corkart workshops that new products appear that have no analogues in the world. Users have complaints only about the quality of the lacquer coating, which influenced the final place in the rating.

Advantages

• quality raw materials;
• unique designs;
• innovative technologies;
• high performance.

disadvantages

• rough coating.

Egger

Rating: 4.7

The German company Egger was originally a family business. After 50 years of work, the number of employees exceeded the 8000 mark. New production sites were built in Turkey and Russia. Until now, the company follows the chosen philosophy, which provides for the production of quality products without harming nature. The manufacturer manages to achieve the goals set by introducing resource-saving technologies. The range includes cork flooring, both for private residences and for studios and restaurants. Experts point out several cozy and modern series that are in demand in Russia. The company did not manage to get into the top three of the rating due to the softness of the coating, there are traces of furniture and animals on it.

Advantages

• easy installation;
• moisture resistance;
• use of natural materials;
• a wide range of designs and colors.

disadvantages

• soft floor covering.

MJO

Rating: 4.7

Cork flooring under the MJO brand is produced in Portugal. The history of the company begins in 1954, in such a short time it has become the world leader in the field of cork processing. Experts attribute natural beauty, environmental friendliness and durability to the advantages of the material. The products do not cause allergies, and thanks to the antistatic surface treatment, the floor is easily cleaned of dirt. The catalog contains several interesting collections. The Classic line is represented by panels in cozy colors. For modern interiors, the XL series is better suited, where the pictures are clear and contrast. Children's rooms can decorate the Kids collection flooring. And lovers of unity with nature will love the Econom line.

Advantages

• environmental friendliness;
• a wide range of;
• ease of use;
• easy installation.

disadvantages

• softness of cork.

MAESTRO

Rating: 4.6

The Russian manufacturer of cork floors MAESTRO competes on equal terms with the world leaders. The company offers domestic consumers a quality product at an affordable price. In the catalog you can find 10.5 mm thick locking panels and soft strips (4 mm) for gluing. Distinctive features of MAESTRO floors are natural appearance, natural cork texture. The material has such useful properties as resistance to mechanical stress, heat and sound insulation, environmental friendliness.

The manufacturer pays great attention to antistatic treatment. Therefore, the coating repels dust, which makes cleaning easier. The products are somewhat inferior to the leaders in the rating in water resistance and workmanship.

Advantages

• elasticity;
• affordability;
• resistance to UV rays;
• heat and sound insulation.

disadvantages

• panels swell when water gets into the joints;
• products with chips come across.

Floor Step

Rating: 4.5

Products of the Portuguese manufacturer Floor Step are affordable. The company managed to reduce the production cost due to the latest high-performance equipment. By purchasing raw materials near the production site, it is possible to reduce transportation costs. In our rating, Floor Step is the youngest and most promising company. She began to take her first steps in the field of cork processing in 2012. The quality of floor coverings was appreciated not only by European and Russian buyers, but also by consumers in Asia.

No chemicals are used in the production of panels, so the cork floor will be absolutely safe for both adults and children.

Advantages

• not afraid of wet cleaning;
• does not contain toxic compounds;
• pleasant to the touch surface;
• reasonable prices.

disadvantages

• modest assortment;
• no adhesive installation methods.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.