Are cork floors affected by changes of moisture and temperature?

Just like other wood products, cork is subject to the phenomenon of expansion and contraction in response to climactic conditions. During the heating season, moisture levels diminish, causing cork to contract and making joint lines more visible. When humidity levels are higher, cork flooring will expand.

As a general rule, cork flooring is more stable than wood flooring. When wood expands, it does so only across the grain, so the expansion is concentrated in one dimension. However with cork, any expansion or contraction is dispersed in all directions. With proper acclimation, installation, and maintenance, expansion and contraction of your cork floor will be less noticeable.

Maintaining a stable environment through temperature and humidity control will minimize visible signs of expansion and contraction. With Parquet tile the following precautions during installation must be taken: In winter, once the tile has been acclimated, they cannot be installed too tight as the floor may go through a normal expansion period months later. In summer, again after the tiles have been acclimated, it is necessary to butt the tiles very tight since dry heat will cause contraction in winter.