There are few better ways to start the New Year than renovating your space! It gives you the perfect opportunity to set a new tone and really spruce up the place!
But, this activity does come with a lot of tough decisions, not least of which is trying to decide the best flooring to use. While there are several routes you can take here, it’s safe to say that it ultimately comes down to this; a foam back vs cork back vinyl flooring face off!
The reason it’s so hard to choose is that both of these options are actually great for your home. However, even though foam has a lot to offer, we consider cork a better option. It not only has less give than foam, but it’s also much more durable, too.
Still, no matter which one you end up opting for, you can be certain of one thing; your home will come out looking transformed and even more elegant!
What is Foam Back Flooring?
Making a final decision on which way to go starts with knowing what each option has to offer you precisely.
Made from rubber with different density grades this type of flooring mostly comes in large interlocking tiles. It is also arguably the most popular flooring option at the moment. Here’s all you get when you opt for this flooring method.
Pros of Foam Back Flooring
- It provides you with a soft and comfortable surface. This might be especially useful for you if you do a lot of Pilates or yoga. Naturally, you need a surface that’ll be able to accommodate those low-impact activities and foam back flooring does that quite well.
- It’s a great shock absorber. Old or young, you’re sure to appreciate the soft landings that this flooring affords your joints.
- Thanks to the type of material it’s made of, it can significantly minimize the impact of falls. Little kids find this especially useful, especially when they’re still learning to walk.
- It’s easy to clean. We all know how quickly a pristine floor can fall to ruin. From sweat spots to spilled drinks and meals, anything can happen at any time.
However, the benefit of having foam flooring is that all you need is a damp mop and gentle soap to make the stains disappear.
Cons of Foam Back Flooring
For the most part, it’s the same things that make foam back a great option that also makes it a less ideal choice.
For instance, because it’s so soft, your furniture easily leaves a lasting, even damaging imprint on it. Also, it gives too easily, meaning that you could mistakenly punch a hole in it with the edges or feet of larger equipment.
What is Cork Back Vinyl Flooring?
Just like the name suggests, this type of following is produced largely from the cork oak tree, and it’s a type of flooring that has been around for quite some time.
One of the major reasons the use of this type of flooring has grown in recent times is because it’s made from a sustainable material and comes with none of the guilt of harming the environment.
Pros of Cork Back Vinyl Flooring
- It has a soft and cushioned surface. While its level of softness may not necessarily rival that found in a few other materials, this remains one of the best materials that people who are physically active indoors can use.
- It’s a great insulator. Because of its strong insulation properties, it can help you reduce any incidence of heat loss or waste. Although it might not amount to much at first, over time, the benefits of using this type of flooring will reflect in your electrical bill.
- It is hypoallergenic and possesses antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. A large number of people today suffer from allergies. If you’re predisposed or you want to shelter your family from these harmful microorganisms, this type of flooring is the way to go,
- It’s remarkably easy to install, meaning that it won’t cost you an arm and a leg, should you opt to pay for labor.
Cons of Cork Back Vinyl Flooring
Some major drawbacks of using this type of flooring include the fact that it is especially prone to fading after prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Another thing you’ll need to keep in mind if you want to get cork back vinyl flooring is that it requires water sealing and may be easily damaged by household pets.
Foam Back vs Cork Back Vinyl Flooring
As we’ve clearly seen so far, each of these types of flooring underlayment has its strengths and weaknesses. So, when it comes to picking a winner, the deciding factor isn’t as much the materials themselves as what you want and where you intend to install them.
Here’s what we mean.
If you plan to do a lot of working out at home for example, then either of these flooring options is good. But, the TYPE of workout sessions you plan to do can guide your hand significantly.
For instance, if you’ll limit your workout sessions strictly to yoga or Pilates, foam back may be a better option for you. However, if a lot of heavy machinery will be involved while you exercise, cork back may be the best way to go.
Also, if you’re concerned about ease of maintenance, foam back trumps cork back as the former is easy to clean and isn’t as predisposed to fading. What’s more, on the whole, you’ll likely spend far more time cleaning a cork back than you would foam back.
Now, people who are concerned about the sustainability of the environment are better served using cork back flooring. Because it’s not synthetic like foam, it’s considerably more eco-friendly.
Also, the nature of foam back flooring means that it’ll likely attract more allergens when compared to cork back. So, while it may be easy to clean, you may want to opt for something less likely to generate healthcare bills in the first place.
But when it comes to value for money, one factor you need to consider is durability. For people who value the longevity of any product they buy, the winner of the foam back vs cork back vinyl flooring tussle will always be cork back.
Because it’s made of slightly denser material than foam, it can withstand more pressure and is less prone to damage.
It’s safe to say that no one wants to change their underlayment regularly. So, having one that’ll tide you for longer is always better.
The Best Flooring for You
The decider here will always be personal preference.
For most, choosing one over the other goes deeper than just what specs they have to offer.
That being said, everyone likes to buy the best product possible. And, simply put, the level of durability and safety that cork back vinyl flooring provides you with is difficult to pass up. What’s more, it actually offers you a lot of what foam back does as well!
But again, the heart wants what the heart wants.
So, be sure you opt for what makes you happy here! To get more insights on how to make your home even more beautiful, check this out.