Cork Floor

Since it's the off-season for building above ground pool decks it's safe to change to a relevant off-topic.

The latest project around the home is a kitchen refacing. You've been there or someday will be. Whether you've got a galley or "a kitchen" there comes a morning when you walk in to make your breakfast and you realize the kitchen is gone. The laminate or linoleum is old and worn, it's not on the comeback trail. Mopping does little good and the runner can't cover up the reality that your floor is simply gross. The splash tile has endured way too much splash over the years and whoever installed the cabinets back in the 1970's or 80's clearly phoned it in.

To top it off, you've yet to consider the style of the place which may or may not have much style at all. You've always known this but it never really hit you before. Why is not important. You were likely busy working or doing fun stuff. Maybe you were on a roll socially or you're a star on Twitter. Either way it was denial, because in one moment you realize the kitchen has stunk for a long time.

Welcome to my kitchen. If this describes yours, I sympathize.

Refacing is the simple and less expensive way to give your kitchen new life. My ragged cabinet frames will have to stay but refacing will make the place look new. Eventually the floor will have to get a face lift too. Currently I'm leaning towards a cork floor.

Here are some features of a cork floor, courtesy of Kraus promotional material:

- Mold, mildew, and odor inhibiting
- Scratch, scuff, and stain resistant
- Factory applied joint moisture protection
- 32 year residential wear warranty
- Indoor air quality certified

Cork looks good. In person and from a slight distance it looks similar to a hardwood floor. Only at closer inspection will you notice the subtle differences. One thing you'll also notice is that it's a bit softer than hardwood. If you've ever injured your foot or knees like I have this is much appreciated.

The nice thing about any home improvement project is that you get to see relatively new stuff or something you've just never considered before, like how I saw cork floors and thought "oh, well of course". This can turn what is sometimes a nerve wracking, mind numbing, or exhaustive process into something creative and fun.