Is cork flooring waterproof?

Are you looking to install a sustainable flooring option in your bathroom and you already asked yourself "is cork flooring waterproof"? This eco-friendly and comfortable flooring choice is becoming increasingly popular throughout homes and apartments. But is natural cork really suitable for use in damp environments?

In this article, we explore whether and when cork flooring can be considered waterproof and provide useful tips and advice for installing it in your bathroom.

Cork flooring in damp areas – The benefits!

Before addressing whether cork flooring is waterproof, it's important to consider whether this sustainable material is a suitable option for bathrooms in the first place. After all, questions about water resistance often arise when choosing flooring for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens, where humidity levels are typically higher than in living rooms or bedrooms.

Beyond its eco-friendly credentials—since cork oak trees are neither cut down nor damaged during harvesting, allowing them to continue absorbing CO₂ from the atmosphere—cork flooring stands out for its exceptional comfort. Its honeycomb-like structure provides a soft, cushioned feel underfoot, which is why cork is commonly used in sandal insoles. Additionally, the tiny air pockets within cork help retain warmth, making cork floors naturally insulating and pleasantly warm to walk on.

Thanks to its ergonomic and heat-retaining properties, cork parquet is an excellent alternative to cold, hard tiles. But the key question remains: Is cork flooring waterproof?

Water-resistant or Waterproof – What’s the difference?

In the world of flooring, various terms are used to describe a material’s resistance to moisture. But is your cork floor water-resistant, waterproof, or simply moisture-resistant?

As a general rule, standing water should always be cleaned up as quickly as possible—whether you have vinyl flooring, or cork flooring. Most manufacturers cannot guarantee complete waterproofing. While a few splashes of water won’t cause any damage, a major water leak can ruin even the most durable flooring.

The floating cork flooring Cortex Corknatura "80000870 Shipdeck Varnished" it’s PVC-free and easy to install with its click system.

However, modular floors in tile or plank formats are often not entirely waterproof. Few floors can claim to be. The edges along the walls are particularly vulnerable to water infiltration, which can lead to rot and mold—even with flooring materials that don’t naturally support mold growth. A floor can be described as water-resistant if the manufacturer has taken care to enhance moisture resistance. For instance, making the click joints in click vinyl or cork flooring extra tight or sealing certain materials can help prevent water from seeping in.

Moreover, most click cork flooring features a high-density fibreboard (HDF) core, made from compressed wood fibres. While this provides stability and durability, HDF is susceptible to moisture absorption. If exposed to water, it can swell, warp, or compromise the integrity of the flooring, potentially leading to long-term damage.

Is cork flooring water-resistant? It depends on the type, installation and treatment

If you want your cork flooring to be water-resistant, it’s important not to choose a floor solely based on its appearance. Different types of cork flooring vary in their suitability for damp areas.

Cork is naturally resistant to moisture—after all, it’s used to seal bottles. This is thanks to suberin, a biopolymer found in the cell walls of cork, which is hydrophobic and repels water. In its natural state, cork is water-resistant. However, since most cork floors come in tile or plank formats and are often installed as floating floors, they can still have vulnerable spots where water can seep in.

Glue down cork flooring

If you plan to install cork flooring in a bathroom, fully gluing it down is the best option. The same advice applies to vinyl flooring, where self-adhesive vinyl is often recommended for bathrooms. So, if you want to be on the safe side, choosing a glue-down cork floor is the way to go. In fact, the adhesive for glue-down cork flooring helps seal even the smallest gaps between the floor and the subfloor. This prevents water from causing damage.

The Granorte Tradition glue-down cork is designed for full-surface gluing, ensuring a secure and moisture-resistant installation.

How to seal cork flooring

Natural-look cork flooring, particularly untreated cork parquet, is more vulnerable to water damage. If moisture seeps underneath, it can cause the cork to swell. This means that whether your cork flooring is water-resistant also depends on surface treatment.

Many cork floors come pre-sealed. However, they often require an additional layer of lacquer for full protection. With the right treatment, cork flooring can usually be installed in bathrooms without issues. Manufacturers aim to preserve cork’s raw, natural look. This is what makes cork parquet so unique.

However, sealing does slightly reduce cork’s natural feel. Fortunately, there are eco-friendly lacquers and oils available that offer protection while maintaining the floor’s organic character.

The Granorte NATURTrend "1224100 Castello" has a beautifully natural look but stands out especially with its elegant design.

Cork flooring with vinyl

If you don’t insist on the natural look of cork and prefer a wood or concrete effect cork flooring, a vinyl-cork floor could be a great option. Many of these floors are also rated as suitable for damp areas. Vinyl itself is mold-resistant, but the key concern remains preventing water from seeping beneath the flooring.

Most vinyl-cork floors are actually click vinyl with an integrated cork underlay for sound insulation. However, due to the presence of vinyl, these floors don’t have the same eco-friendly credentials as pure cork flooring.

Conclusion

Whether cork flooring is water-resistant depends largely on its construction, treatment, and installation method. If you plan to install cork flooring in damp areas or spaces exposed to higher moisture levels, it’s best to fully glue down and seal natural cork parquet to prevent water damage.

For those who prioritize practicality over natural aesthetics, there are many cork flooring options with water-resistant designs that provide added protection.

We hope this guide has helped you choose the right cork flooring, and we look forward to welcoming you at BRICOFLOR — your expert for walls & floors!