Cork Flooring Complete in the Kitchen and Laundry Room
Hooray — the cork floor in both the kitchen and the laundry room is installed. While there are still a few finishing touches left (shoe molding, thresholds and sealing), the majority of the work is done and we finally get to see how the space comes together with the new floors.
Photographing cork to capture its true color and texture has been a challenge. The floors are a rich mocha tone that reads in person more like brown leather: soft, flowing variations rather than obvious patterns. Recent video clips have shown the truest representation, and the new photos are getting closer to how it looks live. We’ll keep experimenting with lighting and camera settings until we consistently capture it accurately.
Finishing the corner where the kitchen meets our small laundry room followed the the same installation approach we used throughout the kitchen. Because we were concerned about running low on material, we used leftover remnant planks along one wall to make sure we had enough. Thankfully, we finished with a few planks left over — it was surprisingly close. Those extras give us peace of mind, and we plan to apply multiple coats of sealer to protect the surface for years to come.
Cork flooring is more durable than many expect. It can be sanded, restained and resealed if it wears over time, and properly maintained cork floors can last for decades. There are plenty of examples of cork floors that have remained in great condition for 40 years or more, and even century-old installations in some cases. Knowing that makes this new surface feel like a practical long-term choice rather than a short-lived trend.
The laundry room especially benefits from the new floor. We had already put a lot of work into that space, and the cork transforms it, warming the room and creating a cohesive entry when you come in through the laundry door. The color adds depth and makes the space feel more intentional. Small lived-in details remain — yes, the laundry basket currently resides in the bedroom with a pile of washed “flu clothes” — but overall the room feels much more finished and welcoming.
We previously documented our purchase decisions and the step-by-step installation process, including video. This post functions as the long-awaited wrap-up and a big, relieved sigh: the largest cork-related project for the kitchen is winding down. Remaining tasks are mostly trim and cosmetic: attaching decorative wood molding to the back of the peninsula, deciding on a window treatment over the sink, possibly painting stools, finishing the side of the pantry, and bringing in a chair and rug for the fireplace side of the room. Once we complete those items, we’ll share comprehensive before-and-after photos along with final budget and timeline details for the entire kitchen renovation, which has been progressing in stages since early October.
It’s rewarding to compare where the space started to how it looks now. When we moved in, the room felt disconnected from the rest of the house. Replacing the old floors and adding the rich cork tone has helped make the kitchen and adjoining rooms feel like home. Our longer-term plan addresses the variety of mismatched woods around the kitchen: we aim to refinish surrounding hardwood floors in a similar deep mocha tone so the transitions read more cohesive. Some rooms will remain cork while others are hardwood, but unifying the tone should reduce the visual fragmentation and create a smoother flow throughout the main level.
Functionally, the cork floor has met or exceeded expectations so far. The deep color adds warmth to the previously light-washed space. It stands up well to daily use with no noticeable scratches from pet nails or dents from dropped items. Cork’s natural resilience makes it comfortable underfoot for long kitchen tasks, and the surface should become even more durable once we apply multiple coats of protective sealer. Additional benefits include its eco-friendly profile and sound-dampening qualities, which make the space quieter and cozier.
We’ll keep documenting how the floor performs as we live with it — especially after adding shoe molding, thresholds and several coats of sealer — and we’ll report any maintenance tips or observations. For now, the finished cork floors have lifted our spirits. We spent a quiet weekend recovering from a minor flu and finishing the last few boards, but seeing the completed surface made all of that effort worthwhile. Onward to the final trim work and the smaller design decisions that will make the kitchen feel truly finished.
More Flooring Projects
If you’d like to read about other flooring work, check out these project topics:
- Refinishing Hardwood Floors 101
- How To Install Hardwood Flooring Yourself
- How To Select Hardwood Flooring
- How To Install Hardwood Floors Without Nails
- How To Paint A Floor
- How To Stain A Concrete Floor
- How To Remove Carpet