In a grand design scheme, builders consistently place the family room, often known as the game room, directly above the living room or master bedroom. This means that the sound of running feet, blaring movies and incessant beeps from video games travel through the thin floorboards and into rooms where adults are trying to watch TV or enjoy something resembling peace and quiet.
Of course, the vast majority of playrooms are carpeted, offering some insulation from sound and noise, but there are even better options for parents looking to muffle the tapping of little feet on top: cork flooring. .
naturally insulating
Cork is one of nature’s perfect designs. Cork is actually made up of interlocking chambers with tough walls that surround air pockets. This design makes the material fluffy yet durable. It is also naturally insulating and resistant to moisture. Cork has been used in wine bottles for millennia, and in more recent centuries, it has also been used to create floor tiles.
cork flooring
Cork flooring is easy to install, attractive with its unique texture and finish, and best of all, a soft surface to cushion your footsteps and block out a lot of noise. This is perfect for arcades and game rooms. Cork flooring is not only great for the peace and quiet parents seek, but it’s also easier to clean than carpet and just as comfortable for lounging and running around.
Cork floors have a natural elasticity that does not cake or get dirty over time. It’s also finished and sealed, so any spills wipe up quickly and easily, which is always a plus in rooms kids frequent. And if cork tiles on the floor aren’t soundproofing enough, you can also use them on the walls to create a calming yet attractively unusual look in your room.
Cork flooring installation
Installing cork flooring is no more complicated than installing laminate flooring. Maybe it’s even easier since cork floor tiles come in squares instead of long strips, which can mean less cutting and trimming during installation.
Lift up the carpet and remove any nails or tacks from the subfloor. The simplest to install cork floor tiles interlock in the same way as laminate flooring, but some tiles require adhesive. If you are going to install cork flooring yourself, opt for interlocking tiles. Design the tiles beforehand if you’re not sure how the finished product will fit together, especially if you’re using alternating colors or patterns.
Once you are sure how the tiles will be laid, start installing them in one corner of the room and work steadily until you have completely moved out of the room. Be sure to include a vapor barrier in the form of a plastic sheet under the tiles. You can secure the tiles by seaming them according to the manufacturer’s instructions and carefully cut or trim the tiles to fit the corners or edges of the room.