I've installed cork flooring in two kitchens now, and honestly, moisture hasn't been as big of an issue as you'd think. The key is sealing it properly—don't skimp on that step. I used three coats of a high-quality polyurethane sealer, and it's held up great. Had a dishwasher leak once (fun times...) and the cork didn't swell or warp at all. Just wiped it up quick and ran a fan for a bit.
But I will say, cork can dent if you're dropping heavy stuff regularly. My first kitchen had a few battle scars from cast iron pans hitting the floor. Adds character, right? If you're worried about spills, just make sure you reseal every few years. Cork's comfy underfoot and warmer than tile, so for me, the trade-off was totally worth it.
Had a client drop a cast iron skillet on freshly installed cork once... left a nice little crater. Told them it was a "custom feature." But yeah, sealing properly is key—your dishwasher leak story checks out. Cork's tougher than people think.
Had a similar issue once—inspector was due the next morning, and the kitchen faucet decided to spring a leak at 9 PM. Fun times. Quick fix: shut off water, dried everything thoroughly, and placed a bucket under the sink just in case. Inspectors appreciate seeing proactive measures, even if they're temporary. And yeah, cork flooring is surprisingly resilient, but I'd still avoid dropping cast iron skillets on it... custom features or not, haha.
Had a similar situation myself, except it was the bathroom sink... decided to clog completely the night before inspection. Ended up pulling an all-nighter with a plunger and drain snake—fun way to spend the evening, right? But you're totally right about inspectors appreciating proactive measures. I think they mostly just want to see you're aware and handling things responsibly, even if it's just temporary.
Speaking of cork flooring though, I've always been curious about it. Does it hold up well in kitchens long-term? I've heard mixed reviews—some say it's great for comfort and durability, others say moisture can be a problem over time. Would you recommend it again, or would you go with something else next time around?
"I've heard mixed reviews—some say it's great for comfort and durability, others say moisture can be a problem over time."
Had cork flooring in my historic kitchen for about five years—loved the warmth and comfort underfoot, but moisture was definitely tricky around the sink. Ever considered reclaimed wood instead?
