"Just gotta weigh the pros and cons carefully if you're considering cork in moisture-heavy areas..."
Yeah, learned this lesson the hard way myself. Did a bathroom remodel last summer—first big reno project—and went with cork tiles because they felt great underfoot and looked sleek. Everything was perfect until one morning I stepped out of the shower onto a squishy tile... Turns out the sealant wasn't quite enough for the constant moisture. Ended up pulling half the floor back up to redo waterproofing. Definitely doable, but needs extra prep and patience.
Did a bathroom remodel last summer—first big reno project—and went with cork tiles because they felt great underfoot and looked sleek. Everything was perfect until one morning I stepped out of ...
Yikes, stepping onto a squishy tile sounds like a morning wake-up call nobody wants. Did you end up using a different sealant the second time around, or was it more about adding extra layers of waterproofing underneath? I've been eyeing cork myself because it looks so comfy, but now I'm wondering if it's worth the hassle... Maybe vinyl is safer for a newbie renovator like me?
I had a similar experience with cork tiles in my kitchen a couple years back. Loved the feel and warmth, but after a minor dishwasher leak, things got ugly fast. The tiles swelled up like pancakes—definitely not the look I was going for. Ended up pulling them out and switching to vinyl plank flooring, which has held up surprisingly well since then.
Honestly, if you're new to renovations, vinyl might be a safer bet. It's pretty forgiving, easy to install, and handles moisture way better. Cork is comfy, sure, but unless you're super confident in your waterproofing skills (or willing to redo it if things go south), it might not be worth the stress. Just my two cents from someone who's been there and done that...and doesn't want to do it again anytime soon.
Reading this reminded me of the mini heart attack I had last month when my shower started leaking out of nowhere. I'd just finished laying down laminate flooring in the hallway right outside the bathroom—rookie mistake, I know—and suddenly noticed water creeping out from under the door. Turns out the seal around the shower drain had given up, and water was quietly pooling underneath.
Luckily, I caught it early enough that the damage wasn't too bad, but it definitely made me rethink my flooring choices. Vinyl plank sounds like a smart move, honestly. I've been eyeing it for the bathroom redo because everyone keeps saying it's waterproof and easy to handle. Cork always seemed cozy, but after hearing your pancake-tile story, I'm thinking I'll pass on that adventure for now...
Vinyl plank is definitely a solid choice, but honestly, don't write off cork entirely just yet. I installed cork flooring in my guest bath a few years ago, and it's held up surprisingly well—even after my teenage nephew's marathon showers. As long as it's sealed properly, cork can handle moisture better than you'd think. Plus, stepping onto a warm, cushioned floor in the morning is pretty awesome...just something to consider before you totally cross it off your list.
