Wicanders Cork Flooring Review: A Hidden Gem?
Introduction
When most people think about flooring, cork isn’t the first material that comes to mind. But for homeowners looking for something comfortable, eco-conscious, and quiet under feet, Wicanders cork flooring might be one of the best-kept secrets in the industry.
At Rejuvenation Floor & Design, we’ve helped Portland-area homeowners explore the benefits of cork flooring for years. And when it comes to cork, Wicanders stands out as one of the most trusted and innovative brands. With collections combining natural comfort & unique aesthetics, as well as a few waterproof options, Wicanders offers far more than most people expect.
So is Wicanders truly a hidden gem—or just a niche product? Read our comprehensive Wicanders cork flooring review before making a decision.
TL;DR: Wicanders cork flooring, made by Portugal’s Amorim, offers a comfortable, eco-friendly, and quiet alternative to hardwood, vinyl, or tile. Available in three main collections—budget-friendly Go, stylish Essence, and waterproof Inspire—it delivers varying levels of durability, moisture resistance, and design flexibility.
Cork’s natural warmth, cushioning, and sound absorption make it ideal for living spaces, offices, and even kitchens or baths (with Inspire 700). While softer than some flooring types, proper care ensures decades of performance, making Wicanders a versatile, sustainable choice for many homes.
About Wicanders Cork Flooring
Wicanders is a brand under Amorim, the world’s largest cork producer based in Portugal. They’ve been perfecting cork flooring for decades—offering homeowners an alternative to traditional hardwood, vinyl, or tile that brings warmth, sound insulation, and sustainability underfoot.
At Rejuvenation Floor & Design, a leading flooring store in Portland, Oregon, we feature three of their standout collections:
1. Wicanders Go
A value-focused cork flooring line, the Go collection offers comfort and warmth in a simple floating floor format. It’s ideal for homeowners who want the feel of cork at a more affordable price point.
- Floating installation
- Built-in cork underlayment for sound absorption
- Recommended for dry, residential spaces
- Available in classic cork visuals
2. Wicanders Essence
The Essence collection takes cork visuals a step further with decorative prints and updated tones, making it a great option for living rooms, offices, and bedrooms.
- Smoother, more refined appearance than Go
- Moderate durability for typical residential wear
- Natural and contemporary designs
- Low-VOC construction
3. Wicanders Inspire (with HRT)
This is Wicanders’ waterproof cork collection, made with High Resistance Technology (HRT). the Inspire collection is perfect for moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements—delivering cork comfort without compromising on performance.
- 100% waterproof surface
- Superior wear resistance
- Wood- and stone-look visuals
- Suitable for high-traffic residential areas
Together, these three collections offer a wide range of comfort, performance, and price points—making cork a serious contender for more than just niche spaces.
Why Homeowners Choose Cork
1. Comfort and Warmth
Cork is one of the most comfortable flooring surfaces available. Its cellular structure provides built-in cushioning, which reduces joint stress and foot fatigue. It’s noticeably warmer than tile or hardwood—especially appreciated during Portland’s colder, damp seasons.
In kitchens or workspaces where you spend hours on your feet, cork flooring can make a significant difference in daily comfort.
2. Sound Absorption
Cork is a natural sound insulator, and Wicanders enhances this with multi-layer construction. Whether you live in a multi-level home, a condo, or simply want to reduce echo in open-concept spaces, cork helps create a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere.
This is especially true for Essence and Inspire 700, both of which include a cork base layer designed to reduce impact sound and footfall noise.
3. Eco-Friendly Composition
Cork is harvested without cutting down trees—just the bark is removed, and it regenerates over time. Wicanders takes sustainability seriously, incorporating:
- Recycled cork granules
- Low-emission adhesives
- Sustainable harvesting practices
For Portland-area homeowners looking to reduce their environmental footprint, Wicanders offers one of the most genuinely green flooring options available.
How Wicanders Cork Flooring Performs Over Time
Durability
While cork is softer than hardwood or rigid vinyl, Wicanders’ collections—especially Inspire 700—are designed to withstand the rigors of everyday life. HRT coating on Inspire 700 offers excellent resistance to scratches, stains, and fading.
Essence and Go collections offer more moderate durability and are best for low- to medium-traffic areas without frequent moisture or heavy wear.
Water Resistance
- Go and Essence are not waterproof, but are water-resistant enough for typical dry areas like living rooms, offices, and bedrooms. Spills should be cleaned quickly to avoid seepage.
- Inspire 700 is fully
waterproof, making it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements.
If you love the comfort of cork but need the moisture protection of vinyl plank or tile, Inspire 700 is a strong solution.
Finish Wear
All collections feature factory-applied finishes to resist wear and staining. Go and Essence floors are best for shoe-free households and moderate use, while Inspire 700 handles higher traffic with ease.
Like any floor, proper care (entry mats, furniture pads, and regular sweeping) extends its life significantly.
Installation Options
Installation is one of the big highlights of our Wicanders cork flooring review. All Wicanders cork floors available at Rejuvenation Floor & Design feature floating click-lock installation, making them ideal for remodels and multi-room projects.
- Go and Essence are easy to install over most flat subfloors
- Inspire 700 has a low profile that works well for projects with elevation limitations
While DIY installation is possible for experienced homeowners, we recommend professional installation for best results—especially with waterproof products where seam integrity is important.
We recently did a Wicanders cork flooring installation project. Have a look.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Wicanders cork floors are easy to maintain, requiring only light regular care:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and grit
- Use a damp mop with pH-neutral cleaner for the waterproof Inspire 700 HRT collection
- Place felt pads on furniture
- Wipe up spills promptly—especially on Go and Essence
With proper care, Wicanders floors can last 20 years or more.
Wicanders Cork Flooring Review: Final Verdict
Wicanders is ideal for homeowners who want:
- A quiet, comfortable floor that feels great underfoot
- A renewable, environmentally friendly material
- Good thermal insulation for Portland’s cool seasons
- A waterproof option (via Inspire 700) without sacrificing comfort
You might want to explore other options if:
- Your home sees heavy wear from large pets or rolling furniture
- You want wide-plank wood visuals with dramatic grain patterns
- You need a fully refinishable surface for long-term wear cycles
For many homeowners, Wicanders offers an unmatched balance of comfort, design, and sustainability, especially when paired with the right expectations and care routine.
Explore Wicanders at Rejuvenation Floor & Design
At Rejuvenation Floor & Design, we carry a full range of cork flooring in Portland, including Wicanders collections—Go, Essence, and Inspire 700. Whether you’re looking for something soft and quiet for a bedroom, or waterproof and resilient for a kitchen, our team can help you compare your options and find the perfect fit.
Visit our flooring store and showroom in Portland to see samples in person, explore texture and color choices, and get expert guidance tailored to your space.
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