Cork floating floors in condos are, generally, well received by neighbors because they are quiet. A floating floor can handle cork underlay, thereby increasing your acoustic benefits.

The fading is one of the biggest draw backs to cork. You can get away from the fading by working with fade-proof "printed cork". The photograph that sits on the cork surface is made of fade resistant pigments. The printed cork will add $2-$3/sf onto the cost of "traditional" cork flooring but if fading upsets you, then it is a great way to work around it.

Vinyl-cork planks are also another way to keep away from the fading. The other way to look at cork/fading is to choose a colour you like that will fade to a colour you like EVEN MORE! Example: a natural cork floor starts out the colour of "honey oak". That is the colour of natural cork...because cork is actually "European Cork Oak".

The honey oak will fade to BLEACH BOTTLE BLONDE...something like the colour of Marilyn Monroe's hair. There are many patterns that look very handsome in the "not quite white" look.

Thanks Cancork Floor Inc and Architectural Novice. I have found by talking to some flooring places that the price of cork is actually comparable to engineered hardwood floors. My condo unit faces north so fading is a small issue. and I have not pets and no kids, so I won't have wear and tear in that sense.

I have a condo that's a bit smaller and am about to replace the old wall-to-wall carpet with cork in the LR/DR, bedroom and hallway. I made the choice primarily for the acoustic benefits and warmth. I'm going with a printed "wood grain" look in a gray-brown because it's the best color to match my decor.

I've found some great information from Cancork by reading the many threads on cork in this forum. Thanks Cancork!!

We have linoleum with cork backing and love them.

Thanks arlandria...nice to hear that I have been a help in some small way. I try not to "sell" my stuff here. That's not what Houzz is about (although I have gotten a few sales...but that was by accident).

@brennada...cork is a high(er) end product. A low-end cork (basic pattern in a 10.5mm plank) will cost the same as a HIGH END laminate ($3.50/sf). Anything other than "basic" and "thin" you are looking at a higher price tag. That puts you firmly in the engineered hardwood purchase price. This is normal. Some cork can be around $4/sf...other big names will be $12-$15/sf (which is a very high end engineered or high end solid hardwood).

The finish is everything. Daily/weekly maintenance is all about knowing how to care for them (same care requirements as hardwood). And many cork floors can have their finishes refreshed every 5-7 years. This is how you keep cork "going" and "living" for 25+ years = refreshing the finish. Not everyone knows you can do this. Not many sales people know cork...therefore they may not know all the ins and outs of this floor.

Oddly enough, the REALLY expensive floors cannot be refinished/refreshed because the finish won't allow it. Aluminum Oxide is one of the finishes that won't allow new finish to go down over top. It is tough...but it is known to haze and crack over cork.

There are a few "vinyl coated" floors out there (Wicander's top finish is one of them). The vinyl is transparent. It does well enough but requires polishing every 6-12 months for the rest of its life (yawn).

The finish is everything. Believe it or not, a traditional finish like water based polyurethane, is the finish that allows the cork to be refreshed. Not only does it allow it, it requires it. So you need to know your finish....so that you can plan your future with cork.

Be sure you don't have pets. The hind claws of our cats have ruined the lovely cork we have (and are about to replace) in our family room.