Durability

• Cork floors are generally finished with wax or polyurethane and won't scratch often unless you neglect to clean them routinely. Cork's makeup means that if you drop something or fall on the floor, the floor will be just fine. Water doesn't present a problem for cork floors, but if it stands long enough, it can. Consider a concrete barrier beneath the cork.
  
  

Aesthetics

• Cork flooring is warm and has a versatile look that often takes on the appearance of tile. Cork floors are great for people who let their pets in the basement, because it is a very quiet material.
  
  

Maintenance

• Wax-coated cork floors need to be refinished on an annual basis to make sure they stay in good condition. You should clean the polyurethane cork floors as often as possible, because they are at risk to scratch if too much debris builds up on them.