Hello. Cork is also a very good insulator so if you are trying to use the thermal mass in your floor for passive heating/cooling then it is probably not the best choice. A direct fix bamboo (not floating) will work and there is a way to fix higher density timbers to a slab using battens and screed that will also maintain a thermal connection; this is not the cheapest way to build up a floor but it works well and gives you the benefit of the concrete slab that will you will invest heavily in (good in the long term)

Oh excellent, thank you, it looks lovely! I have been to many of the suppliers but QQ is too far away for me with a screaming baby in the car and they won't mail me samples! Once I choose a stone mason I will view them in person because I hear even with Quartz each slab can be a little different. I was thinking maybe Lexicon quarter...warmed up a bit...but I'm not sure. Thanks for the warning, I do have time on my side so I might go get some sample pots and see what actually looks ok with our lighting.

What at a fantastic find Rebecca. I also have a cork floor, and have found it faultless....even though it will be replaced. I'm not sure why it is so overlooked, as I'm doing the same despite knowing its benefits firsthand?? it needs to be featured across design, maybe it's just not marketed, designers are doing themselves a dis-service, but perhaps it needs a marketing shake up. I vote yes for cork. ML DESIGN

For the Finish go with a 2 Pack Oil Based Polyurethane, can Last well up to 30 years depending on Brand and Traffic over the floors, we use it on some of the Bar Tops we have Done and it is Bullet Proof. My Favorite part of it is its easy to clean. And a Secret way of Polishing small areas is using Car Polish and a Rag and brings it up like new.. only down Side is maybe after 10 years or So it MAY start to Yellow. You can also get different types of Finish either High Gloss or Normal, again Depending on Brand. We Used Wattles 2 Pack Polyurethane 7008