Questions.

More than a surface. Cork is the bark of the cork oak tree, harvested gently every nine years without cutting the cork tree down. Each plank carries the warmth, resilience, and quiet of a material that has been growing for decades.

Cork softens sound, holds warmth, and feels less hard underfoot than tile, stone or laminate. Emissions and certifications are shown by product range, so the claims stay specific to the floor or wall tile you choose.

Cork bark is renewable because the tree stays standing and the bark grows back after harvest. The finished floor still has product specific layers, finishes and adhesives, so sustainability details are shown by range rather than treated as one broad claim.

Montado is focused on cork from Granorte, with calm design, free samples and product information tied to official technical data.

Not at all. Cork has been used in architecture and interiors for over a century. It is a legacy material, reimagined for contemporary living.

As close as we can get it, but not guaranteed to be identical. Cork is a natural material, so colour and grain can vary slightly between production batches and even from plank to plank. Screen displays and room lighting can also affect how a sample compares to the finished floor. We recommend viewing your sample in your own room's natural light before ordering, especially for made to order and special order ranges, which may not be returnable once placed.

A modern click system. No glue. No mess. Floating floors rest above your subfloor with an integrated cork underlay. A confident DIYer can complete an average room in a single day.

Almost anywhere. Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, offices, even basements with floating systems, provided the subfloor is dry. Bathrooms and wet rooms are excluded from the manufacturer's warranty, so we do not recommend cork there.

Yes, where the specific range and installation method allow it. Follow the Granorte guide for that product, including the surface temperature limit.

Floating cork floors have cork backing built into the product. A PE moisture barrier may still be required over concrete or mineral subfloors. Follow the product installation guide.

Sometimes. It depends entirely on moisture. If the subfloor is dry, tested, and stays that way, a floating floor over a PE moisture barrier can work. If there is any history of damp, cork is the wrong floor and we will tell you so. Ask us before ordering for a basement.

The finish depends on the range. Naturals and Naturals Fix use Granorte's WEARTOP factory-sealed surface, ready to walk on from day one. The exact finish for each product is shown on its product page.

Cork compresses under weight and returns to shape, which is part of why it holds up under normal foot traffic. Resilient, forgiving, and naturally tough.

Yes. Cork is quieter under paws and softer under claws than hard flooring. Keep nails trimmed and the floor will take care of itself. It is one of the most pet-considerate surfaces available.

Cork is dense and stable. Use felt pads under furniture legs and your floor will remain unmarked. Stiletto heels can leave impressions on any natural floor, so rugs at entry points help.

Cork evolves naturally over time. It may lighten slightly with UV exposure. Rotate rugs occasionally and let it age evenly. The change is gradual, and often beautiful.

Warranty depends on the range. Naturals and Naturals Fix carry up to 15 years residential cover. Designtrend carries 10 years residential cover. The exact figure is shown on each product page.

Fire reaction is tested and rated by range. The exact fire reaction class is shown on each product page and technical data sheet.

Not waterproof, but highly water-resistant. Suberin in the cork cells repels moisture at a structural level. Ideal for kitchens and resilient to everyday spills. Bathrooms and wet rooms are excluded from the manufacturer's warranty, so we do not recommend cork there.

Always. Even laid over concrete. Cork insulates naturally, warming to body temperature rather than drawing heat from it. No cold feet, even on winter mornings.

Cork helps reduce impact sound. The exact figure depends on the range: up to 19dB for Naturals floating, 17dB for Designtrend and 14dB for Naturals Fix. Especially valued in hallways, open-plan spaces, home offices, and bedrooms.

Kitchens, yes. Cork handles everyday spills well when they are wiped promptly. Bathrooms are excluded from the manufacturer's warranty, so we do not recommend cork for full bathrooms or wet rooms. If you are considering a cloakroom or WC, talk to us first and we will give you an honest answer for your specific room.

The air-filled cells in cork absorb impact naturally, making it softer underfoot than hard flooring. Emissions and certifications are shown by product range, so you can check the exact data for the floor you are choosing.

Gently. Vacuum regularly. Damp mop when needed without soaking the surface. Skip harsh chemical cleaners. Let cork breathe and it will look after you in return.

Every few years, depending on traffic. A single topcoat restores the surface. High-traffic areas like hallways may need more frequent attention. The WEARTOP® finish on our floating floors requires no annual sealing.

Yes. Solid cork can be lightly sanded and resealed. Veneered options can be cleaned, lightly sanded, and recoated. Unlike laminate, cork gives you a second life.

Warranty depends on the range. Naturals and Naturals Fix carry up to 15 years residential cover. Designtrend carries 10 years residential cover. Commercial warranties and conditions are shown on each product page. See our warranty page for a plain-English breakdown of what is and is not covered.

Felt pads under all furniture legs. A rug at entry points to catch grit before it reaches the floor. Avoid dragging furniture. Let natural light in but rotate rugs occasionally to age the floor evenly.

We offer nationwide shipping across mainland UK. Devon and Cornwall postcodes carry a flat £40 shipping charge. Samples are free for the first five, then £1 per extra sample.

Stocked items are delivered within 48 hours. Recolour and special-order Naturals are made to order for trade and business customers and take 4 to 8 weeks for delivery. On rare occasions this can run slightly longer due to production or courier delays, and we will keep you updated if that happens. Samples arrive within 1 to 3 working days. You will receive a tracking number as soon as your order leaves us.

Not through online checkout. Shipping costs to Scotland vary by courier and postcode, so orders to Scotland cannot be placed on the website. Call us on 023 8244 7628 before ordering and we will confirm a shipping price and take your order over the phone.

Not currently. We ship to mainland UK addresses only. Northern Ireland and island addresses may be subject to extended delivery times. Contact us before ordering if you are unsure.

Contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photographs of the damage and your order number. We will send a replacement box. If a refund is needed instead, this is issued once Granorte has received and inspected the damaged item.

Stocked products can be returned within 14 days of delivery if the packaging is unopened and undamaged. Return postage is paid by the customer. Recolour and any Montado special order or non-stocked product are made specifically for your order, so please make sure of your quantity, room measurements, and chosen product before you place it. Once it is placed it cannot be returned or exchanged.

Recolour floors, and certain special-order Naturals floors, are made to order for trade and business customers. They are available to order through our shop, and this will be stated on the product page. If you are a private buyer interested in Recolour, get in touch and we will advise on the best way to order.

Return delivery costs are the responsibility of the customer unless the goods are faulty or incorrect. We recommend using a tracked service for your own protection.

Email us with your order number, product name, and reason for return. We will confirm whether the product is eligible and reply within one working day with the next steps.

Refunds are processed within 5 working days of us receiving the returned goods in acceptable condition. You will receive an email confirmation once the refund has been issued.

Cork is a natural material and every plank is unique. We strongly recommend ordering a sample before committing to a full order, especially for special-order products. If something is materially wrong with the product you receive, contact us and we will help.