Cork Flooring

Cork flooring has become a very popular choice in the home, providing both durability and comfort. Although a slightly expensive avenue when it comes to flooring, cork has many benefits that make it a great investment. Cork is harvested from cork trees in several Mediterranean countries, and the trees only yield a crop once every nine years. This creates a limited supply for a material in high demand. Cork flooring is about the same in expense to ceramic tile. The many advantages of a cork floor, however, make it worthwhile to invest in cork.

As the main defensive mechanism of ages old trees, cork has natural properties that make it resistant to moisture, insects, and abrasion. Cork is also comprised of over 90% air, allowing it to absorb shocks gently, while also quickly returning to its former shape. This ability gives cork flooring excellent durability, allowing it to cushion those standing on it while also remaining level. As tree bark, cork flooring is also very resistant to moisture. Unlike a normal hardwood floor that may lose its shape when wet for extended periods, cork flooring can keep its shape without cracking. Simple maintenance and clean up of spills will keep cork flooring in prime condition for many years.

A cork floor will retain its beautiful finish for generations, with just a little care. Suberin, a natural compound within cork, works to keep the cork intact. The compound is also fire resistant, and does not emit any toxic emissions when burnt. The springiness of the cork structure also provides great noise absorption, absorbing noise instead of reflecting it as hardwood is prone to do.

With just a little upkeep, cork flooring is known to last for many years, just as it has in a variety of commercial and government buildings. As cork flooring has become more and more popular, the options associated with it have also multiplied. Cork flooring today can be bought in a wide variety of colors, shades, and patterns. Cork flooring can usually be installed by either gluing down portions, or using interlocking segments called a “floating floor.” Interlocking panels are slightly more expensive, but you will save on installation costs, as well as improved general durability. Cork flooring is a wonderful alternative to hardwood, and is available today in many affordable models.

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