Cork flooring is soft, sound absorbent and totally renewable. This replacement for hardwood flooring has the appeal of hardwood without the damage to natural forests. Cork is quickly becoming a mainstay in homes and offices around the world because of its amazing eco-friendliness and variety of uses.
What It Looks Like
Cork flooring comes from the trunks of the cork tree that grows naturally in France and Spain. This tree will simply regrow the outer bark that is stripped to make cork based products. Since this is a naturally renewable source of flooring materials cork is quickly becoming popular for both home and business flooring. The floor itself has the look of wood but also possesses the benefits of cork, such as being able to absorb sound.
The colors of cork flooring vary from deep chocolate to light tan for a unique style that is very similar to other wood flooring. Since cork is naturally spongy the floor will have a cushiony appeal that is very comfortable to walk on after a long day. In addition to new cork there are also recycled cork options available for flooring. If you are looking for a green way to build or remodel your home then nothing beats cork and recycled cork.
The Benefits
The benefits of cork flooring are more than you may think. Cork is not only helpful for reducing stress on joints and bones from walking, but the material also has hypoallergenic properties and can last for many, many years without needing a lot of maintenance. Unlike hardwood flooring cork won’t become scratched, scuffed or dull after being walked on. Even though the material is softer than other options the floor won’t become indented from normal use.
Cork is also water resistant and fire resistant. If you live with children then you know that spills happen. Carpet will absorb and hold stains, and an unnoticed spill on hardwood can actually damage the floor itself. Cork will not absorb any liquid even if left for a little longer than usual. The cork will also resist any dirt or spores that naturally wander into a home from the outdoors. This natural option provides some of the best features available in a home with allergy sufferers because of these properties.
Buying and Installing
Buying cork flooring is an affordable option that isn’t more expensive than carpeting or hardwood flooring. Since the materials are so resistant to damage you may even find that you save money over time due to the reduce maintenance and replacement that you would have with other options for flooring. There are many patterns to choose from with cork so you aren’t stuck with one boring option, as well.
Installing cork flooring is very similar to installing hardwood flooring. You can have a professional complete the installation or you can do it yourself with just a few tools. You should use an adhesive that is made to work with cork if you plan on completing the installation yourself.
