Cork Flooring
Cork flooring has become a very popular choice in the home, delivering both durability and comfort. Although a somewhat expensive avenue when it comes to flooring, cork has many advantages that make it well worth the cost. Cork is harvested from cork trees in several Mediterranean countries, and the trees only yield a crop once every nine years. This makes the supply of cork very limited, driving up prices worldwide. Cork flooring is comparable in price to ceramic tile. The many benefits of a cork floor, however, make it worthwhile to invest in cork.
As the bark of a long lasting tree, cork has natural properties that make it resistant to moisture, insects, and wear and tear. Cork is also comprised of over 90% air, allowing it to take shocks gently, while also quickly returning to its former shape. This property 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 tough against moisture. Unlike a normal hardwood floor that may lose its shape when wet for extended periods, cork flooring can maintain its shape without splitting. Easy maintenance and clean up of spills will maintain cork flooring in prime condition for many years.
A cork floor will retain its beautiful finish for generations, given simple maintenance such as sweeping and mopping. Suberin, a natural compound within cork, repels insects and prevents water damage. Suberin is also fire resistant, and does not emit any toxic emissions when burnt. The springiness of the cork structure also provides great noise cancellation, absorbing noise instead of bouncing it as hardwood is prone to do.
With little maintenance, cork flooring is known to last for many years, as it has in public buildings for a long time. As cork flooring has grown in acceptance, the options associated with it have also multiplied. Cork flooring today can be ordered in a wide variety of colors, shades, and patterns. Cork flooring can typically be installed by either gluing down portions, or using interlocking panels known as a “floating floor.” Interlocking panels are a little more expensive, but you will save on installation costs, as well as improved general reliability. Cork flooring is a wonderful alternative to hardwood, and is available today in many affordable models.
Mail this post