Cork just may be the perfect material from which to create flooring. It is extremely attractive (available in many different unique patterns), durable, easily maintained, is environmentally sound, and it is even more comfortable to walk on than hardwoods! Let's explore these features together to discover just what makes cork such a fantastic flooring material.
The cork in cork flooring actually does come from cork trees, and it is made from the same material as wine corks. In fact, most cork that becomes flooring starts out as scrap created in the process of punching wine corks from sheets of cork bark. Sheets of cork for flooring are created by mixing ground cork particles with an adhesive. Tiles are then cut from those sheets.
For enhanced beauty, some of the cork particles are heated, causing their color to change. By combining cork material that has been heated to differing degrees, cork flooring manufacturers can create various colors and patterns without using any unnatural coloring process.
Cork is a very hole-filled, airy material that naturally compresses when you stand on it. This helps prevent cork from scratching or becoming dented as easily as more traditional wood flooring. This feature also makes cork a very comfortable flooring surface to walk on because of the cushioning it provides.
A cork tree will re-grow its outer layer of cork bark in about nine years. So a single cork tree can produce cork for numerous purposes, and then do it again nine years later. Cork can be harvested over and over, making it a highly environmental product.
If you want the highest quality flooring possible, make sure that you purchase cork that actually originated from an evergreen cork oak tree found in Spain or Portugal. That is the highest quality cork that retains the properties that cork is known for. Cork originating from the far east is not as desirable.
Like most find hardwood, there is some maintenance involved in having cork floors. Although it is very durable, cork flooring can be scratched. It is therefore important to regularly vacuum it to pick up debris that has accumulated on the floor. Spills should be cleaned up immediately. Avoid heavy or abrasive cleaners.
Cork is gaining in popularity as a choice for flooring. There are many different types of cork flooring and many different places to get it, so definitely do your research before purchasing. Get specifics about where the cork came from and if it is solid cork or laminated. Shop around. You might find the best price with an online dealer that has less overhead than a local store.
