When you think of cork, a wine bottle, drink coaster or bulletin board probably come to mind. But cork flooring is becoming an increasingly popular – and its many benefits may surprise you.
What it is
Unlike hardwood flooring, produced from felled trees, cork flooring comes from the bark of the tree only. The bark is harvested every nine years, and then grows back with no harm to the tree itself.
Cork flooring is made by grinding the bark into small pieces, which are coated with a non-toxic resin binder. It’s manufactured as tiles or planks in various thicknesses.
Surprisingly, cork flooring doesn’t resemble the bulletin board material at all. Because it’s processed from tiny pieces, manufacturers can achieve an amazing array of patterns and textures.
Colors also vary – but not from stains or dyes. During the manufacturing process, cork is baked in ovens – the longer it bakes, the darker it becomes. Unfinished cork can be painted or stained as well. |
 Did you know? Cork trees, found
primarily in Spain,
Portugal and
Tunisia, can live
up to 800 years.
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The benefits
One of the greatest benefits of cork flooring is the environmental impact – because it’s made from bark, the cork trees are simply peeled instead of cut down.
Because of its unique cellular structure, cork flooring is extremely resilient and quiet. Fifty percent of the volume of material is air, which acts as a natural shock and sound absorber.
The air pockets in cork also make it a great insulator – cork floors stay warm even when installed over cold concrete floors. It’s also a great covering over radiant floor heating.
Other benefits include: - Cleanliness: Cork is naturally anti-allergenic and anti-static.
- Insulating: The air pockets in cork flooring slow the transfer of heat.
- Design choices: Cork is available in a huge variety of colors and patterns, and comes in planks or tiles.
- Durability: Urethane-sealed cork floors are extremely durable, usually outlasting most hardwoods or vinyl.
The drawbacks
As you might suspect, softness is a legitimate concern with cork flooring. Because it’s so resilient, heavy furniture can permanently dent it. You can prevent problems by using furniture pads beneath table or furniture legs.
In addition, as with any wood floor, water can be damaging. Cork should not be used in basements or bathrooms that might have seepage or flooding problems. |
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Installation and maintenance
Cork planks or tiles are installed with adhesives. The material can easily be cut with a utility knife, so it’s simple to fit around corners or along uneven walls.
Cork floors require up to five coats of urethane sealer, which will last several years. A dulling floor can be brightened with another quick coat.
Maintenance is simple as well – regular sweeping and vacuuming will prevent scratches, and spills can be wiped up with a damp sponge.
For heavy-duty cleaning, a mild detergent and damp mop will refresh up the finish without damage.
Costs
The average costs for cork flooring are about $4 to $6 per square foot – about the same as imported hardwood or high-end laminate. |
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