Cork Floors

Cork floors has seen a boom in popularity in the residential market, providing both durability and comfort.

Although a somewhat pricey option when it comes to flooring, cork has many benefits that make it well worth the cost. Cork is harvested from cork trees in several Mediterranean countries, and it can only be harvested once every nine years. This makes the supply of cork very limited, driving up prices worldwide. cork floors is about the same in price to ceramic tile. The many advantages of a cork floor, however, make cork an attractive option.

As the main defensive mechanism of ages old trees, cork has natural properties that make it resistant to moisture, insects, and wear and tear. Cork is also made out of over 90% air, allowing it to absorb shocks gently, while also quickly coming back to its original form. This property gives cork floors excellent durability, allowing it to support those standing on it while also maintaining stability. As tree bark, cork floors is also very tough against moisture. Unlike a normal hardwood floor that may lose its shape when wet for extended periods, cork floors can keep thier shape without splitting. Simple maintenance and clean up of spills will maintain cork floors in prime condition for many years.

A cork floor will maintain 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. 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 cancellation, absorbing noise instead of bouncing it as hardwood is prone to do.

With just a little upkeep, cork floors are known to keep for many years, as it has in public buildings for a long time. As cork floors has grown in acceptance, the styles available have also grown. cork floors today can be bought in a wide variety of colors, shades, and patterns. Cork floors can usually be installed by either gluing down portions, or using interlocking sections known as a "floating floor." Interlocking panels are slightly more expensive, but will cut down on the associated installation expenses, as well as improved general durability. Cork floors are wonderful alternative to hardwood, and is available today in many affordable styles.