Should I Install Cork Flooring?
If the word “cork” only brings to mind wine bottle stoppers, think again. Cork Flooring is a beautiful, comfortable, and sustainable alternative to traditional flooring options. This sleek and contemporary style of flooring has experienced a surge in popularity over the years. Cork comes from the bark of the cork oak tree found throughout the Mediterranean. Portugal is the largest producer of cork in the world with over 30% of the world’s cork trees and 70% of the world’s total cork production. Cork bark is made up of a tiny sealed honeycomb cellular structures containing gas of 90% air. These cells provide cushion and insulation. Cork can be compressed up to 40% and quickly returns to its original shape. This makes cork a very unique flooring material compared to either hard and delicate counterparts. As an added bonus, cork is environmentally friendly as it is a renewable and sustainable natural resource. Trees are harvested, on average, every 9 years and can produce up to one ton of cork per year. Cork trees typically have a lifespan of 150-200 years.
Benefits of Cork Flooring
- Durability
Cork flooring is resistant to cracking and abrasions. It’s also impermeable to liquids. Cork flooring has the ability to bounce back, so you don’t need to worry about your furniture causing indentations. When properly maintained, cork flooring will last 40+ years.
- Health and Safety
Cork is naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and termites. It is also considered anti-microbial. These natural properties make cork flooring healthy and safe for adults, pets, and babies.
- Noise Reduction
No need to tip-toe around the house for a late-night snack when you have cork floors. Unlike hard materials like tile, wood, or vinyl, cork reduces impact noise like the sound of people or pets walking, or something falling on the floor.
Cork is a natural thermal insulator. With a warm hand (or foot) feel, this hardwood and tile alternative will reduce your energy bills through the cold winter months. Its resilience makes it easy to stand on for long periods of time, and makes it resistant to stains, mold and mildew. This renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable option has a minimal impact on the environment from harvesting through to the manufacturing process making it the perfect option for the environmentally conscious homeowner.
Interested in learning more about cork floor options for your home? Visit us in-store to learn more: https://woodchuckflooring.com/