Cork flooring has seen a boom in popularity in the residential market, delivering both durability and comfort. Although a somewhat pricey avenue when it comes to flooring, cork has many advantages that make it well worth the cost. It should be noted though that there are disadvantages of cork flooring. 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 flooring is about the same in price to ceramic tile. The many advantages of a cork floor, however, make it worthwhile to invest in cork.
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 take shocks gently, while also quickly coming back to its former form. This ability gives cork flooring great resiliency, allowing it to support those standing on it while also maintaining stability. As tree bark, cork flooring is also very tough against moisture. Unlike a normal hardwood floor that may warp or buckle when exposed to moisture, cork flooring can keep its shape without cracking. Easy maintenance and clean up of spills will keep cork flooring 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. Suberin is also fire resistant, and does not emit any toxic emissions when burnt. The soft air containing structure of the cork also provides great noise cancellation, absorbing noise instead of bouncing it as hardwood is prone to do.
With just a little upkeep, cork flooring is known to last for many years, as it has in public buildings for a long time. As cork flooring has become more and more popular, the styles available have also grown. Cork flooring today can be purchased in a great spectrum of colors, shades, and patterns. Cork flooring can normally be installed by either gluing down sections, or using interlocking segments called 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 the usual wood and vinyl floors, and is available today in many affordable styles.