Cork flooring has seen a boom in popularity in the residential market, providing both durability and comfort. Although a slightly pricey avenue when it comes to flooring, cork has many advantages that make it a great investment. 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 comparable in expense to ceramic tile. The many benefits 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 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 remaining level. As tree bark, cork flooring is also very tough against moisture. Unlike a normal hardwood floor that may lose its shape when wet for extended periods, cork flooring can keep its shape without splitting. Simple maintenance and clean up of spills will maintain cork flooring in prime condition for many years.

A cork floor will retain its beautiful finish for generations, with just a little care. 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 springiness of the cork structure also provides great noise cancellation, absorbing noise instead of reflecting it as hardwood is prone to do.

With just a little upkeep, cork flooring is known to keep for many years, just as it has in a variety of commercial and government buildings. As cork flooring has become more and more popular, the styles available have also grown. Cork flooring today can be purchased in a wide variety of colors, shades, and patterns. Cork flooring can typically be installed by either gluing down portions, or using interlocking panels called a “floating floor.” Interlocking panels are slightly more expensive, but will cut down on the associated installation expenses, 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.

Tags: cork floor, cork flooring, cork trees, defensive mechanism, noise cancellation, old trees, toxic emissions