Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is a type of flooring that has gained popularity over time. It makes a good alternative to wood or laminate flooring in areas where you do not want to place carpet. In these days of environmental consciousness, cork flooring makes an excellent choice as it is a renewable resource. Cork flooring has many advantages which make it a viable consideration for your flooring needs.

The cork tree

Cork trees are indigenous to areas around the Mediterranean Sea. The bark of the cork is the source of the material for cork flooring. It is taken only about every 10 years so that it has time to regenerate itself, and the tree itself is not destroyed.

Appearance of cork floors

Cork floors come in a variety of patterns and a number of shades of either green, brown or red. The flooring is available in either planks or tiles which you can glue down, or install with a tongue and groove system. Following installation, you need to seal the floors to protect them from wear and tear.

Advantages of cork floors

Cork flooring has many advantages. Its fire resistance makes it an excellent choice for homes, and the fact that it soaks up sound and movement makes it a quiet floor especially for upper stories. It is quite durable, and yet its feeling of softness makes it easy to stand and walk on. You cannot easily damage these floor because they have a certain amount of give, which resists tearing to a point. These floors are very family-friendly, and fit in with many types of decor.

Caring for these floors

Do not use very much water on cork flooring because it can damage its structure. Cleaning with a dry mop is usually quite sufficient. It is important to keep the floor clean, and wipe up anything that spills very quickly because cork can stain. Take care to keep the darker shades of cork flooring out of direct sun to prevent the possibility of fading. As with any flooring, do not drag furniture across the surface. Minimal care keeps your cork flooring looking good for a long time.

Cork flooring makes a good type of floor for many rooms in your home or office. It is durable, low-maintenance and easy to put down. Choose from several different looks for your cork flooring to coordinate with the rest of your decor. Cork flooring offers an excellent alternative to many other types of traditional floors.