Cork Flooring – A Quick Glance
Cork flooring has become a very popular choice in the home, providing both durability and comfort. Although a somewhat expensive 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 flooring is comparable in price to ceramic tile. The many advantages of a cork floor, however, make it worthwhile to invest in cork.
As the bark of a long lasting tree, cork has natural properties that make it resistant to moisture, insects, and abrasion. Cork is also made out of over 90% air, allowing it to take shocks gently, while also quickly coming back to its former shape. 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 warp or buckle when exposed to moisture, cork flooring can keep its shape without cracking. Simple maintenance and clean up of spills will keep cork flooring in prime condition for many years.
A cork floor will retain its beautiful finish for several years, 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 soft air containing structure of the cork also allows for 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 keep for many years, as it has in public buildings for a long time. As cork flooring has grown in acceptance, the styles available have also grown. Cork flooring today can be ordered in a wide variety of colors, shades, and patterns. Cork flooring can typically be installed by either gluing down portions, or using interlocking segments 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. Natural Cork flooring is a great alternative to hardwood, and is available today in many affordable models.
Tagged with: Abrasion • Ceramic Tile • Cork Floor • cork flooring • cork flooring prices • cork hardwood flooring • Cork Trees • floating cork flooring • hardwood floor • Insects • Mediterranean Countries • Natural Compound • natural cork flooring • Nine Years • Noise Cancellation • Prime Condition • Public Buildings • Resiliency • Shocks • Toxic Emissions • Tree Bark • Upkeep • Warp • water damage
Filed under: Flooring
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