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Cork flooring has seen a boom in popularity in the residential market, delivering both durability and comfort.  Although a slightly expensive option when it comes to flooring, cork has many advantages that make it a great investment.  Cork is harvested from cork trees in several Mediterranean countries, and the trees only yield a crop once every nine years.  This creates a limited supply for a material in high demand.  Cork flooring is comparable in price to ceramic tile.  The many benefits 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 wear and tear.  Cork is also made out of over 90% air, allowing it to take shocks gently, while also quickly returning to its original shape.  This property gives cork flooring excellent durability, allowing it to cushion 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 lose its shape when wet for extended periods, cork flooring can retain its shape without splitting.  Simple 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, with just a little care.  Suberin, a natural compound within cork, works to keep the cork intact.  Suberin is also fire resistant, and does not emit any toxic emissions when burnt.  The springiness of the cork structure also provides great noise absorption, 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 options associated with it have also multiplied.  Cork flooring today can be ordered in a great spectrum of colors, shades, and patterns.  Cork flooring can normally be installed by either gluing down sections, or using interlocking panels known as a "floating floor."  Interlocking panels are a little more expensive, but you will save on installation costs, as well as improved general durability.  Cork flooring is a excellent alternative to hardwood, and is available today in many affordable models.

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