Natural Cork Floor:
Retro Flooring Makes a Comeback
Why might you want to consider a natural cork floor for your home? The list of benefits may surprise you. Cork floor covering is:
- Resilient
- Cushiony and soft underfoot
- Naturally resistant to mold and mildew
- Resists insects (including termites)
- Provides thermal and acoustical insulation
- Naturally resistant to fire
- Available in floating floor
(no nails or glue required - cheaper to install) - Environmentally friendly renewable resource
- Durable - with proper care, may last for decades
Cork Floor Covering:
History and Benefits
Cork floor covering comes from the bark of the Cork Oak Tree. It is harvested in such a manner that the health of the tree is not adversely affected. In addition, fertilizers and pesticides are generally not used on cork. Cork Trees have a very long life (up to 150 years) and the cork bark can be harvested about every 9 years. Because it is insect resistant, cork trees are not subject to the same destruction from parasites as some other trees may be. As long ago as the early 1900s, cork became popular as a durable material for floors. Kitchen cork floors are gaining in popularity because of the cushion-y feel. It is much easier on the legs and feet than is tile, or even hardwood floors. It is not the allergy gathering haven that carpet tends to be.
Cork Floor Styles and Colors
Cork floor comes in a number of styles and colors. Some manufacturers offer natural cork floors in light, medium, or dark shades. Many companies also offer different textures of cork flooring, often showing pictures of a mix and match effect of various cork floor tile. The designs are eye-catching and the textures quite interesting.
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