Cork trees are a variety of the oak tree species. While most other wood or grass (bamboo) flooring materials are made by utilizing the stalk of the plant, cork is the outer layer of bark. Harvesting the bark of the cork tree is environmentally friendly, as it does not kill the plant. In fact, cork trees grow a fresh layer of harvestable bark every six years. The cork tree can continue to grow new bark for decades if not centuries. Very little of the harvested bark goes to waste.
No other material has the visual detail that is found in cork flooring. It is an excellent flooring material in both homes and offices. Cork has been used as a floor covering for many centuries because of its durability and appearance.
Durability and Resilience
Cork provides resilience and comfort. Unlike many of the ceramic flooring materials, standing on cork does not lead to sore and stained calf mussels. Many people believe that cork is soft, elastic, can be compressed, and hence should not be used if you want a long life floor. This not the correct and the proof is, that there are many century old European estates that still have their original cork floors. When cared for properly, as is necessary with any hardwood flooring, it is capable of providing decades of service.
An excellent flooring material for both kitchen and bathroom floors, cork is extremely resistant to any penetration by a liquid and it provides a non-slip surface (somewhat dependent on how it has been finished). Note: Cork should be sealed when installed as a kitchen or bathroom floor.
Health Benefits
Cork is naturally hypoallergenic and antistatic. Homeowners who are concerned about the allergenic effects of any building materials should consider cork as it resists the growth of mildew and mold and will not attract pollen or dust particles. Cork floors are easy to maintain and do not release fibers nor do they emit any toxins into the air making it an excellent flooring for individuals with respiratory ailments.
Insulating Properties
Cork has outstanding insulation characteristics. Its naturally low thermal conductivity provides a barrier to excessive heat or cold. It reduces energy costs in both heating and cooling. Its thermal properties make it an excellent flooring over above or below grade cement subfloors. Even without under floor heating a cork floor is warm to the touch. An excellent solution to cold, basement, family room floors.
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Cork Flooring Basics
Natural Cork Flooring Can Be A Sound Option For Your Home
If you have never seen natural cork flooring you may be surprised how hardy and versatile a material it can be. Many people might think that cork is flimsy because they have had a bulletin or reminder board that is easy to stick pins into or break if not attached to the wall. This article will cover how natural cork flooring is created and some of the features of this material as a floor surface in your home.
To begin with, natural cork flooring is a renewable resource. This is encouraging from an environmental perspective given the way trees are cut down in vast quantities to be made into flooring or other products. Cork comes from the cork oak tree. It is actually the bark of the tree and is simply peeled off the tree after around 10 years of growth. The trees will grow new bark and the process will continue, culminating in another peeling. In this way the trees are never cut down. Although the process takes a long time, by staggering the planting of the trees a constant supply of cork can be produced.
In terms of the qualities of natural cork flooring, it is noted for it's thermal and acoustic insulation. This is because there a millions of tiny air pockets in cork. They absorb and insulate a room from heat and noise. When you walk on natural cork flooring you will notice that it gives under your feet and will bounce back after the pressure is removed. This is a tactile illustration of the insulation qualities of cork flooring.
Various colors of cork flooring are also available making its use in a variety of rooms and environments possible. They are made with snap-lock connections similar to laminate flooring and can be installed either as a floating floor covering or glued to a sub floor material.
The natural texture of natural cork flooring makes it feel naturally different from other flooring materials and its natural soundproofing makes it ideal in apartments or in rooms where noise can be distracting to those in rooms below them. Its insulating qualities also helps reduce heating and cooling costs. The durability and life expectancy of natural cork flooring is directly dependent on the quality of the installation and how you care for the material.
Cork is especially useful in rooms that are heavily used, like bathrooms and kitchens. In these types of rooms there is a good chance that moisture may come in contact with the flooring. So many types of natural cork flooring for this purpose are given a top coating of acrylic that seals the material of any spills. Other rooms that may not be subject to this type of wear and tear may have a top coat of waxing. This is a thin coating that retains the bounce back feeling in the cork but also protects it from damage.
It is straightforward to clean natural cork flooring. Simply use a dry mop or a duster to remove hard particles from accumulating on the natural cork flooring surface. The floor should never be scrubbed with and liquid based abrasive cleaners that may damage the protective coating of the cork or be absorbed into the cork material itself.
For more details on using natural cork flooring and how vinyl plank flooring can be used in your home, visit http://www.finehomeideas.com
