One of the most useful natural elements today is cork. Cork is a special material because it is such an environmentally friendly material and it has many uses. Today, cork has become a very popular flooring material. Cork is used on residential floors, commercial establishments, and is especially great for places where you’ll be standing for long periods of time.

We want to share with you some beautiful facts about cork and cork flooring. Cork is a product of the cork oak tree ( Quercus suber ) which usually grows in the Mediterranean, southwest Europe and northwest Africa. It is an evergreen tree of medium size that grows up to 20 meters tall and lives up to 150 to 250 years. The cork that is used as wine or olive oil stoppers, sandals, floors, fishing net floats, boat insulation, and even roof materials in some parts of the world is actually the bark of the cork tree that is harvested every 9 to12 years.

The harvested cork tree looks like a sheep freshly sheared of its wool. Harvesting cork does not harm the tree; the bark regenerates and is therefore an environment-friendly way of designing and decorating your home with renewable green flooring.

Benefits of Installing Cork Flooring

• Easy maintenance and durability

Don’t be misled by the 200 Janka rating of cork as it doesn’t precisely reflect its durability. A lot of structures like churches, restaurants, private homes, bars, showrooms, and even private homes dating back to the 1800s still have their cork flooring intact.

• Comfort and Softness

As the cork tree grows its bark, air gets trapped inside its cellular structure which becomes some sort of shock absorber. The result is a floor with a soft cushioned feel that can relieve stress especially in places where you tend to stand for longer periods such as in the kitchen. The shock absorbing mechanism of the cork flooring also works as a ‘noise absorber’ especially in high traffic areas.

• Hypoallergenic and insect-repelling

Suberin is a waxy substance normally found in cork trees. It has properties that can repel molds, insects, and mites. Furthermore, suberin is hypoallergenic, fire-resistant and unlike other wood products, does not release any toxic off-gassing when it burns. When covered with coating, it ultimately becomes long lasting and healthy and safe for use for the family.

• Elegant look

Cork possesses a unique texture and appearance and is available in numerous shades, pattern, and depth. It has a classic look that provides depth and warmth to your house, plus it blends well with many pieces of furniture.

• Warm and has an insulating effect

Cork does not come out as cold as other hardwood flooring and has an insulating effect.

Cork is Stronger than you Think

Unlike the cork used in school bulletin boards, cork flooring consists of different components. The materials used by other manufacturers may slightly vary but in general, cork flooring consists of:

Wear surface (acrylic varnish)

The topmost component, this can usually be a UV hardened varnish, sealer, or oil that can be factory or field applied.

Cork bark veneer

This is the layer that you can see. Choose the cork bark veneer or topmost layer that will suit your taste. Cork bark veneers are usually processed and treated to show a particular texture and appearance.

Cork core

The inclusion of a cork core varies among different manufacturers. The purpose of the cork core is to provide additional comfort and cushion while walking or standing as well as to provide insulation.

Stabilizing core

Made from either medium density fiberboard or high density fiberboards, the stabilizing core is actually the main structure of the floor panel. Its edges are milled so that the interlocking of the panel to adjoining pieces is possible.

Cork underlayment

An important part of the floating floor panel, the cork underlayment is a flexible low density cork material used as acoustic insulation.

Although some may claim that cork flooring seems too fragile and soft for such a high cost, the benefits and beauty of cork flooring still outweigh its drawbacks. The use of cork flooring is definitely an elegant way to beautify your house, office, or building.

Visit our Los Angeles Flooring showrooms for more information about Flooring.