Many people love the warm, natural look of cork floors. Not only do they add cushion underfoot and insulate against heat or cold, they are also soft surfaces which offer protection for knees and backs – perfect for areas such as kitchens where people stand for extended periods.
Cork is generally very durable, though it is susceptible to denting and scratching like wood. Protective pads under heavy furniture as well as applying non-toxic polish regularly may help avoid accidental abrasions of cork surfaces.
Eco-Friendly
Cork flooring is an eco-friendly flooring option derived from the bark of Cork Oak trees, harvested without harm to them and harvested approximately 15-20 times during its lifespan. After harvest, its harvested bark regenerates as a renewable resource while each cork tree absorbs five times more CO2 than it releases through natural regeneration processes.
Once harvested, material is ground finely and mixed with resin binders before being compressed into sheets or blocks and cut into solid planks or engineered floating floors.
Cork flooring’s small cells make it soft underfoot, making it ideal for areas in which someone will be standing for prolonged periods. Cork can also help soundproof areas while its insulating properties aid energy efficiency. Like other wood-look products, however, cork can fade under direct sunlight; to mitigate this UV protectants are recommended in these locations; other ways you can help reduce this include creating an “leave shoes at the door” policy or installing felt pads on furniture legs to limit this process as well as setting thermostat temperatures higher during summer/lower in winter respectively.
Durable
Cork floors provide soft, warm and cozy insulation to protect feet, knees and back from impact damage more effectively than hardwood or resilient flooring options. Small dents tend to fill themselves in and shallow scratches blend seamlessly into their texture unlike their counterparts found on wooden surfaces that tend to show any imperfections more readily.
Cork flooring provides exceptional moisture insulation. It can withstand moderate amounts of liquid spillage without warping or swelling compared to many other flooring materials, unlike most. Furthermore, manufacturers typically offer 15 year to lifetime warranties with their cork floor products.
As with other natural flooring materials, cork floors require periodic sweeping and mopping to remain looking their best. Implementing a leave-your-shoes-at-the-door policy, adding felt pads to furniture legs, and vacuuming with non-engaged beater bars will all help minimize scuffs and scratching; regular applications of topcoat protect against staining and moisture absorption while UV protectants or darker cork products should be used in rooms exposed directly to sunlight to limit fading effects.
Easy to Maintain
Cork floors are durable and water-resistant, but require regular care to stay beautiful. Start by regularly sweeping away dust and dirt which acts like sandpaper on their surface and wears away its protective finish. When vacuuming them use either the bare floor setting or one that doesn’t use its beater bar which could gouge or scratch it further.
When spills happen, clean them up immediately. Be mindful about wet mopping as too much moisture may cause cork flooring to expand and contract over time – impacting its look and durability.
Furniture pads provide added protection by keeping heavy pieces like chairs from gouging into or scratching flooring surfaces, while mats at entrances and sinks catch splashes or drips that might occur.
Versatile
Cork is an impermeable yet breathable material, naturally repelling dust mites and mildew, as well as aiding with air quality improvement and providing hypoallergenic protection.
Soft underfoot, it reduces noise in the home, making it quieter than many other flooring materials. This feature makes it especially helpful in homes with young children or seniors at risk of falls.
Natural cork insulation helps keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer, saving energy costs as a result. Cork floors may even help lower energy consumption costs!
Cork flooring material is obtained by harvesting cork oak bark without harming or cutting down trees, creating an endless source of renewable resource that can be harvested 15-20 times over its lifespan. Cork is biodegradable and recyclable – while not being the cheapest flooring solution, cork will add lasting beauty and value to your home for many years to come.
