Choosing a floor that’s going to look great can be tough. After all, you have to combine thoughts about the style you’re trying to achieve with the practical nature of the flooring itself. You’ll walk on it, stand on it, and if you have kids, play on it. Most importantly, at the end of the day, you still want it to look amazing after all of that. Now more than ever before, people are turning to modern cork flooring to create a unique style that’s as durable as it is practical. There are many benefits to cork flooring: waterproof durability, natural beauty, and sustainability. Is it right for your home? A closer look at this material can help you decide.
What is Cork Flooring?
Cork flooring is a type of flooring material that is made from cork oak tree, or more specifically its bark, which is mostly found in Mediterranean regions. The cork used for the floor itself is harvested from the outer layer of the tree’s bark, typically when the tree is around 25 years old. The bark is carefully stripped off in a process known as “cork stripping,” which is done by skilled workers to ensure the tree’s health and regrowth.
Once harvested, the cork bark is processed into various forms for flooring applications. The cork is ground into granules or mixed with binders and compressed to form solid cork tiles or planks. The manufacturing process often involves the use of heat and pressure to create stable and durable flooring products.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing Modern Cork Flooring?
When most people think of cork flooring, they think of the material that was popular in the 70s. It was bouncy and durable, but it lacked any real aesthetic beauty. Today’s cork floors are quite different, though. Thanks to advanced production techniques, you can choose vibrant colors, appealing patterns, and even cork floors that mimic the look of other materials like stone and tile.
The look of cork isn’t the only reason so many people are selecting this flooring material, though. They also choose it because it’s healthier both for the planet and your home. Cork is a renewable and eco-friendly material. The cork oak trees are not cut down during harvesting, and the bark regenerates over time. This sustainable harvesting method allows for the long-term viability of cork forests.
More than that, cork is naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and pests due to its inherent properties. It does not retain dust or allergens, making it a good choice for individuals with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.
It’s also just a great flooring choice. Cork has a cushioned and yielding surface, offering a comfortable underfoot feel. It provides a slight bounce when walked upon, which can reduce strain on joints and make it more comfortable to stand on for long periods. It acts as a natural thermal barrier, helping to keep rooms warm in colder months and cool in hotter months.
It also absorbs sound, reducing noise transmission, which makes it perfect for your child’s playroom or even a yacht. Add that to the fact that it is resilient and
can withstand the impact of foot traffic and furniture, and you have a winner. It has a natural elasticity that allows it to recover from indents and scratches, so you’ll be able to appreciate it for some time, whether it’s in your high-end home or outdoor area.
One other great feature of cork flooring? Waterproof options, make this material ideal for the bathroom or kitchen. The cork’s natural structure contains suberin, a substance that helps to repel water and prevent it from penetrating the material. The high humidity of the bathroom and continual spills in the kitchen are no problems for cork flooring.
Ready to Consider Cork? Book a Showroom Appointment Now
Thinking about cork for your space? Give us a call. We can show you the various options we have in stock and give you a free estimate for your space. Cork is the right choice in many homes across South Florida, and we’ll be happy to show you how it will fit into yours too. East Coast Flooring is your destination for high quality flooring in South Florida.