| Cork bulletin boards and wine stoppers are familiar objects. A cork floor, however, is still quite new on the design front. That could explain why there are so many misconceptions about cork floors. A cork floor is not as flimsy as a cork bulletin board, and it is not as fragile as a cork wine stopper. Cork could be the best flooring option for your home. Here’s what you need to know about cork floors. |
Cork can go many places hardwood can’t – like bathrooms, for instance. Cork is naturally mildew-resistant, and it won’t rot when it gets wet, making it the perfect tub-side flooring option. It can also improve relationships between parents and teenagers; cork dampens sounds and vibrations, preventing the latest single by the latest idol from reverberating throughout the house.
Cork contains suberin, a natural substance that acts as a fire retardant and a bug repellant. Suberin also repels mold spores, and it’s hypoallergenic, helping you breathe a little easier. Cork can also help you stand a little easier. This type of flooring is great for anyone with lower back pain, since the soft springy surface eases tension on joints in the back.
Cork is also friendly to the environment. To make traditional hardwood flooring, a few dozen trees need to die. Cork, meanwhile, comes from living trees; a cork oak tree can be harvested around 20 times during its life span. Buying a cork floor also decreases the demand for exotic hardwood, helping preserve rainforests and ancient forests around the world.
The Cons
The biggest problem with cork is its price – cork is one of the most expensive flooring materials. Cork is also a newer flooring material; while the beauty of the floor will impress some buyers, others might prefer traditional hardwood.
Where to Install
Cork comes in a range of tones, and its unique natural pattern suits any room’s decor, whether contemporary or traditional. But if you’re on a budget, install cork in rooms where you’ll be standing for long stretches, like the kitchen. You’ll be grateful for the comfortable surface beneath your feet when you’re preparing Thanksgiving dinner.
Cork might not be as popular as traditional hardwood floors, but sales of cork tiles are steadily increasing. Unlike concrete and ceramic, cork is comfortable underfoot. Unlike carpet, cork is easy to clean, and it doesn’t harbor allergy-causing dust mites. And unlike hardwood, cork is friendly to the environment. With so many pros and so few cons, cork just might surpass other types of materials to become the world’s most popular floor.
Interested in learning more about cork and helping you consider alternatives? Please give us a call at 770-575-8044! We’re always ready to help.
