Cork Floors 101: Part 3

The last couple of columns we have explored where cork comes from and some of the attributes and benefits of it. Today we will explore how it specifically translates to flooring and what you can expect.

Most cork flooring comes in tiles or planks. The most common is an engineered laminate-style application which is installed using a glue down or floating installation process. As with any floor, make sure proper attention is given to the subfloor before installing it to get the best long term results. Many cork fans love its natural variations in tone and texture and like with most natural products, it has a richness and depth that manufacturers cannot replicate. Cork can be dyed or stained in a myriad of colors to fit any design aesthetic.

Cork is a natural product and with any natural product there is some maintenance. Sweep or vacuum it on a weekly basis to keep dirt and crumbs from permanently marring the surface. Some cork flooring comes prefinished and some manufacturers recommend waxing or applying clear polyurethane. Just like hardwoods or carpet, sunlight can fade it over time.

Ok, ok-I’ve convinced you to use cork for your flooring. But how much does it cost? A good budget number is about $12 per square foot which includes installation. Be careful skimping on the quality of the material. Lower density cork flooring won’t hold up very long in the long run. 

Like when selecting any flooring material, consider the other spaces and materials around it before deciding on color or style so that it blends in with the rest of your aesthetic. We’ve installed cork flooring several times and every customer has loved it! If you decide to use it, I’d love to see pictures of your finished space. Email them to me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Cork Floors 101: Part 2

Last time we discussed where cork comes from and how it is harvested. This week we will dive into cork flooring, specifically, and discover the benefits and traits that make it a great flooring choice. Some of the unique properties of cork are elasticity, natural, insulating, water & wear resistant and anti-allergic. Let’s dig deep into each of these properties.

Elastic: The ingenious cell structure of cork makes it especially elastic and resistant to damage. Each cubic centimeter is composed of 40 million highly flexible cells, making it very elastic and compressionable. It always returns to its original shape after being subjected to any pressure, absorbing shocks and decreasing the pressure on your legs, joints and back. Cork can easily bounce back from small nicks, but major dings, like sliding a heavy chair or table across it, are more difficult to fix. Furniture can eventually leave permanent dents unless you place it on protective coasters. The shock absorbancy of cork it really great when used in long standing locations, such as the kitchen or gym. It also lessens the risk of shattering glasses or dishes when dropped on the floor.

Natural: 100% natural raw material, 100% reusable and 100% recyclable.

Insulation: One of the world’s oldest insulators, the cellular structure of cork allows it to absorb heat and retain it for a long time. The millions of cells in each cubic centimeter of cork act as a decibel absorber making it a great insulating material for offices, restaurants and kids rooms.

Water & Wear Resistance: The honeycomb structure of cork makes it affected very little by impact or friction with other hard surfaces. The waxy substance suberin, found in cork, makes it naturally repel water. This makes it perfect for kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor areas. Standing water can permeate the joints of the flooring and cause damage. Check with the manufacturer before installing in a specific area.

Anti-Allergic: Cork does not absorb dust and contains suberin, a natural substance that fends off mold, mildew, rot and pests.

So are you convinced yet that you should use cork in your home? Next time we will explore the variations of flooring cork is made in and what might be best for your application. Any questions, contact me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Cork Floors 101

A newbie to the flooring scene is cork. (ok, maybe not a newbie, but a product that many people are not aware of or have used.) The word “cork” may conjure up images of wine bottles or popping champagne bottles. Natural cork comes from the bark of the cork oak tree, found mainly in southern Europe and northern Africa. Portugal is the center of the cork industry and accounts for more than half the world’s production. The cork oak tree is the national tree of Portugal and has been legally protected since the Middle Ages. Scraps of bark left over from punched out wine bottle stoppers are ground up, pressed and baked into sheets that are ready to convert into floor planks and tiles.

                                                Photo from the Portuguese Cork Association

Although you may just be hearing about cork floors, they have been around for more than a century. When it was first introduced, it appeared mostly in commercial spaces, though residential use increased after Frank Lloyd Wright chose it for many of the homes he designed. It’s popularity hit a peak in the 1960’s and 70’s but waned until the 2000’s and now it’s hotter than ever.

Looking for a green product for your home? Cork is a high contender. The cork oak trees gradually regenerate their bark after it’s harvested and the harvesting process is strictly regulated in order to keep damage to the trees and cork minimal. Trees live between 1-2 centuries making it a long term renewable resource.

Have you used cork floors in your home? Does it pique your interest? Stay tuned for the next column on the benefits of using it on your floor. Have questions? Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com