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Cork Flooring is Becoming Increasingly Popular in Residential Homes

Posted on 16. Apr, 2009 by Mark Coleman in Flooring

Cork flooring has seen a boom in popularity in the residential market, providing both durability and comfort. Although a somewhat pricey option when it comes to flooring, cork has many benefits that make it a great investment. Cork is harvested from cork trees in several Mediterranean countries, and the trees only yield a crop once every nine years. This creates a limited supply for a material in high demand. Cork flooring is comparable in price to ceramic tile. The many benefits of a cork floor, however, make cork an attractive option.

As the bark of a long lasting tree, cork has natural properties that make it resistant to moisture, insects, and wear and tear. Cork is also made out of over 90% air, allowing it to absorb shocks gently, while also quickly rebounding to its original shape. This ability gives cork flooring great resiliency, allowing it to cushion those standing on it while also remaining level. As tree bark, cork flooring is also very tough against moisture. Unlike a normal hardwood floor that may lose its shape when wet for extended periods, cork flooring can keep its shape without cracking. Easy maintenance and clean up of spills will maintain cork flooring in prime condition for many years.

A cork floor will maintain its beautiful finish for several years, given simple maintenance such as sweeping and mopping. Suberin, a natural compound within cork, works to keep the cork intact. The compound is also fire resistant, and does not emit any toxic emissions when burnt. The soft air containing structure of the cork also allows for great noise cancellation, absorbing noise instead of bouncing it as hardwood is prone to do.

With little maintenance, cork flooring is known to keep for many years, as it has in public buildings for a long time. As cork flooring has become more and more popular, the styles available have also grown. Cork flooring today can be purchased in a wide variety of colors, shades, and patterns. Cork flooring can usually be installed by either gluing down sections, or using interlocking segments known as a “floating floor.” Interlocking panels are slightly more expensive, but you will save on installation costs, as well as improved general durability. Cork flooring is a wonderful alternative to hardwood, and is found today in many affordable styles.