When most people think of cork the last thing that comes to mind is flooring. However not, only can it be used on the floor but it has a wide range of benefits. Here are the top advantages of cork flooring that every consumer needs to know!
Softer Surface
Different from most other flooring materials such as tile or wood which are hard, cork offers a surface which is a little softer and more forgiving. This makes it more comfortable to stand on particularly if you have knee or back problems. For this reason many people choose to use cork flooring in kitchen spaces especially if they do a lot of cooking and cleaning dishes. Having a softer surface in the kitchen can also help to prevent broken glasses and dishes if they happen to fall.
A Renewable Resource
Many consumers are surprised to learn just how eco-friendly cork is. Other options such as hardwood flooring require the cutting down of trees. That’s because they use the wood. In contrast, cork flooring uses the bark. It uses the bark of the cork oak tree specifically. This can be harvested without damage to the individual tree and about every ten years. A cork oak has a typical lifespan of around two hundred and fifty years so it’s easy to see just how sustainable cook flooring is.
Noise And Sound Reductions
Cork is naturally a sound absorbing material. This is due to the fact that it’s made up of many tiny air-containing cells. In fact there are millions of these cells in every square inch. Cork flooring is therefore often used in recording studios, family rooms, and other spaces where you may need some extra help keeping the sound to a minimum.
For extra sound absorption cork tiles or panels can also be used on walls as well. (Other options which are used for absorbing sound include acoustic tiles, carpeting, foam, rubber, and even leather tiles.) Many consumers also choose cork flooring because it’s much quieter to walk. In contrast, the sound of shoes on a hardwood floor can be not just loud but incredibly annoying to listen to.
Added Insulation
The air-filled cells which make up a large portion of cork don’t just help to absorb sound, but are also ideal for insulation. Rooms with cork flooring will retain more heat. (They’ll also retain cool air as well in the warmer months.)
For people who prefer flooring that is warm under their feet cork makes a smart choice. It’s a highly efficient non-conductor of heat so it will stay warm to the touch and won’t draw body heat from your feet like many types of tile for example.
Naturally Safe
Cork actually contains a waxy substance known as suberin which is very helpful for making it a safe flooring alternative in the home. Suberin repels mold, insects, and mites. In fact, cork flooring is anti-microbial. Suberin also makes the cork both water and fire-resistant. For cork to actually combust it requires much higher heat than other materials. And if it does it will produce much less smoke and harmful chemicals.
There’s no question, the advantages of cork flooring make it an excellent option. If you want something natural and eco-friendly with a long list of benefits cork could be right for you!
Start Shopping for Cork Flooring!