Cork is known as one of most eco-friendly types of flooring. It is made from reclaimed materials and translates into a quiet, comfortable, and durable floor. Cork is a natural thermal and acoustic insulator and is available in tiles and planks in a variety of styles, colors and sizes. It’s a great option for areas around the house and an office space but should be kept out of areas that it could come in contact with water.
A natural waxy substance in cork, called suberin, acts as a mold inhibitor and prevents the flooring from rotting. Cork is also naturally fire resistant and doesn't release any toxic gasses or chemicals even when burned. Another great quality of cork is that it can be refinished just like hardwood. This involves sanding the cork down and then staining or re-applying a finish sealer to the surface. This can be done several times depending on the thickness of the material.
The cork brands that we turn to often are WE Cork and Jelinek.
Why Choose Cork Flooring?
- Eco-Friendly- A sustainable and innovative material.
- Warm and Resilient- Very comfortable under foot.
- Made using no VOC’s so it helps preserve indoor air quality.
- Resistant to the growth and colonization of small vermin and insects.
- Low maintenance and easy to clean.
- Good Insulator- Superior sound attenuation.
Application
Cork is typically installed by gluing it to a plywood underlayment that is screwed into an existing floor. If the cork flooring is covering a concrete floor, it will need to be free of large imperfections and moisture. Once the cork tile or planks are installed, a coat of polyurethane should be applied for protection against wear and tear. Another advantage to choosing cork flooring is that it can be installed over radiant floor heating systems, which can increase energy efficiency throughout an entire house.