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Any discussion about sustainable flooring is incomplete without a mention of cork flooring and bamboo flooring. Both of these are acquired from renewable sources, are attractive and durable as well. Similarly, they are low-maintenance and cost-effective. These are available in a variety of shades and colors and can match most decors. But how do these two equally versatile materials compare with each other? Bamboo renews at a fast pace. It is a grass and grows much faster than hardwood trees. Bamboo is split and formed into planks. The natural striations on it and its texture look amazingly beautiful. These are available in a horizontal as well as a vertical grain. What you pick will depend on your personal choice as well as the application it is going to be used in, depending on your aesthetic preferences. Though bamboo is praised a lot there can be a large variation in its texture in any lot that you buy. The imperfections are numerous and in some cases the material is picked before it actually matures. This leads to weaker bamboo. In addition to this, some manufacturers tend to use filler in between strips of bamboo. They do this to cut costs and over a period of time this binder may give-off toxic chemicals which can be harmful to people staying in the house as well as to the environment. Bamboo is relatively moisture-resistant, durable and easy to maintain. The installation can be very complicated when looking at anything other than engineered. Low-cost bamboo flooring is famous for using formaldehyde adhesives that have caused many clients extreme discomfort because of the smell. Also, bamboo tends to dent under pressure and it stains very easily. In comparison cork flooring has more advantages than disadvantages. It is an extremely environment-friendly flooring option and no trees are cut down. They are harvested every 9-15 years. The manufacturing process itself is a very low waste one and cork flooring may also be recycled from bottle-stopper scrap. Though cork is very commonly available in tile and board form, it is also used as an underlayment and proves to be an ideal sound proof flooring. It also provides a cushioning effect and is very comfortable to use in kitchen areas. It is more water-resistant than bamboo is and can be safely used in bathroom areas as well. It naturally repels water, fungus and mildew. Cork was used in public areas such as churches and libraries more than a hundred years ago It has made a very triumphant comeback and is available in numerous patterns and colors. They can also be arranged to create a very unique look. This sound proof flooring is commonly used in sound-recording studios and has fire-resistant properties. It is always sealed with a polyurethane coating at the point of installation. This ensures that it will last longer and stay protected from damage. Cork looks good, has numerous positives and lasts for decades. At the end of the day, the flooring choice you make will largely be dependent on your personal style and taste. Resource box: ICork Floor has Cork Flooring in tile and plank form. This Sound Proof Flooring can be used in any part of the home.
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Cork Flooring, Sound Proof Flooring,
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