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There’s no denying the beauty and the comfort of a cork floor. In fact, today, cork has become one of the most preferred options as far as materials for flooring are concerned for several reasons. Not only is it cost effective and environmentally friendly but it is also attractive, durable and simple to maintain. Unlike hardwood flooring obtained by cutting down trees, in the manufacturing of cork tiles only the bark of a cork oak tree is used. After harvesting the bark, the tree regenerates and grows a new layer of bark. This bark can actually be stripped off every 10 years or so without causing any injury or damage to the tree. The biggest producers of cork are Portugal and Spain where there are regulated forests for cork harvesting. The bark then is ground to fashion for flooring tiles. Depending on the color and the style that the manufacturer wishes to achieve, the bark is either baked in ovens or dyed with paints and stains. These different processes result in a wide array of styles and designs that can be used to compliment any décor style you wish to achieve in your home. The structure of cork is comprised of several tiny chambers that are reminiscent of a honeycomb-like formation with fourteen-sided polyhedrons. Each of these cells contains gas which in turn gives cork flooring its insulating and shock absorbing properties. Even if there is a depression formed on a cork panel surface when heavy furniture is placed on it, it will quickly return to its original shape once the weight is removed. Maintaining cork is simple. A consistent maintenance schedule of vacuuming and mopping with a damp cloth will keep it looking good. Here are the steps involved with maintaining your cork floor • Sweep or vacuum the floor to clean off abrasive particles such as sand, little stones or grit that invariably enters the house. This should be done at least once a week. • Mop the floor using a damp cloth. This needs to be done about once a month but be careful that the cloth is not too damp. A slightly damp mop is best as it cleans the floor without ruining the surface of the flooring. • Using a mild soap solution to give the surface a slight gloss. Never use harsh cleaners as they can strip the surface of its natural sheen. Also avoid using any kind of cleaners that contain ammonia, oil or any kind of abrasive substances. Check manufacturers’ details to determine which is the best cleaning product for your cork floor. Cork flooring is available as unfinished or pre finished planks or tiles. Installation and maintenance as well as the final result will depend on the variety that you choose to use. You can buy cork in tiles or planks that can be cut to size easily and installed using either an interlocking system or by using an adhesive. Pre-finished cork has a topcoat made of vinyl. This topcoat makes the floor easier to clean. Resource Box The best place to go to for the best Cork Floor and Cork Tile is iCork Floor.
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