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When you say ‘flooring’ most peoples minds automatically jump to hardwood, carpet, or tile. But have you ever considered cork? Cork is becoming a big player in the flooring industry as it is gaining in popularity among construction builders and interior designers. If you’d like to learn more about cork, read on. You just might find the inspiration to make cork flooring your top choice for your next flooring project. Cork is an amazing raw material. Found mostly in the Mediterranean countries, most prolifically from Portugal, the product we know as cork is actually the bark of the cork oak. Amazingly no tree is cut down in the manufacturing process. The bark is actually "harvested" every nine years or so, wherein almost all of the bark is stripped from the tree. This is a painstakingly delicate process performed by highly trained artisans that when done properly brings absolutely no damage to the tree. Cork trees evolved over time the natural ability to shed its bark as a defense mechanism against fire. The cork oak can live up to 200 years and in that time can be harvested upwards of 15-20 times. How about that for environmentally sustainable! And think on this, every bit of the harvested bark is used. There is no "scrap" waste. Once the cork has been used for its initial purpose, which is the production of wine stoppers, the material left over is used to make other cork products, including and predominantly flooring. Be proud to add this product in your home or office because it doesn’t come at a high cost to the environment. The structure of cork is comprised of millions of tiny chambers that are reminiscent of a honeycomb-like formation with fourteen-sided polyhedrons. Each of these cells contains gaseous substance 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. Cork is also naturally anti-microbial and allergenic, which makes it a great choice for anyone sensitive to molds and indoor allergens. The look you get with cork is similar to that of hardwood flooring, but the feel is very different. Because cork is a natural thermal insulator, you're going to get a warm, luxurious feel that other types of products just can't offer. Its cellular makeup also makes the finished product impact-resistant and comfortable to walk on. These are but a few of the benefits of cork. Further research will prove why it is the flooring choice of the new millennium. Check it out and see why. And if your still unsure, know that cork floors have been around nearly as long as cork stoppers. Don’t believe, check out the Library of Congress. Over one hundred years and still going strong. Cork Floor is durable, affordable and easy to maintain, which is why Cork flooring in Kitchen is one of the most preferred choices amongst homeowners today. Go to icorkfloor to learn more about this wonderful option.
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