When you think flooring, the first thing that comes to mind is wood. After all, wood has been the standard for centuries. In countless buildings, world-wide, be it a palace, church, or industrial building, you will find at least one floor made of planks of wood, hewn from every possible specie of tree. In the last few decades though, other products have taken the stage as concerns about centuries of irresponsible deforestation have prompted technological advancements in the production of floors. These environmental concerns have also led to some purely natural discoveries. One material that is currently causing a sensation among industry ‘go getters’ is exactly that, purely natural. And we at Forna are proud to present cork, ‘the ultimate’ in the age of Green for flooring materials. Cork as a building product is truly remarkable. This is a completely sustainable and renewable resource. Only the bark is actually harvested from the cork oak tree, a pain-staking process done by skilled artisans without harming the tree at all. Cork’s nature-endowed characteristics carry over to its flooring purpose, and presents itself as an anti-microbial, insect and water-resistant, and hypo-allergenic solution. It also functions as an exceptional sound and impact absorber, thermal barrier, and remains resilient under foot. There is no other natural, renewable material that can boast such a fabulous list of assets. The extensive practice of using cork as the creation of wine bottle stoppers, prompted the stopper to take the name “cork.” Causing its most well associated purpose. But that has never been and will never be its sole use. Even NASA has gotten itself “corked” – all in the name of science. Quercusveriabilis, the Chinese or Asian Cork Oak is a variant of the European Cork Oak (Quercussuber). Asian cork is still found in the natural or wild cork forests throughout China and in the last few decades has come under commercial use. Much of Forna Cork Flooring’s cork source is from this Asian cousin. The cork oak, be it European or Asian, has the natural ability to shed its bark, an ability believed to be developed as a natural deviation in response to wild fires. It’s believed that the cork’s ability to shed damaged bark enables the tree survive the fire and to reestablish itself as the dominant species as it will not have to regrow new trees in an area that has been ravaged by fire. The Asian Cork Oak is a slower growing tree and is able to withstand being peeled every 12-15 years. On average, a cork tree is harvested 12 times during its lifespan. The Asian Cork Oak produces 9-11 harvests during the same period. Forna Cork Flooring contributes in today’s flooring market with two distinct types of floors and an array of rich colors. The flooring can be ordered as glue-down cork tile, or as click-together floating planks. The resilience of cork allows it to be installed almost anywhere - be it over a uniform plywood sub-floor, smooth concrete, and even over a reasonably flat existing floor. Cork floor Natural environment fits the needs of anyone who is looking for an environmentally friendly product without compromising on beauty, function or durability. To know more about the benefits of installing a Cork Floor , go to iCork Floor.
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