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Until very recently, cork was looked upon as wine bottle stoppers or bulletin board material. However, this versatile and durable material is now extensively used in numerous other applications as well. Flooring in a house or any commercial establishment has to meet certain basic standards. No matter which floor you talk about, having one that is largely maintenance-free and long-lasting are normal pre-requisites. Though cork flooring seems like a new concept, it was used in several areas across Europe for over a century. Though it does not have the strength that stone flooring or tiled flooring offers, there are distinct advantages to a cork floor. Stone flooring can be very cold and hard and ideally, it is not used indoors. It is more of an outdoor material. On the other hand, cork is a material that is used in indoor spaces. It lends a warm and earthy look to the rooms that it is used in. It can also be used in bathrooms and kitchens. Its moisture-resistant and anti-fungal properties make it an ideal material for spaces such as these. Water spills are very common in kitchens and bathrooms and any material that is used here, on the floor or elsewhere has to withstand the rigors. Cork also withstands dents and scratches well. Of course, if someone tries to pry it out with a sharp object, it will get damaged. If you have children in the house, ensure that they are conditioned not to scrape the floor with any object. It can withstand the pressure of heavy furniture though it is best to place furniture coasters or glides under furniture legs to avoid damage. Installing cork flooring is a fairly uncomplicated process though proper instructions must be followed while installing it. If you are a DIY enthusiast and wish to install it yourself, cork floating flooring is one material you will have no trouble with. Installing a cork subfloor or underlayment is a good way to ensure that the final finish of the floor is smooth and that it has the right amount of cushioning. Cork tiles and planks are now fabricated to perfection and you can install them without too much of an effort. If you are not too confident about the installation, call in the experts and have the floor installed from them. The same store that sells cork floors will also provide installation services. They can seal the seams and edges that touch the walls. This adds to the longevity of the floor and makes it more water-resistant. In fact, sealing it with a polyurethane coating is a must in areas such as bathrooms. Once the final sanding has been completed and the coating applied, it is left to dry for a certain amount of time. Once the coating hardens, it repels water and can be safely used in bathroom and kitchen areas. It looks great in bedrooms and sunrooms though you will have to protect it from direct sunlight. The harsh rays of the sun discolour cork flooring. Maintain it well and this material will last for decades. Cork Floor Sales can install Cork flooring for you. It can be installed on top of older Stone flooring in kitchen areas.
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