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Cork is quite possibly the perfect flooring material. It looks great, is more durable than other types of wood, easy to care for, is comfortable to walk on, and it is even an environmentally friendly material. Let's look at these qualities in more detail to find out just why cork makes for such incredible flooring. Cork flooring is created from the exact same type of cork used to make win corks. In fact, most cork that becomes flooring starts out as scrap created in the process of punching wine corks from sheets of cork bark. Cork flooring tiles are created from a mixture of ground cork particles and adhesive that is pressed into sheets. To enhance the beauty of the cork, it is often heated, which causes the sugar in the cork to caramelize. By combining cork material that has been heated to differing degrees, cork flooring manufacturers can create various colors and patterns without using any unnatural coloring process. The cells of cork flooring are filled with air, which causes it to compress when weight is applied to it. This helps prevent cork from scratching or becoming dented as easily as more traditional wood flooring. It is also the thing that makes cork such a comfortable material to walk on, because it cushions your feet with every step. A cork tree can be harvested every nine years. So a single cork tree can produce cork for numerous purposes, and then do it again nine years later. The harvesting of a cork tree does not destroy it; it can be harvested again and again, making it an extremely environmentally friendly product. The highest quality cork originates from the cork oak tree found in Spain and Portugal. That is the highest quality cork that retains the properties that cork is known for. Lower quality cork generally comes from the far east. Cork does require some basic maintenance, as does all hardwood flooring. Cork flooring can be scratched. It is therefore important to regularly vacuum it to pick up debris that has accumulated on the floor. Spills should be cleaned up immediately. Avoid heavy or abrasive cleaners. Cork is an increasingly popular choice for a flooring material. There are many different types of cork flooring and many different places to get it, so definitely do your research before purchasing. Get specifics about where the cork came from and if it is solid cork or laminated. And shop around. You might find the best price with an online dealer that has less overhead than a local store. WorldFloorsDirect.com knows a thing or two about cork wood flooring, because we sell so much of it! To check out some of the world's most beautiful environmental wood flooring at rock bottom prices, visit www.WorldFloorsDirect.com.
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flooring, wood flooring, floors, cork flooring, cork floors, hardwood, hardwood flooring, interior design, homes,
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