I have noticed that cork flooring is like a mystery to most of the people. The problem is that there is a lot of conflicting information available on cork flooring. It’s true that internet can serve as a great tool for research, for example a cork flooring store like Ellegant Home Design, but it cannot be denied that internet is also full of misleading and dubious information. Perhaps it’s this misleading information that has resulted in the cloud of mystery around cork flooring. Everything has its pros and cons, it seems that people tend to get more affected by the cons and in the process of not-so-accurate research; they tend to negate the pros of something that is actually very beneficial.
Through this article I will try to project a clear view about cork flooring. I promise that once you read the entire article, you will find yourself in a much better position with a clear understanding of the pros and cons of cork flooring.
- What is cork flooring?
Let’s start by understanding the material used in cork flooring. Cork is obtained by removing the bark of the Cork Oak tree. Please note that in this process the tree is not cut down to obtain the cork. The process is so eco-friendly that the tree remains unharmed even after the bark has been removed. You can say that it’s a natural material obtained in the most eco-friendly of the ways.
A Cork Oak tree is considered to be mature once it reaches the age of 25 years. After attaining maturity, the tree can be used for obtaining Cork. Once the bark has been removed, it takes nine years for the tree to attain its original form. Considering the fact that the tree has a lifespan of more than 200 years, it is a renewable source.
- Cork is Naturally Anti-Bacterial:
You must have heard of the horror tales from people stating that their floor was destroyed by fungal and bacterial infection. To be honest, most of the natural materials are susceptible to such degradation. This is also a primary reason why people tend to prefer concrete or synthetic floors over wooden floors. But there is nothing to be afraid of in case of cork flooring. Even though cork is a natural material, it has anti-bacterial properties and is almost never affected by any bacterial growth in any season.
- Great during winters:
Cork is simply the best material of choice for cold weather conditions. It provides better insulation as compared to most other woods. In fact it provides such a high level of insulation that it is the most popular material of choice for flooring in Canada and Alaska. With a warm cork floor, be assured that you will never walk cold feet.
- Doesn’t gets damaged easily:
Cork is a porous material and that makes it a spring like material. This property allows it to bounce back to its original shape after a heavy impact and hence it stays unaffected due to heavy traffic. I have heard that people often complaint about a damaged floor after a big party or moving a heavy furniture, but with cork flooring you will be on the safer side.