What is Cork Flooring ?

Cork flooring is actually made from the bark of the Cork Oak tree. The cork is sustainably harvested. About every 10 years or so the bark can be harvested from the tree–and then it

grows back. The harvesting does not harm the tree. Most cork is grown in the area around the Mediterranean sea. The trees can be harvested after they are about 25 years old.

What are the properties of cork?

Antimicrobial- Cork resists growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. This makes it a healthy choice if there are allergy sufferers in the home.

Insulation- Cork offers insulation qualities. It’s a great sound insulator. This makes it a good choice in an upstairs room. No more sound of feet walking on floor. It also has some heat insulating properties. It stays warm in the winter. Unlike hardwood floors that can be cold on bare feet cork is wonderfully warm.

Ergonomics- Cork is great for your back! It has enough cushion that it’s like wearing cushiony sole shoes even when barefoot. This is great in a kitchen if you spend a lot of time there.

Much of these properties are due to the structure of the material. Cork has a very open cell pattern with micro air pockets. These pockets make the material spongy. This is also what gives it it’s insulating qualities. Cork will compress with force but it has a memory and will spring back to it’s original shape when the force is removed.

What are some of the advantages of a cork floor?

There are many. As mentioned above it’s a very comfortable floor. Bare feet just love it! It’s soft and cushiony. It’s also warm. It insulates both heat and noise. Cork floors are also very easy to clean. Once a week sweeping and a slightly damp mop every couple of weeks is all that’s needed. No cleaning materials at all. Just plain water.

Cork floors are also durable. It doesn’t seem likely that something as soft as cork would be durable but a quality cork product is extremely durable. The material tends to give instead of scratch like hardwood. Also because of the nature of the material, you won’t see the small scratches and nicks that will happen over time. They blend in with the material in such a way as to make them largely invisible.

While pricing used to be a concern with cork floors it isn’t any longer. Cork has really come down in price the last few years and is comparable to hardwood or bamboo in terms of price. The floating floor can be a do it yourself project so you can save the big expense of installation. No fancy tools are needed and the skills can be quickly learned and mastered.

Cork flooring can be refinished! Even the floating floors can be refinished. Because the material is so soft extra care has to be taken if using a commercial drum sander. Too much pressure can sand right through the cork layer. If you are a bit more diligent you can put a fresh layer of urethane on the floors before there is a need for a heavy sanding. A light screening to rough up the surface and brushing on the new layer of urethane is all that’s needed. I’d recommend using the square sanders that take the big pads. You can find these at the big orange and blue home stores, in the rental section. They don’t cut as fast or as deep.