Cork flooring has become a very popular choice in the home, delivering both durability and comfort. Although a slightly pricey avenue when it comes to flooring, cork has many benefits that make it a great investment. Cork is harvested from cork trees in several Mediterranean countries, and it can only be harvested once every nine years. This creates a limited supply for a material in high demand. Cork floor tiles are about the same in price to ceramic tile. The many advantages of a cork floor, however, make cork an attractive option.

As the bark of a long lasting tree, cork has natural properties that make it resistant to moisture, insects, and wear and tear. Cork is also made out of over 90% air, allowing it to take shocks gently, while also quickly returning to its former shape. This ability gives cork flooring excellent durability, allowing it to support those standing on it while also remaining level. As tree bark, cork floor tiles are also very resistant to moisture. Unlike a normal hardwood floor that may lose its shape when wet for extended periods, cork flooring can keep its shape without cracking. Easy maintenance and clean up of spills will keep a cork floor in prime condition for many years.

A cork floor will maintain its beautiful finish for generations, with just a little care. Suberin, a natural compound within cork, works to keep the cork intact. Suberin is also fire resistant, and does not emit any toxic emissions when burnt. The springiness of the cork structure also provides great noise cancellation, absorbing noise instead of bouncing it as hardwood is prone to do.

With little maintenance, cork floor tiles are known to last for many years, as it has in public buildings for a long time. As cork floors have become more and more popular, the options associated with it have also multiplied. Cork floors today can be bought in a wide variety of colors, shades, and patterns. Cork flooring can normally be installed by either gluing down sections, or using interlocking sections known as a “floating floor.” Interlocking panels are a little more expensive, but you will save on installation costs, as well as improved general durability. Cork flooring is a great alternative to hardwood, and is available today in many affordable styles.

Technorati Tags: cork floor, cork floor tiles, cork flooring