Introduction
Cork flooring has been naturally enriching interiors for over 100 years in buildings such as houses, schools, hospitals, churches, museums, libraries and hotels. Cork’s warm, natural appearance, comfort underfoot and ability to soften acoustics make it the ideal flooring solution.
Cork’s impact on the environment is very low due to sustainable harvesting practices. Cork is the bark of the Cork Oak tree, which is harvested every 9-14 years. The tree is never cut and its habitat remains undisturbed.
Cork is highly abrasion resistant, has a tremendous amount of “memory” and recovers well from compression. Cork floors will last as long as most hardwood floors if properly maintained.
The air contained in the millions of cork cells provides a cushioned feel underfoot. It is not so soft that it feels spongy, but it does provide noticeable relief for those who stand on their feet for many hours. Whether standing on your feet at work all day, working in your kitchen, or if you have small children that play on the floor, you’ll appreciate the soft quality of cork floors
Sound & Vibration Reduction
Cork reduces the transmission of sound, vibration, heat and thus is a great insulator. The tiny cellular compartments seal air in each compartment insulating each from the other with a moisture resistant, waxy-like substance. This makes cork a great material for recording studios, entertainment rooms, and any other places where sound needs to be reduced. Cork has long been used in commercial buildings between floors and on roofs under heavy machinery for sound and vibration reduction. Cork reduces impact sound as well as sound transmission.
Cork reduces heat loss in rooms and even body heat loss through the feet. Cork naturally maintains a comfortable median temperature, never getting very hot or very cool. Walk barefoot on a cork floor and the warmth is immediately apparent. In tests it’s been shown that less heat is lost through the feet with a cork floor than with hardwood, vinyl or ceramic floors. Cork is a natural thermal insulator because of the encapsulated cells containing mostly air.
Anti-Allergenic and Insect Resistant
Bugs, mold, mites and even termites are repelled by cork due to a naturally occurring substance in cork called Suberin. This waxy substance also prevents cork from rotting even when completely submerged under water for long periods of time.
Fire Resistant
The natural waxy substance Suberin makes cork a natural fire inhibitor. Cork is fire resistant and also does not release any toxic gases on combustion.