Cork is the bark of the cork oak tree. It provides a warm and soft flooring that many people like underfoot. It is also quiet and provides great insulation. But people who choose cork flooring do so for the appearance.
Cork can be coloured and prepared in many different ways. The traditional light tan colour of cork is only one option. Cork can be made to resemble wood, or bought in a darkened or lightened colour to suit the décor. The colour and treatment does not affect the quiet softness of the cork material.
Cork in the Environment
Cork is one of the more sustainable and environmentally friendly products available for building. Unlike timber, which requires the cutting down and destruction of the tree, cork only require a tree’s outer layer to be removed. The cork oak tree can live for up to three centuries, providing a cork harvest about every nine years.
Naturally Clean Cork
Being a natural product cork is both a low emission material and hypoallergenic, meaning it will not cause any adverse reactions. Unlike carpets, which also feel soft underfoot, cork tends to repel dust and grit. Once properly sealed cork only requires sweeping or vacuuming to stay clean. Spills can be easily wiped up.
Suitability of Cork
While cork floors have many advantages their soft nature will not resist heavy pressure or sharp objects. The legs of chairs and tables, or stiletto heels, will impact and damage cork. But cork tiles can be individual replaces if needed, meaning damage can be removed with minimal difficulty.
Floating Timber Floors Perth
Cork can work well as a floating floor. Floating floors are not permanently attached to the subfloor. They allow a fair degree of sound isolation when made with vinyl, but far improved isolation when made with soft materials such as cork or carpet. These soft materials are also easier on the feet than the hard surfaces, and work well in any situation that is not exposed to water or heavy traffic.