In terms of sustainability, nothing beats hardwood flooring. However, there are hundreds of types of wood flooring to choose from, and some are more sustainable than others. Although all of our flooring products are sourced from sustainably managed forests, some species rank higher on the sustainability scale. Cork is a highly renewable resource and is making a huge comeback in the home due to its beautiful and distinct characteristics. There are, however, several other advantages to cork flooring.
Cork is harvested from living Cork Oak Trees, with bark that regrows.
What is cork flooring?
Cork is a unique material derived from the bark of the Cork Oak Tree. Because cork can be harvested from living trees, it is a completely guilt-free material. Once the cork has been harvested, the tree keeps on living and the bark is renewed. Harvesting cork is like exfoliating the tree, taking the old bark and allowing fresh new bark to grow. The “green factor” is just one of the many advantages.
Cork is soft
When you have cork floors you are getting the beauty of hardwood flooring, with the softness of carpet. Cork is wonderfully soft and perfect for the kitchen or the kids’ room. Any room where you will either be standing a lot, or you’re looking for a softer landing for your kids is the ideal room for cork flooring.
Cork insulates
The construction of cork makes it a perfect insulator. The insulation properties of cork make them very energy efficient. You can control the indoor climate and temperature much better with cork flooring, which will show on your monthly heating and cooling bills.
Cork reduces noise
It’s not just the heat that can be insulated by cork flooring. Cork flooring will also insulate the room against noise. So, not only is cork a more forgiving material for a kids’ room floor, it will also reduce the noise coming from your their room. You’ll hardly notice everytime they jump or fall.
Cork has distinct and beautiful characteristics to fit any style in any home.
Cork floors can be refinished
Although we love the cushy feeling of walking on cork floors, that softness is also a disadvantage. Cork floors are durable and can handle foot traffic all day long, but when it comes to sharp objects or pets they are more susceptible to damage than hardwood floors. That being said, should they become too damaged, cork floors can be refinished and given new life. Since they can be refinished, the advantages of cork flooring well outweigh the disadvantages.
T&G Flooring is one of the largest hardwood flooring retailers in Colorado. Come check out our selection of cork flooring, or schedule a consultation to find out what flooring material is best for your home.