Eco-Friendly Cork Flooring
photo by Alexandar Iotzov
by David W Lambert
Cork is comfortable, tough and exceedingly renewable. All of these attributes contribute to the popularity of this great eco-friendly flooring over the past several years. Other benefits of using cork flooring are it's anti-allergenic, and it's natural insect resistant qualities, making this flooring healthy and safe for home occupants.
What is it That Makes Cork Flooring Eco Friendly? When you know where cork comes from, and how it is harvested, you will be aware of why it is one of the most eco-friendly floor options available.
There's actually a cork oak tree that's grown in the Mediterranean. Every 10 years, the bark from the oak cork trees is harvested and the bark is then used to produce corks for wine bottles. Because this harvesting process does not harm the cork tree, this is a very eco-friendly process. Even more eco friendly is the fact that cork flooring is created from what's left over after the the wine industry is done with it. The leftover pieces are ground and then processed into sheets that are baked in a kiln.
The Benefits of Using Cork Flooring: Being that cork flooring is both exceedingly renewable, and very eco-friendly, these are a couple of the top product benefits. As outlined below, there are a number of other benefits.
Because of the cushioning effect, cork flooring gives a natural sound barrier to foot traffic. This makes it an ideal candidate for multi-floor or multi-family usage. This natural cushioning effect also makes it exceedingly comfortable to walk on.
Cork additionally has natural shock absorbing qualities. Also, because of this soft quality, it is a outstanding alternative for families with children.
Cork is extremely durable and very easy to care for. Caring for cork floor is as effortless as sweeping or vacuuming it on a regular basis. If you have stained or heavily soiled areas, take care not to wet mop cork flooring. There are specialized cleaners that are formulated especially for cork.
Cork is an extremely beautiful product and is obtainable in many different colorized shades. Color of the cork flooring can vary considerably depending on the baking time in the kiln during production. Therefore, there ought to be a color option suitable to nearly everyone.
How Much Does Cork Flooring Cost? If you are like most homeowner's, the cost of your flooring is an very important consideration. There is good news in that cork flooring materials range between $3.50 and $6.50 per square foot, and that is very reasonable. The variation in price ultimately is dependent on the type of plank, and the finish on the cork.
Installation can double the cost of the flooring. That said, most cork flooring is a floating type floor and can easily be installed by homeowners who have a fundamental do-it-yourself understanding. In most cases, the entire installation can be completed in a weekend.
Cork Flooring Care: After you have purchased and installed your cork floors, caring for them is a simple process. To keep your flooring looking it's best, you will want to follow a few simple steps. Do not let spills stay on the floor without wiping them up. Because cork is an absorbent material, spills can soak into the surface if left standing too long.
Clean often, using a broom or a vacuum cleaner. Keep your floors free of dirt and debris. Even though cork is rather durable debris can create surface scratching.
Do not ever wet mop your cork flooring. To clean soiled or stained areas on your floor, utilize specially formulated cleaners.
After years of wear and tear, you will find that the finish of your floors may need attention. You will need to employ the services of a finish specialist as your finish fades to bring back the original luster and beauty of your flooring.
Lastly, with it's durable nature, attractiveness, walking comfort and eco-friendly characteristics, give cork flooring a try. You will love it!
If you wish to learn more about Cork Flooring, visit our article Sustainable Cork Flooring. An additional article addressing cork flooring that you may be find interesting is Eco-Friendly Cork Flooring.
Cork is comfortable, tough and exceedingly renewable. All of these attributes contribute to the popularity of this great eco-friendly flooring over the past several years. Other benefits of using cork flooring are it's anti-allergenic, and it's natural insect resistant qualities, making this flooring healthy and safe for home occupants.
What is it That Makes Cork Flooring Eco Friendly? When you know where cork comes from, and how it is harvested, you will be aware of why it is one of the most eco-friendly floor options available.
There's actually a cork oak tree that's grown in the Mediterranean. Every 10 years, the bark from the oak cork trees is harvested and the bark is then used to produce corks for wine bottles. Because this harvesting process does not harm the cork tree, this is a very eco-friendly process. Even more eco friendly is the fact that cork flooring is created from what's left over after the the wine industry is done with it. The leftover pieces are ground and then processed into sheets that are baked in a kiln.
The Benefits of Using Cork Flooring: Being that cork flooring is both exceedingly renewable, and very eco-friendly, these are a couple of the top product benefits. As outlined below, there are a number of other benefits.
Because of the cushioning effect, cork flooring gives a natural sound barrier to foot traffic. This makes it an ideal candidate for multi-floor or multi-family usage. This natural cushioning effect also makes it exceedingly comfortable to walk on.
Cork additionally has natural shock absorbing qualities. Also, because of this soft quality, it is a outstanding alternative for families with children.
Cork is extremely durable and very easy to care for. Caring for cork floor is as effortless as sweeping or vacuuming it on a regular basis. If you have stained or heavily soiled areas, take care not to wet mop cork flooring. There are specialized cleaners that are formulated especially for cork.
Cork is an extremely beautiful product and is obtainable in many different colorized shades. Color of the cork flooring can vary considerably depending on the baking time in the kiln during production. Therefore, there ought to be a color option suitable to nearly everyone.
How Much Does Cork Flooring Cost? If you are like most homeowner's, the cost of your flooring is an very important consideration. There is good news in that cork flooring materials range between $3.50 and $6.50 per square foot, and that is very reasonable. The variation in price ultimately is dependent on the type of plank, and the finish on the cork.
Installation can double the cost of the flooring. That said, most cork flooring is a floating type floor and can easily be installed by homeowners who have a fundamental do-it-yourself understanding. In most cases, the entire installation can be completed in a weekend.
Cork Flooring Care: After you have purchased and installed your cork floors, caring for them is a simple process. To keep your flooring looking it's best, you will want to follow a few simple steps. Do not let spills stay on the floor without wiping them up. Because cork is an absorbent material, spills can soak into the surface if left standing too long.
Clean often, using a broom or a vacuum cleaner. Keep your floors free of dirt and debris. Even though cork is rather durable debris can create surface scratching.
Do not ever wet mop your cork flooring. To clean soiled or stained areas on your floor, utilize specially formulated cleaners.
After years of wear and tear, you will find that the finish of your floors may need attention. You will need to employ the services of a finish specialist as your finish fades to bring back the original luster and beauty of your flooring.
Lastly, with it's durable nature, attractiveness, walking comfort and eco-friendly characteristics, give cork flooring a try. You will love it!
If you wish to learn more about Cork Flooring, visit our article Sustainable Cork Flooring. An additional article addressing cork flooring that you may be find interesting is Eco-Friendly Cork Flooring.
