cork flooring

• Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
• January 17, 2021

Cork Flooring – An Eco-Friendly Flooring Solution

Want a new flooring material in your home? Want something that says “notice me” while at the same time offers durability?

Maybe it’s time to give cork flooring a second look.

We love cork flooring for so many reasons. But one of the top is its eco-friendly qualities. If you have a goal of making your home greener this year, cork flooring is the perfect step to take.

Instead of using a product that takes decades to harvest like hardwood, cork is taken directly from the bark of the cork tree. It is sheared off in layers, allowing the tree to continue growing and producing over the years. Very little goes to waste.

And because it’s a natural product, it also creates a healthier living environment. It resists mold and mildew, meaning it won’t harbor allergies like other flooring materials may do.

While cork may not be on the same purchasing level as traditional hardwood, it is an excellent option for homeowners who are looking for something different.

Does this sound like you? Then let’s dive deeper into the reasons why it may be perfect for you.

People love the way cork feels

You probably have a lot of experience with cork – it’s been used in many ways throughout time. One of the most popular uses is with wine bottles – wiggle the cork out to gain access to what’s inside.

A wine cork is soft and flexible. You might also notice it stains easily, taking on the red tones from your favorite merlot or syrah.

Or how about the bulletin board you used as a kid. Remember pushing pins in to hold up your favorite mementos? The cork didn’t last long, did it?

Don’t worry; cork flooring is nothing like your memories of cork. It’s manufactured to be a flooring that stands up well under pressure while maintaining its softness to your feet. Do you stand for lengthy periods? Are you tired of how tile or hardwood feels over time? Cork flooring may be your solution.

Homeowners also love it because the softness also creates an environment with noise reduction too. It’s a quiet floor, one that won’t sound hollow as someone walks on it. It won’t creak over time. And that can be beneficial if you share home office space, or have babies or small children trying to nap.

People love cork flooring for its warmth

One of the reasons tile isn’t as popular here in Colorado as it is in states with warmer temperatures is because of our cold winters. Stepping on a cold tile when it’s zero outside can be a little intimidating.

You’ll never find cork flooring to be anything but warm. That’s because cork is a natural insulator, one that protects against both heat and cold. You’ll find it comfortable in your living space no matter what the temperature is outside.

Cork is also a natural insulator against noise. Have a home office where you produce podcasts and videos? Cork floors may be a perfect addition to help create the perfect backdrop.

People love cork flooring because it’s non-slip

The softness factor of cork flooring also gives in a natural grip. That makes it a safer flooring product than things like tile or even LVT.

While cork is water resistant, it still needs to have proper sealant installed if you’re using it in places prone to moisture, such as the kitchen or bathroom. Be sure to speak with one of our consultants about what you can expect before you install it.

People love cork flooring because it’s hypoallergenic

Do you or a family member struggle with allergies or asthma related symptoms? You might be remodeling your home to make it a healthier place to live. Cork flooring may be the perfect choice to suit your needs.

Cork contains microbial properties that make it resistant to mold and mildew. It also repels dirt, dust, dander, and other contaminants better than other flooring choices. Simply wipe them away.

If you are worried about volatile organic compounds – VOCs – in the products you choose for your home, cork is a great addition to help improve the air quality. Just be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer you select, and that they’ve received proper certification. Look for things like FloorScore or GreenGuard Gold certification to ensure the manufacturer created a product that is truly beneficial for the environment.

People love cork flooring because it’s durable

It’s worth stressing that cork flooring is a durable flooring product you’ll love for virtually any room in your home.

Cork lies somewhere between carpet and hardwood. It’s not as soft as carpet, but it’s more comfortable underfoot than hardwood.

The biggest enemy of cork can be sand and rocks. If these tiny particles aren’t swept away, they can dig in and grind cork away. But there’s an easy solution; place mats at the door to remove most of the grit from outside off your feet before you come in. Better yet, make your home a shoe-free zone and add extra protection.

Heavy furniture can also create dents. Those tiny legs on chairs and sofas can sink deep into the cork and leave a mark. Use coasters to spread the weight out, and consider shifting your furniture slightly from time to time to avoid pockmarks.

People love cork flooring because it can be refinished

There are many flooring choices that are a one time use. That’s why many turn to hardwood because you can refinish the surface multiple times.

If that has been one of your key reasons for looking at hardwood, give cork another look. Solid cork can also be sanded and restained. The trick is using a palm sander and a fine grit sandpaper. You don’t want to take any more than just the surface of the flooring.

This doesn’t apply to a cork veneer or composite – you can’t sand it when it’s built out of multiple layers. You’ll damage the flooring and have to replace it.

If this is something that motivates you, be sure to speak with one of our representatives about finding the perfect cork floor for your needs.

Is cork flooring in your future?

• Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
• August 3, 2019

Is Cork Flooring Good For High Traffic Areas?

Thinking of putting in new flooring in your home? Although cork flooring has been around for decades, it’s only recently started making waves in the flooring industry. New technology has made a viable flooring choice for just about any situation.

Why do people like cork flooring? One of the top reasons is it’s a “green” renewable resource you can install and feel good about your choice. If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, select only sustainable materials for your home, and not have guilt about where the product comes from, cork is your choice.

While hardwood can take years to mature enough for harvest, cork is a quicker growing product. Cork comes from the bark of a cork oak tree, and is harvested from living trees rather than chopping them down. Once harvested, cork is ground up, compressed, and bonded into sheets using resins.

Does that make it a wise choice for use in high traffic areas?

Let’s talk durability

Cork isn’t a product that is new to the market. Cork was a well-loved flooring choice in Europe at the turn of the twentieth century, and many of those floors are still in use today.

What makes cork so durable is that it’s a movable flooring material that compresses and jumps back to its original position. When you walk on it, it has “give.” As you move away, it returns to its original shape.

Cork is also waterproof and is the only wood product that has this feature. That makes it a better choice in areas where water and spills are greater risk. When harvested, cork bark contains a waxy substance called suberin that gives it its unique waterproof characteristics. It also makes the material fire-proof, insect-resistant, and antimicrobial.

Cork is considered a wood floor. And like all wood floors, they can be damaged in different circumstances. Cork floors have a wear layer that provides a defense against daily wear and tear. These flexible polyurethane layers are well-suited to cork, but they do wear down over time. Like most wood floors, they will need occasional updating or refinishing, anywhere from three to seven years is a good rule of thumb.

But where hardwood is hard and is more prone to scratches and marks, cork’s softness means it’s more susceptible to dents and dimples. When someone walks across a cork floor in high heels, for example, those tiny pressure points can penetrate down into the cork and mark the flooring permanently. Because of cork’s resiliency, some of these dents can be “ironed” out with steam or a hot compress. Add a hot towel to the area for a few minutes, and you might be able to pull the dent out.

Like other wood products, there is a “quick fix” solution for tiny imperfections. If you have a scratch or dent that deters from the look of your cork flooring, you can create a patch. Using a sharp knife, a ruler, extra cork, and wood glue. Use the knife and ruler to remove the damaged section. Creating a small, squared off area means it will be easier to replace. When purchasing cork flooring, be sure to purchase and store a few extra feet of material. Then cut the new square in direct proportion to the piece removed. Fit it into place and secure it with wood glue. You can reapply a small layer of polyurethane finish to the surface to further seal the area and protect it against further damage.

It’s not just about wear and tear

When most people think about flooring choices for high traffic areas, they consider durability only. But there are other considerations too.

Depending on what you have in the area now, the room may be noisier or colder than you desire.

Cork is made up of tiny air-filled pockets. These act as barriers against noise production, and make any room quieter. If you’re tired of the echo sounds of laminate or hardwood, cork may be the perfect choice for your area.

Those tiny pockets of air also make it an excellent insulator. Just like it reduces sound from being transmitted down and throughout the room, it acts as a barrier against heat transfer as well. That means it keeps your home cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, and the amount you pay on utilities each month lower than other types of materials.

If you have a family member sensitive to dust mites and other allergens, cork flooring is also a great choice for installation. Unlike carpet that can harbor dirt, dust, and other pollutants, cork tends to repel it. That means it’s easier to wipe away through regular cleaning. Because of this, cork flooring is often associated with a higher indoor air quality.

And because of the waxy substance called suberin that’s a natural part of cork production, cork floors are natural repellents to insects and other small vermin. That also makes cork floors more resistant to biological growth such as mildew and mold. And if these tiny organisms can’t grow, it can help you create a cleaner, healthier environment for you and your family.

Cleaning is a snap. When installed correctly, it will have a water barrier in place. Start the cleaning process with regular sweeping and vacuuming, taking care to remove dirt and grit that can damage the flooring as you walk on it. While you should always wipe up spills and messes as quickly as possible, you won’t have to worry about seepage because of the moisture barrier. However, depending on the spill and the length of time on the floor, it can be stained. Those grape juice and red wine spills can stain the flooring if left in place for too long.

Is cork flooring the right flooring for you?

Yes, there are a lot of advantages to installing cork flooring into your home. It can be the perfect choice for every room – kitchen, living space, bathrooms, and bedrooms – providing you understand the care needed to keep it looking its best.

Can cork flooring be the perfect choice for your high traffic area? Yes … as long as you understand the product and are willing to provide the proper care. It’s one of the most time-tested, beautiful choices you can make for your home. And the colors and options available will soon have you saying “yes” to new cork floors.

• Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
• June 21, 2019

Why Cork Flooring Is Perfect For Your Home

For some homeowners, they go searching for ways to reduce their carbon footprint, and make their homes more eco-friendly, greener places to live. 

Of course, there are lots of ways to do that. But one of our favorites is with cork flooring.

When cork was first introduced in this industry, it’s greatest claim to fame was that it was an eco-friendly alternative. It was perfect for people who were worried about sustainability within the hardwood industry, or wanted something that was highly renewable and didn’t harm trees at all. 

Natural cork fits that bill. Plus, it has the added benefits of being both biodegradable and recyclable, meaning when you decide to pull up your cork floors and install something new, you’ll have a way of maintaining the eco-friendliness of the product throughout its useful life. 

Cork comes from cork oak trees native to Spain, Portugal, and Tunisia. While it’s been used for centuries in other parts of the world, and for different things, it’s only recently began climbing steadily in the flooring industry here in America, and for good reasons. 

What are the benefits of cork flooring

Durability – Cork is an incredibly durable material. Cork flooring goes beyond the soft cork you use as a wine stopper or a bulletin board in your room. Cork does have a spongy quality to it, but when flooring manufacturers use cork to create flooring, they combine it with an adhesive resin to strengthen it and create a material that is resistant to dents and scratches. That means it won’t dent when you place furniture on it, it’ll bounce back instead. And if you properly maintain your cork floors over the years, you can easily expect a 40 year lifespan or more. 

Comfortability – Hardwood flooring is just that – hard. And for a lot of people who are on their feet all day, that can mean back, hip, or leg pain. If you drop something on it, or fall on it, damage can be extensive. That’s why cork is a better alternative. The sponginess of cork creates a comfortable cushion underfoot. That same sponginess also acts as an insulator, meaning your room will stay warmer and quieter too. 

Healthier – Do you have allergy or asthma sufferers in your home? Cork can be a great step in creating a healthier environment to live in. Cork is naturally resistant to biological growth, including mold and mildew, and can even stop termites from penetrating your home. It also has anti-microbial qualities, and when properly maintained, will not off-gas and negatively impact your indoor air quality. 

Safer – Here in Colorado, depending on where you live, wildfires are something you have to consider with every building material you select. Cork is naturally fire-resistant, and will ignite and melt only at very high temperatures. What’s more, if temperatures do reach that point, because cork is an eco-friendly material, it generates less smoke, and produces less toxic fumes than other flooring choices. 

Style – When you start looking at cork as a flooring choice for your home, you’ll be surprised at how many ways you can use it within your home. Use cork tiles to create a uniform look throughout a room. Or vary the tiles to create a more modern effect. Cork also comes in plank format similar to hardwood. You’ll find it in many styles, colors and patterns – if you can create it with hardwood, there’s a cork alternative. Like hardwood, cork runs through the thickness of the material, meaning it wears better over time when compared to vinyl or laminate. 

Does cork flooring scratch easily

This is one of the questions we receive the most about cork flooring. Does cork scratch easily? Is it a good choice in flooring if you have dogs or cats? Will their claws hurt the cork material, or will it bounce back?

Cork is soft. And while it’s a durable material that stands the test of time well, a lot of it depends on the activity within your home. Pets included. 

Some pets race around, digging in over and over throughout the day, playing chase or gaining traction. Some pets move slower. They aren’t as bouncy. They aren’t full of energy. They take life a bit slower. 

Only you can truly know your pet and what it’s capable of. The only true flooring choice that can withstand constant pressure from a pet is stone – hard surfaces can’t be penetrated. But hard surfaces might not be the right choice for you or your pet. 

Is cork flooring good for kitchens

Kitchens are one of the busiest rooms in a home. They are also one of the messiest. If your flooring can’t stand up to spilled water, messes from kids cooking dinner, or even a spilled bowl of food, you’re not going to love your flooring for very long. 

Can cork stand up to all of that and more? Yes, it can. And while it isn’t as resistant as stone is, it can be a great alternative over other tile, and in some cases hardwood. 

If cork is your choice for kitchen flooring, pay attention to the sealant. A polyurethane or similar sealant will help make the cork tiles or planks as durable as possible. These sealants should be reapplied every 5 years or so to help maintain the look and feel, and to keep moisture and stains at bay. 

When spills do occur, clean the area as quickly as possible to avoid damage. The longer a spill sits, the more damage it can do. It can seep down to the backing of the tile or plank, move further into the adhesive layer and even the subfloor. 

Cork flooring will continue to look great with minimal cleaning. Vacuum occasionally, and sweep on a regular basis. The key is keeping the floor free of dirt particles that can scrape the surface and leave a mark that will continue to wear over time. Wet mopping is too much; if you want a deeper clean, use a slightly damp towel or mop, making sure moisture isn’t left behind. Don’t use chemical cleaning agents, as they can wreck the polyurethane level and penetrate down into the cork material. 

Is cork flooring good for high traffic areas

While cork flooring can be added to any room in your home, be aware that with higher traffic comes more chance of damage. 

Cork may not be the best choice for your entryway, especially if you have guests coming and going all day. 

It might not be the perfect choice if you have a home office with lots of action and activities. 

It probably isn’t the best choice for commercial locations, especially if you have a lot of customers or clients. It might also not provide the wear you’re looking for if you consistently move inventory to and fro. 

But cork flooring may be the perfect choice for you in many situations.

If you have any questions about using cork in your home, or if you simply want to see what’s available, stop by today and see our selection. 

We know you’re going to love it as much as we do. 

• Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
• August 21, 2016

The Myth Of Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is a beautiful, environmentally friendly flooring choice that is increasingly being installed into homes.

But the other day, we were asked if cork floors were an ethical product choice.

There is something satisfying when you hear the familiar pop associated with a great bottle of wine or champagne. But lately, you may have found your favorite brands replacing cork stoppers with twist tops or a plastic stopper. The misconception is that cork trees are dying out and are threatened in nature. Yet nothing is further from the truth.

Cork is renewable. Because production of wine stoppers has significantly fallen off, there is a shrinking market of forests cultivated for cork product. Cork extraction is one of the most environmentally friendly harvesting processes in the world. Not a single tree is cut down to get to the cork. Harvesting cork does not destroy the tree since it comes from the bark and not the trunk.

The bark is stripped off in late spring, and it quickly forms new layers of cork for protection. The bark of a cork tree is harvested approximately every 9 to 12 years, depending on environmental conditions. A cork tree can be valuable for 170 years or more.

Which means you can install a cork floor and never worry about the ethics behind it.

Cork is anti-microbial and hypo-allergenic. It contains a substance called suberin that repels insects, fights off mites, germs, mold, and mildew, and is also fire resistant. It also makes a beautiful addition to any room. And because it’s soft to the touch, you’re going to love it in places where you stand on a regular basis. Like your kitchen.

Cork comes in a variety of styles, patterns, looks and selections. Want to see what’s available? Stop by today.