If you`ve been researching flooring recently, you`ve probably heard some of the hype regarding cork flooring. While hardly new, cork flooring has been around for thousands of years, it is just now receiving the respect it deserves as home flooring. There are many reasons that make cork a viable option for home flooring.
The first reason that cork should be considered a wise flooring option is its durability. Cork has been around for hundreds of years and even graces the floors of some rather famous buildings. The Library of Congress, for example, has had cork flooring for quite a while. In homes, cork makes an excellent flooring choice because of its ability to stand up to all the great and not so great things that children, pets, and day-to-day living can throw its way.
Because of it`s natural composition cork happens to be water resistant. For centuries cork has been used with wine and proven impervious to the liquid inside. Because of its natural ability to keep water from penetrating cork is highly resistant to rotting which makes it an excellent flooring choice for moist humid environments.
In addition to the above high notes, cork is also insect resistant. Because of its cellular contents, common insects that affect other flooring choices (such as termites) will not go anywhere near cork floors.
Cork flooring, as a result of its imperviousness to water and its pest resistance also happens to be resistant to mildew and fungus. Cork is simply not conducive to the growth of fungus so none grows.
For those with sensitive allergies, sinus problems, or asthma cork is an excellent flooring choice as it does not absorb dust and no chemicals are used during the manufacturing process, which makes it hypoallergenic.
Cork is made from the bark of the three, not the tree itself so it can be harvested without actually killing the tree. For many, this makes this type of flooring not only extremely environmentally friendly, but also the perfect choice. Not only can the bark be harvested while the tree lives, but it will replenish itself within 9 years.
If you live in a cooler environment where heating expenses can really add up, cork flooring is an excellent choice. Not only does this flooring look warm, beautiful, and cozy in the room, it also acts as insulation so you aren`t walking on a cold floor.
Additionally, cork has excellent sound muffling properties. For this reason, cork is often the flooring of choice for second floor apartments. This very thing also makes it an excellent option for home theatres, living rooms, or any room in which you do not wish for the sound to carry throughout your home.
Financially, cork is also an excellent value. It costs about half as much as other common flooring options and its durability means you will have to replace it far less often.
Combine all of these reasons with the fact that cork has many different colors and styles from which to choose and there really is no reason not to choose cork flooring for your home. However, if you are still having trouble deciding, check around to see how easy this type of flooring is to install. If that doesn`t sell you on the beauty of cork, nothing will.
Are you in the process of developing your basement and you want a flooring choice that is durable as well as beautiful? Hardwood flooring is an excellent choice however; standard hardwood floors cannot...
With so many decisions you might find that it is quite difficult to make the final selection. Wide plank flooring may be just the result you need. This type of flooring is becoming more and more popular but is not yet...
