Cork, Not Just for Wine Bottles Anymore

Cork, Not Just for Wine Bottles Anymore

by Heather Tissue, Green Designer

Sure, a cork stops the wine bottle for years, preserving that precious cargo while it mellows and ages to perfection. And who doesn’t enjoy that wonderful “pop” sound when the cork exits the bottle and lets that liquid pleasure flow into your glass? But did you know that cork also makes a great floor? All the properties that make cork useful to winemakers also make cork an excellent flooring material. 

Resilient, Warm to the Touch, Insulating and Sound Dampening

Structurally, cork’s cells are full of air which provides insulating and sound dampening properties and gives cork it’s warm feel (71 degrees Fahrenheit, 24 hours per day!) Cork is truly a barefoot floor. 

Anti-microbial, Hypoallergenic and Water-repellent

Cork enjoys these properties because the material is naturally comprised of a waxy substance calledSuberin. It’s the Suberin the lends cork the ability to repel water and fungal growth. 

Natural and Sustainable

Cork is the bark of the Cork Oak tree and can be harvested every seven years without damage to the tree.

Design Versatility, Easy to Install, Easy to Maintain 

Glue down cork tiles lend themselves to a multitude of patterns with a smooth flush joint between pieces, a great way to install in wet areas like a bath or a kitchen.

Click-together planks are easy to install. Now available in narrow widths with a beveled edge profile, this style gives the look and durability of a hard wood floor with the benefits of cork. 

The Aluminum Oxide finish on a cork floor is the same as on today’s wood floors. Regular vacuuming and cleaning with a microfiber mop and an eco-friendly gentle spray cleaner like Bona are all that is required to keep your floor looking its best. And most cork floors come with a lifetime (25 year) residential warranty. 

Whether your design is contemporary or traditional, on a concrete slab or over a raised-subfloor, there’s a style and type of cork that will complement your decor, provide warmth, quiet and healthy indoor air-quality all in a durable, easy-to-maintain floor. Think cork for your next flooring project.