Cork - The Ideal Floor Covering for Today's Homeowner.
Few of us will remember the flooring in our public school, but what is surprising is that it may have been cork. Probably chosen because of it's durablility, ease to care for and comfort underfoot. Today, Cork has made a resurgance as the floorcovering of choice for homeowners and decorators alike.
Although cork floors have been used in commercial and public areas for decades, with new manufacturing methods, cork has become one of the most beautiful and sensuous flooring materials on the market.
Cork floors reduce noise, insulate against both heat and cold, and are nonallergenic.
For homes, cork floors in the entrance makes sense as it withstands years of dropped hockey sticks and spilled soft drinks. In kids’ bedrooms, and family rooms, music and rec rooms, cork stays warm and is cozy to the toes.
Cork floors are perfect for the kitchen. Unlike ceramic tile, cork is comfortable to stand on for hours. It’s more forgiving than ceramic (especially if you drop a plate or cup), will not dent easily and, with proper surface finishing, resists scratches. Cork tiles installed in two contrasting colours or tones, checker-board style, create a dramatic effect in an entranceway or kitchen.
Today’s cork flooring works with any décor and the patterns and richly textured surfaces of cork floors disguise dust and dirt. Dark natural tones enhance more formal settings, such as dining and living rooms. Lighter shades are great for the more casual look of a family room or play area. The grainless patterning of cork makes it ideal where space is a challenge.
Cork is environmentally friendly.
It is harvested from the bark of the Cork Oak grown primarily in Portugal where they can thrive for up to 200 years. Bark is harvested every nine years from mature trees making it a sustainable resource.
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