Cork seems to be a term we consider to be synonymous with the wine industry, but did you know that cork has many more uses and can actually make all the difference when choosing a flooring option for your home? Cork is a natural flooring option that has the potential to add a beautifully unique aspect to your home. Not only is it environmentally friendly, it also has immense benefits for your health and your pocket book.
What is cork?
Cork oak is the outside bark of cork trees that are found throughout Europe in countries like Spain, Portugal, France and Morocco. A cork tree’s average lifespan is anywhere from 250-300 years, and its bark can only be harvested after a 25 year period of growth. Each layer of cork that is harvested can yield hundreds upon hundreds of kilograms of cork that can be used to create flooring options that will leave you feeling as though you are walking on air. The harvesting of cork bark is also done in a sustainable and safe manner that does no damage to these rare trees.
How is cork flooring made?
After the initial 25+ year growth period, the bark of a cork tree can be harvested once every nine years. After each harvest, the bark is left for months to dry before being transported to a factory. In the factory, wine corks are cut out of the bark and the excess is boiled down and compressed into flooring pieces using various resins and adhesives. Cork flooring pieces can be made in nearly 40 different colors and in infinite shapes and sizes.
Cost of cork flooring?
As with any flooring option, the price and quality of a product depends solely on the procedures and materials used by the manufacturer. The average cost of cork flooring can range anywhere from $4- $8 per square foot depending on quality, style and the company that produces it.
What are the advantages of cork floors?
The advantages of installing cork floors are immense including that it’s:
- Durable & affordable
- Insect resistant
- Sound resistant
- Fire resistant
- Shock absorbent
- Compression bounce back
- Environmentally friendly
- Less toxic than vinyl in production stages
- Completely renewable
Here at San Jose Hardwood Floors, we offer nothing but the best to our clients and our cork flooring manufacturers are no exception. We are proud to offer cork flooring from Wicanders, WeCork and Southend Building Products. If you or anyone you know is looking to install quality cork flooring, please contact us today! We can’t wait to help you find the perfect flooring for your dream home.
Photo Credit: Evan Hamilton