Cork Flooring

[ADSENSE_0000000068]A very appropriate flooring material that is often overlooked as a choice is cork. From an environmental standpoint, cork is a completely natural flooring material that comes from Mediterranean trees. Cork flooring is a good alternative to hardwood, giving a room the same natural feeling but with slightly different characteristics.

There are many unique properties that make cork a great floor option. Cork flooring is very comfortable to the feet and warm to the touch. Unlike wood floors, cork stays at a higher temperature, making it more tolerable to walk on barefoot during cold winter months. Also, the softness and slight denting that occurs with cork flooring is very comfortable to step on. Cork has excellent sound insulation. Since cork is a softer material, noise is better absorbed by it.

Cork flooring is installed as planks or tiles that come in a variety of sizes. Since they are light and easy to cut, installation is relatively easy. Maintaining a cork floor is relatively simple as well. It requires gentle sweeping with a soft broom and occasional sponge mopping.

Good locations to install cork include low traffic areas, bathrooms, and upstairs rooms. The life span of cork is generally 5 to 10 years, so when installed in areas that are less used it can last longer. Because of its nonslip surface, cork is a great choice for bathrooms. You must make sure that it is properly sealed to waterproof the floor because repeated moisture can cause swelling and spaces between the tiles. Upstairs children’s rooms are a nice place for cork because of its softness and easy maintenance.

There are many flooring suppliers that carry cork in a variety of different colors. Many reviews are also available online to help you find wholesale prices. Cork is considered to be in the middle price range, so it can definitely be a cost savings compared to hardwood but still give you the same natural atmosphere.