Introduction
First used thousands of years ago by the Egyptians as bottle stoppers and fishing aids, cork was introduced as a flooring material in Europe in the late 1800s. After the first patents for cork flooring were granted in the U.S. at the turn of the twentieth century, it became popular for use in institutional spaces. It was installed in the U.S. Library of Congress in the early 1900s and remains there to this day.
Cork flooring enjoyed a renaissance in the twentieth century as it was introduced in tile form, reaching a peak in popularity between 1940 and 1960. But soon it lost favor to synthetic materials such as vinyl and laminate, as well as wall-to-wall carpet and ceramic tiles, and all but disappeared from residential and commercial spaces. Today, as technology has improved and cork is increasingly regarded as an eco-friendly solution to flooring, it is experiencing a comeback. Once again, cork flooring has become a favorite of designers and architects. Let’s find out why.
What is Cork Flooring and Why is it Experiencing a Comeback?
Cork comes from the cork oak tree, which is found in the western part of the Mediterranean. It is composed of suberin, a substance that is impermeable, elastic, and buoyant, while having fire-retardant properties. It is taken from the outer bark without damaging the tree itself or needing to cut it down. The tree fully regenerates within a decade, and can live for over 200 years, which means it can be harvested more than fifteen times in its lifetime! The bark is picked by hand, dried and boiled, and then compressed into blocks or sheets and baked. Finally, it is cut into planks or tiles.
As a result, cork flooring is 100% renewable, biodegradable, and recyclable, important attributes for supporting its reputation for sustainability. In addition, it can be finished with water-based products, decreasing the amount of toxic chemicals released into the air. As well as being considered eco-friendly, cork dampens sound, offers comfort underfoot, and is available in a wide range of attractive contemporary designs.
The Many Benefits of Cork Flooring
Besides being sustainable, stylish, and smart, there are plenty of good reasons why cork flooring is surging in popularity, especially as home and business owners become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the materials used in their interior spaces.
A Sterling Record of Sustainability: Cork boasts many of the features sought by consumers who are concerned about the environmental impact of the products they use:
· 100% natural
· Rapidly renewable
· Sustainable
· Low-impact production
· Durable
· Long-lasting
· No VOC emissions
In addition, the production of cork flooring can improve the environment by increasing CO2 absorption.
Comfort Underfoot: Cork flooring is resilient and comfortable, while adding warmth to any environment. Its cellular structure is naturally soft, providing a well-cushioned surface underfoot, perfect for prolonged standing.
Thermal Insulation and Noise Reduction: Cork flooring serves as an excellent insulating material, keeping spaces cooler during the summer months and warmer in winter, which can result in energy savings. It provides acoustic insulation as well.
Durability and Longevity: While cork flooring may once have had a bad rap for vulnerability to humidity and moisture, fading in direct sunlight, and being easily dented by heavy furniture or scratched by pets, new manufacturing processes and sealants have addressed these issues. Improved finishes can now make cork suitable for even the wettest areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms, while providing enhanced durability that allows it to compete with hardwood and vinyl. When properly maintained, cork flooring can even last a lifetime.
Good Choice for if You Have Allergies: Cork flooring is widely known to be a healthy choice for use in indoor environments because it is naturally resistant to mildew and mold, in addition to being antimicrobial.
Modern Style, Endless Choices: The word “cork” may conjure up images of a speckled “bulletin board” look with a busy pattern in a drab beige color. But with today’s new technologies, cork flooring is now available in a wide variety of stained or painted colors. Some engineered varieties come with finishes that mimic stone or hardwood. You can also find it in tiles of different sizes and shapes, and easy-to-install click-and-lock planks.
Low Maintenance: Cork flooring is easy to maintain with regular vacuuming and sweeping. However, it does need to be resealed periodically to maintain its resistance to moisture and fading.
Budget-Friendly and Great for DIYers: When it comes to price, cork flooring is considered mid-range. While less expensive than hardwood and stone, cork costs more than laminate and vinyl. However, there are plenty of options out there to meet various budgets. It is famously easy to install, especially if floating cork planks are used, making it a great choice for the DIY crowd.
Conclusion
No longer frowned upon as homely or not up to the task, cork flooring is gaining new respect for its sustainability, comfort, and contemporary style. Thanks to modern advancements, it offers an environmentally friendly solution for both home and business owners, providing durability, ease of maintenance, and quiet operation.