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Cork flooring has been around since early in the 20th century. In Europe it's use is quite wide spread - certainly not uncommon. Cork floors have become very popular recently in both North America and Australasia and are now sold around the world.
The product is as durable as most other types of floors. What's more, it is are a natural product and very environmentally friendly. Cork floors are produced from a renewable resource - as the bark of the cork oak tree when it is peeled does not in anyway damage the tree - in fact the ree will die if the cork is not harvested fro it! So, by buying corf floors, you are helping to keep cork trees alive! There are not many natural products you can say that about.
It really is a fantastic product. It is antistatic, a thermal insulator, sound absorbing,and also a great relief for those with allergies.
The product is produced in a density that is high enough to withstand even the heaviest weight and traffic. One of the great characteristics of cork is that it has a "memory". What this means is that it recovers well from compression, just like a wine cork being puled out of a bottle expands - even after it has been squashed in the bottle neck for years and years. A polyurethane surface finisher further protects the surface and also allows for very easy maintenance.
This medium is suitable for all rooms - both residential and commercial buildings alike. By far one of the most common rooms for these installations is in Kitchens - since it is comfortable to stand on and easy to clean and maintain. Surface water spills does not damage the floor. All you ahve to do is wipe up as you would on any other floor surface.
In bathrooms it is great because it is warm underfoot. If heavy large water spills are anticipated then after installation of the floor, the perimeter of the room should be caulked prior to installing molding or base boards.
Despite what some people may say, cork is a high quality, natural material and should be seen as such. Inherent in cork is some some shade variation is but this is an attractive characteristic of all natural products, whether it be cork, wood, or even bamboo flooring. |