Cork has been used as flooring for centuries, however it is only
in more recent years that it has been manufactured as consumer
friendly tiles and planks with snap / click lock joints. This has
made installation easier and therefore added to its popularity
amongst consumers that may have shied away from it in the past due
to the complexities of installing it.
One of the most outstanding features of a cork floor is its
natural beauty. Modern manufacturing processes that compress the
cork to various degrees add to the variety of textures and patterns available. Flooring
retailers now offer a wide choice of patterns and colors that
ensures there is something to suit just about everyone and also
provides the ability to color coordinate with just about any color
scheme in a home or commercial property.
Environmentally Friendly - You can't help but like cork floors
The increased awareness of environmental
issues has also meant that cork has become a preferred choice of flooring
amongst environmentally conscious consumers. In addition to the
obviously different look and feel of cork floors they are very
unlike the hardwood variety, the manufacture of which involves the
felling of hardwood trees that can take half a century or more to
grow again. The saddest thing often being that felled trees
are never replanted. Consumers can therefore buy a cork floor secure
in the knowledge that their purchase has not been at the expense of
the worlds rainforests.
A Cork floor has benefits galore!
The benefits of cork floors are numerous, many of which are
instrumental factors in attracting consumers to them in the first
place. Firstly, cork provides natural thermal insulation and
therefore preserves energy and can, in turn, cut heating
bills.
Cork also has a natural ability to absorb sound and is ideal
for use in an apartment that has neighbors above and below. In a
house located near a busy road it can help to deaden the sound from
passing vehicles.
Cork is naturally hypoallergenic and antistatic, as such, in the
form of flooring it very much suits allergy sufferers.
Cork flooring has shock absorbing properties that appeal to the
elderly or those that suffer from aching joints or back and bone complaints
and gives an under foot level of comfort that simply cannot be
matched by any other kind of wooden floor. Furthermore, despite its
rubbery feel, cork is tough, durable and does not scuff easily.
A cork floor is great if you have kids too. Unfortunately
children can have the occasional fall, cork in the playroom will
probably mean that the effects of such a fall can be kissed away
rather than require an ice pack on a nasty bruise.
A healthy return on investment? You can bet on cork flooring!
There are other benefits too, for not only does cork flooring add an
incredibly stylish touch to a home, it can also add value to it.
Research has consistently shown that homes with a natural or wooden
floor are considered to be of a higher value than those with
other types of flooring. When actually selling a home, it has been
shown in many cases that those with such a floor do indeed sell for
a higher price.
With such a wide array of benefits, many of which are naturally
inbuilt, isn't it time you invested in a cork floor for your home?
It's a choice that is hard to beat and guaranteed to give you a look
that is completely unique and most different to any other kind of
flooring. And don't forget, you'll be doing your bit for the
environment too!
