Cork Flooring Gives You Unique
Kitchen Flooring With Many Benefits

The bark from the tree is trimmed every nine years without harming the tree. The surface of the tree will then grow the cork back so it can be harvested again in nine years. Some trees may be up to 200 years old and still growing cork!

Eco-Friendly

The eco-friendly aspect of cork makes this flooring a smart choice. In addition, this material is also made from the waste of cork stoppers that come from wine bottles. Not only is it a renewable resource, but it is also a recycled flooring product.

This flooring material has a number of great features that make it well suited for your kitchen while blending with many kitchen design plans. Its resilient structure, made up of millions of cells, makes it a natural shock absorber.

This flooring is great for the cook who spends a lot of time standing in the kitchen, making it easier on their back, legs and feet. It is also made to take a lot of wear and tear and with a "memory," high heels won't even phase it.

It insulates against sound, noise, vibration and even temperature change. What's not to like about floor covering that is quiet, silky smooth and maintains an constant temperature, yet is one of the most durable materials you can install!

This unique product will not cause any type of allergic reaction making it nice for kids and pets that are close to its surface. It resists rotting, mold and mildew and even insects due to a waxy substance that it contains called suberin. This natural waxy substance makes cork flooring fire resistant and it will not release any toxic fumes in the event of a fire.

What is Cork Flooring Made Of?

You can get cork flooring in tiles or 12" x 36" panels. It is constructed in many layers for durable wear. The cork is flattened under intense pressure when being made, creating a veneer. When made into a panel, the cork is applied to a backer core that is made of either Medium or High Density Fiberboard.

A strong acrylic varnish or similar sealer is applied either at the factory or after the floor is put down, to prevent stains and wear in your kitchen.

Most panels are installed as a floating floor, with locking tongue and groove edges. Floating floors can be installed right over vinyl, ceramic tile or other hard surfaces, provided the surface is level, dry, and a smooth surface to work with.

If tiles are used, a glue-down method may be preferred, making the installation more permanent. A glued down cork floor can only be installed over a smooth subsurface and can't be installed over existing surfaces like vinyl or ceramic tile.

Ease of Care

One of the nicest qualities of cork flooring is its ease of care. It has anti-static properties that keep it from attracting dust or pollen. Damp mopping, using little water or a light vacuuming will be all you’ll need to do.

The most common way that you will find this flooring is pre-finished with a water-based sealant. It is recommended to add another coat of sealant after the floor goes down for extra protection. While this durable material will last for decades when taken care of, it should be resealed once a year.

Cork flooring can be custom dyed about any color, making it a very versatile product but you should be able to find pre-finished colors that will look great in your kitchen. It will also lend itself to a variety of design styles that you may like.

While this type of flooring has few negatives, the darker colors have been known to fade over time in natural light. Certain solvents can stain it and it's possible that it can be gouged.

Cork tends to have a more rustic look with its soft appearance and depth of color, giving a subtle and unique design for your home.

You can complete your kitchen floor design with a selection from different patterns and colors, and you'll be able to find one that works well with your other finishes. Consider this eco-friendly flooring choice. It will feel different under foot and give you years of beautiful enjoyment.

If you want to see some of the most beautiful cork flooring materials that is available, click here. BuildDirect.com has a huge selection of cork flooring in different patterns, textures, and styles. You can get Free Samples too!

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