According to Research and Markets, 59% of people who picked up their tools and embarked on home improvement initiatives during 2020 plan to continue the trend.
If you’re one of those newfound home renovation enthusiasts, you’re probably considering your next move by now. New flooring is a wonderful way to create a massive impact on your home’s interior appearance.
With so many types of flooring around, how do you choose the right one for you? Consider these cork flooring benefits to help you make up your mind.
- Cork Flooring Benefits the Environment
Like bamboo, cork is a renewable and sustainable resource. It comes from the bark of the cork oak, which then grows back.
Cork trees continue to do their job cleaning the atmosphere while they regenerate their bark.
In Europe, some cork comes from the scraps left behind after creating bottle tops. Manufacturers grind, press, and bake these pieces into sheets for flooring.
In these cases, cork flooring also reduces waste.
- Aesthetic Benefits of Cork Flooring
Cork is soft and warm underfoot and has a pleasing appearance. It has a naturally attractive color and is available in a huge variety of styles, colors, and sizes.
You can create a classic, seamless-looking floor with cork planks or use cork flooring tiles to create contemporary patterns.
There are millions of tiny air chambers inside cork flooring which form a barrier against noise transmission and can insulate any floor. This can help you save on heating and cooling bills.
This air cushion contributes to comfort underfoot, so you can stand comfortably on these floors for hours without tiring. Due to its softer texture, cork flooring is a safer surface for children and elderly people that are prone to falls.
- Safety Benefits of a Cork Floor
Cork acts as a natural defense mechanism for the Cork oak. It contains suberin, a waxy substance that repels insects and small vermin.
Thanks to this, pests won’t breed in cork, making it a healthy choice for homes.
Cork only ignites at extremely high temperatures. If it does burn, it does so slowly, releasing only minimal toxic fumes.
- Cork Is Durable
A well-maintained cork floor can last for up to 40 years. That’s because it’s impervious to cracking and abrasions.
When sealed, cork is impermeable to liquids and gas, and it bounces back from indentations caused by furniture. The pattern and color permeate cork, so it won’t wear off as the floor ages.
These durable qualities mean you find that hardwood flooring services stock these planks and tiles as a more cost-effective alternative to the most durable floor of all.
A Solid Foundation for Your Home Improvements
Now that you’re on board with cork flooring benefits, you might wonder if there are any drawbacks to this type of flooring.
When it comes to the pros and cons of cork flooring, the only major drawback is that large, heavy dogs may damage the surface.
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