Cork Flooring as a Durable, Renewable Building Material
Since it’s a natural product, cork flooring is available in a wide range of colors and patterns. Like granite used for countertops, this is one of its appeals; no two installations look the same. It may be as dark and deep brown as chocolate or as light tan as oak or poplar.
Another quality that recommends it is its density. The cellular structure of cork is quite different from hardwoods used for flooring. Rather than being rigid and unforgiving, it has more of a “spongy” feel. This not only gives it a cushioning effect, but also allows it to absorb rather than transmit sound. The cushioning effect makes it a great choice in areas where people spend a lot of time on their feet working, such as in kitchens.
Types of Cork Flooring Materials Available
The two most common types are tiles and planks. Whichever type the homeowner chooses to install, it is important to avoid the “bargain basement price” materials. Tiles work well when the goal is to achieve a desired pattern, similar to wood parquet floors. One advantage that tiles have is that if any damage occurs over the life of the floor, replacement is easy. For this …
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