Cork Floating Flooring Provides Cushioned Comfort for the Heels
When building a house or remodeling your home, most homeowners look at the various options available and, depending on the budget, select material that will not only enhance the décor of their home but make it a comfortable living space as well. Nowadays, the trend is to “go green” and people around the globe are beginning to appreciate cork floors. Many opt for the cork floating flooring planks, or cork glue down tiles, to ensure thermal as well as acoustical results.
Some cork is produced from the Asian, or Chinese, cork oak (Quercus variabilis) cultivated in China. Most of the cultivation of cork is obtained from Mediterranean countries such as Southern France, Portugal, Italy and Spain. In these areas many families and towns depend on harvesting cork for their lively hoods. One of the best “Regenerative Resources” the cork oak tree has the ability to grow back its outer bark within 10 years. During the harvest only the bark is removed and it is from the bark that cork boards are pressed and formed. The cellular structure of cork resembles a honeycomb, 14 sided polyhedrons, which is sponge-like. The honeycomb-like structure is made up of 90% air. This air gives cork its cushioning effect.
One of the advantages of using cork is that it does not off-gas, or deteriorates, into harmful particles. This means cork is naturally in-step with world-wide industrial standards. This makes it easy for cork to pass air quality control tests. There are no carcinogens produced and the material does not shed microfibers, making cork hypo-allergenic. The patterns of wood are of natural grain and when used aesthetically, the finish is striking. You can even select from a wide range of colors and designs to create your own stylized designs.
There are two types of cork flooring options available on the market today. Cork glue down tiles or cork floating planks. The cork floating flooring system can be carried out as a DIY project to prove even more cost effective. However, if you choose to go with cork glue down flooring, it would be advisable to hire a professional carpenter or tile setter to perform the work.
Cork floating flooring can be laid over existing hard flooring such as ceramic tiles, hardwood or even old cork tiles. You can also lay cork floating flooring over vinyl or laminate. It is not as difficult as laying cork glue down tiles as the floating planks are interlocking and can be placed over any existing hard. People who stand for long hours in the kitchen prefer a cork floor as it provides a cushioning effect on the feet.
When installing cork floating flooring, the surface should be very clean and devoid of grit and dust before laying the floating floor planks. The level of the floor should be carefully checked out before laying the planks. It is very important for the DIY project! If the subfloor or substrate is not flat and level then the project should be handed over to a professional.
Check the Internet for dealers in your area and look at the various types of cork flooring options. Ask for samples and check out their discounted offers when purchased in bulk. Most of them will offer you great rates.
iCork Floor LLC is an online distributor of cork floors in United States. iCork’s sister website, Cork Floor Sales, has been serving Canadians for more than four years. You will find information on their websites of the various types of flooring and tiles. Check out their Cork floating flooring and select from a wide range of designs and colors.
Cork Floor, Cork floating flooring
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