What Is Cork Flooring Made Of?

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Cork flooring has become more and more popular in recent years and for many good reasons. While most people are familiar with what cork looks like they’re surprised to find out it’s a natural product. You’re most likely wondering what is cork flooring made of?

A Gift From Mother Nature

Interestingly, cork actually comes from the bark of the cork oak tree. These trees can live for more than two hundred years. It takes around twenty-five years for a tree to mature to the point where the bark can be harvested. Because the cork is literally a collection of dead cells, harvesting does not harm the tree in any way.

In fact, it grows back and can be re-harvested about every ten years or so, throughout the life of the tree. Since cork trees are given time to re-grow their bark it also allows the wildlife that resides in and around the trees to remain undisturbed for long periods of time. And in contrast to the hardwood flooring which requires the cutting down of trees, it leaves these forests intact.

A Zero-Waste Process

The bark is typically removed at the most convenient time both for the harvester and the trees, which is mid-summer. This is the time when the bark naturally starts to separate from the living part of the tree. The removal is skillfully done by hand, using an axe. The cork planks are then left outdoors and exposed to the elements for a period of a few months.

They are then steamed to make them more flexible and get rid of any pests. Steaming also removes the top layer of the bark. The planks are briefly stored for a few weeks before being cut into cork stoppers for bottles. It’s what’s leftover that’s used to make cork flooring along with other items such as cork boards.

Cork Flooring Benefits

There are many advantages of cork flooring. Of course, as you’ve just learned it’s an all-natural material that’s also sustainable. Because cork is made up of a high percentage of air-containing cells it makes it an excellent material for absorbing sound. It offers a softer surface than many other flooring alternatives such as tile or wood.

And along with a unique appearance, natural cork flooring also helps to insulate whatever room it’s installed in. Another plus consumers love is that it has anti-microbial properties.

From the tree, to your floor you now know the basics of this one-of-a-kind material. While it’s not for everyone, the benefits of cork flooring make it an excellent choice for those looking for a natural option that’s unique in looks, feel, and features!

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