The Five Ws of Sustainable Cork Flooring

Here’s a fun fact to get us started:

The same direct glue down cork floor has been in Washington DC’s Library of Congress since it was installed in 1906.

How’s that for longevity? It’s worked great in a national landmark, but is cork something you should consider for your home? Let’s use the old school investigative style to explore.

WHO? You, perhaps? Because of its flexibility, cork floors are a great choice for people who are always standing. Avid cooks might enjoy the leg relief it provides in the kitchen. Fitness buffs will appreciate cork in an exercise room where hardwood floors will dent and carpet is too soft.

WHAT? Cork is a natural product harvested as bark from live trees.

WHEN? The first harvest of the cork bark happens 20 years after it is planted. A cork tree can live 120 – 500 years and can be harvested every 9–10 years. Harvesting is an extremely delicate procedure that takes years to master, ensuring the longevity of the tree.

WHERE? Cork trees mainly grow in the Mediterranean regions of Portugal, Spain, southern France, Italy and North Africa.  Some cork trees are now grown in California.

WHY? It’s green. When cork is removed from the tree the tree is still living! Cork trees store carbon in order to regenerate their bark, and a harvested cork tree absorbs up to five times more than one that isn’t.

• It’s durable. Manufactures are now applying 5 layers of acrylic to help in the maintenance process.
• It’s comfortable. Cork will give when compressed, but it will bounce back.
• It resists fire. Cork does not spread flames or release toxic gases.
• It reduces noise. These floors are great for rooms needing acoustic insulation.
• It’s a natural thermal controller. Cork floors stay at room temperature not sub floor temperature.
• It’s anti-microbial. Cork will not grow mold and mildew. A natural substance called suberin that is found naturally in cork is an insect repellent that resists 42 species of insects (including termites)!

For more information on, Why Natural Cork® flooring, check this out from US Floors®.

Coming soon: What to look for when you shop for cork flooring.

Renee LeCroy is the Flooring Expert at Don’s Carpet One in Birmingham, AL. For 17 years, she’s been the consumer’s in-store advocate, decoding the flooring industry and offering insider advice. Contact Renee via email.