Why Cork Flooring Is an Eco-Friendly Option for Homeowners

Cork flooring is becoming an increasingly popular choice for environmentally conscious homeowners. It’s an extremely durable and versatile form of sustainable flooring. Cork is used for many things, from office memo boards to seals for wine bottles, while cork wall panels and light shades are common. You can also add eco-friendly floor tiles to the list, which are great for kitchens, bathrooms, and playrooms.

What Makes Cork Flooring So Eco-Friendly?

Once finished, cork flooring can look like any hardwood floor. However, it’s among the most eco-friendly building materials available. If you’re looking for another way to reduce your carbon footprint, here are a few reasons why cork is such a sustainable flooring option:

Trees Are Preserved

Cork oak trees, which are abundant in Spain, Portugal, and other parts of the Mediterranean region, are not killed when cork is harvested. The cork is derived from the bark of these trees. While most woods require felling the entire tree, harvesting cork instead involves carefully obtaining the outer bark. 

The process does not harm the tree. It can also be repeated every decade or so because the bark regenerates. Commercially raised trees can provide enough bark once they mature until the end of their lifespan, which can exceed 200 years.

Sustainable Production

Aside from the harvesting process causing minimal harm to the tree and its environment, producing cork flooring is also sustainable. Processing cork into flooring is less energy-intensive than working with laminate, vinyl, and other materials. 

Cork bark is left to dry for several months. It’s then cooked, crushed, and formed into durable sheets. Few chemicals or additives are used, while manufacturers often integrate the waste and surplus from other cork products, creating a self-contained production process.

Resiliency

Cork combines the resilience of linoleum with the elegance of hardwood. Indentations from furniture aren’t usually permanent since cork flooring can bounce back. It’s also resistant to termites and mold. Therefore, a cork floor can last 40+ years. Cleaning up spills and sealing the floor every few years can maximize its lifespan.

Recyclable 

Cork flooring offers a way to reduce waste. Once it’s no longer useful as a floor covering, cork can be recycled. It may be used to produce other cork products instead of being sent to a landfill. 

Composting the material is another option. Once added to soil, it can improve the health of the soil and ecosystem. It won’t release harmful chemicals like other materials can as they degrade.

Supports Carbon Sequestration

Cork trees are highly effective at absorbing carbon dioxide. Much of this carbon is stored in the bark. Harvesting the bark and using it for flooring helps aid in carbon sequestration and the fight against climate change. Economic incentives provided by the cork industry help ensure forests are maintained. This further helps control the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and preserves natural habitats.

Other Advantages of Cork Flooring

Being eco-friendly is a good reason to choose cork flooring. However, it has many other benefits to consider that make it a practical home improvement option:

• Attractive: Rather than a sheet of corkboard, cork flooring can come in the form of planks, which can take on various colors, patterns, and finishes that mimic different types of hardwood.
• Ease of Maintenance: The material is scratch- and impact-resistant and does not stain easily. Dirt and grit can be cleaned with dry mopping or vacuuming. Cork can also be wet mopped with a gentle cleanser.
• Antimicrobial Properties: Cork’s antimicrobial properties help make cork flooring hypoallergenic and resistant to mold and fungi growth. It also repels dust, hair, and other particles that contribute to allergies.
• Comfort: The material provides natural cushioning when you stand or walk on it.
• Flame-Resistant: Cork naturally withstands exposure to flames. It can also help contain a fire and prevent it from spreading.
• Anti-Static: Carpet and laminate flooring can give you annoying little shocks due to static electricity. Cork is naturally anti-static, so this is not a problem.
• Sound Absorption: Cork is a great sound insulator that muffles sound from other rooms very well.

Is Cork the Best Flooring Choice for Your Home?

Cork flooring is eco-friendly, attractive, and durable. However, there are some aspects of it you should know about to make an informed decision. For example, cork is often more expensive than traditional flooring options. Initial installation costs may also be high. Other potential disadvantages can include fading due to sunlight exposure, susceptibility to damage by heavy furniture, and increased wear in high-traffic areas.

Nonetheless, cork flooring can be a great choice for a home where these factors aren’t a concern. Sealing cork kitchen flooring regularly improves wear and moisture resistance. A properly installed and maintained cork floor can last for several decades; therefore, it’s an eco-friendly option worth considering.

Contact Hernandez Wholesale Flooring

We install various types of wood, laminate, and carpet flooring products in the Los Angeles area. Continue browsing to view our numerous options. Coupons are available to help you save, while financing can help make flooring installation more affordable. We have many high-quality materials in stock. Contact us today to ask any questions you have or to request a free estimate.