All about Cork Flooring Usage

Cork flooring is known as a practical, comfortable and decorative floor covering. It has the potential to last for many years in locations which endure very heavy foot traffic like government and public buildings. Besides being a naturally durable and tough material, cork flooring also possesses a unique ability to adapt to various climatic conditions.

Cork flooring was first used at the end of the 19th century. One of the most prominent and influential architects, Frank Lloyd Wright installed cork flooring in the public buildings he designed in the early 20th century. Many of these buildings still feature these original cork floors.

There are many unique reasons why cork flooring is becoming the choice of the decade. It is lightweight, compressible and recoverable, expandable, fire resistant, impermeable, and comfortable. All these properties make cork very highly applicable for flooring. On other note, flooring manufacturers and suppliers attribute cork's extensive usage and dependability to its elasticity and durability.

A plentiful material, cork is available as a floor covering for more than a century now. It has been used in public buildings such as churches, hospitals and libraries and in government structures like courts and assembly halls. These are the places where the flooring needs to undergo heavy foot traffic and is also expected to absorb noise especially footfalls.

However, cork flooring is not suitable for locations with exposure to moisture or steam. That's why it is not recommended to install cork flooring in bathrooms, shower rooms, basements or any area with excessive humidity. On other side, high intensity direct sunlight can tend to pale the color of cork flooring especially if its duration is long. Therefore, laying cork floors in rooms exposed to sunlight is not advisable either. The best places to install cork flooring are on-grade (the level of the surface) or above grade locations which are not exposed to direct sunlight.

Due to the steady supply, cork flooring is now widely available throughout the world, in even greater quantities and with a broader range of choice in colors, patterns and textures. It is embracing commercial locations as well. In addition, cork is now turning up in other parts beside floors, including walls, furniture, fabric, decorative items and accessories. Products ranging from wine stoppers to floats, floors/subfloors and wall coverings to gasket material and clothing to coasters are all being produced from cork.