Cork Floors - Impeccable Elasticity

Cork floors are known to be very flexible, elastic and compressible. Due to their elastic nature, they can maintain their shape and beauty even if pressure is applied. Cork is said to be one of the resilient most flooring materials, returning to its original shape or form after being subject to everyday sources of compression, such as furniture weight.

This amazing elastic nature of cork floors is attributed to the naturally talented composition of cork. Cork flooring is made from the bark of the cork oak. This material is cellular in nature, its structure very similar to that of a honeycomb. Each square centimeter is composed of a tight web of around 60 - 100 million 14 sided cells.

When cork floors are subjected to pressure or heavy weight, the air in the cells is compressed and volume reduces considerably. As a result a dent appears on the surface. Soon after the pressure is released, the dent springs back slowly and cork flooring resumes to its original shape. For example, when you have had heavy furniture on your cork floors for a long time, you might notice an indentation created by the weight. On rearranging the furniture, the dent will disappear over time.

Cork's remarkable structure and unique gaseous composition gives cork floors their three most important and amazing characters - thermal insulation, sound reduction and most of all elasticity. Moreover, it also enables cork flooring to not only maintain its structure but also its beauty and finish.

Cork's elasticity also results in its very durable nature. Cork floors are known to withstand years of foot traffic and dropped hockey sticks in the entrance ways and spilled soft drinks in the living room. However, it is advised to cover your cork floors with pads before moving furniture or appliances across the room. Sharp edges can cause abrasions in the flooring. Additionally, insert pads under the feet of your furniture and appliances to prevent more permanent indentation.