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The warmth of cork flooring as well as its natural beauty is unequaled by any other flooring product option in the opinion of many. Cork flooring is gaining popularity at a steady pace. We at the flooring professor believe that as it gets more widely used by mainstream consumers that the manufacturers will find new and innovative ways to offer more options.
One of the most recognized benefits of using cork flooring is it has minimal impact on our environment. To make cork flooring the bark is stripped from the cork oak and then processed into the raw cork that in turn is manufactured to make flooring as well as many other products.
Cork floors also add an insulation value making them feel nice and warm under foot which is great in all climates, but even better where it is cold. Additionally, it's naturally resilient properties give it great recovery from indentation from heavy furniture for example.
The design possibilities are vast because of the unique patterns and looks that can be created with this naturally variable appearance. We have found that some cork floor appears to have texture (even though it doesn't) because of the beautiful depth of the pattern.
The simple answer is... YES. One thing many consumers do not realize is that cork flooring has been produced and installed for many years now. It is on the floors of some of the finest governmental buildings, museums and the like. in some cases they have been in place well over 50 years! The other thing to consider is that it is not actually the cork flooring that takes so much abuse, but the finish layer on the top.
The finish offered on the majority of cork flooring today is a basic varnish. Some commercial products have a very heavy commercial wear layer. We have had fairly good success with the finishes available, but we are confident that the manufacturers will be finding new technology and refining it's overall performance.
Recently we have
had the opportunity to install several jobs of a new finish
technology from
Wicanders,
who we believe to be the hands down leader in the cork flooring
industry. (I mean they have only been in the cork flooring business
since 1868!! Their new
xtreme wrt finish is a welcome improvement to an already great
product! This innovative finish technology is the logical solution
that meets the needs of even the most demanding consumers while
offering the strongest protection of the natural characteristics of
cork. THANKS Wicanders for being the leader again!
Floating cork floor is the most common today and is usually made in 3' x 1' panels and it installs with a glue less locking system. This type of installation system is taking over the floating floor market with the introduction of reliable and innovative locking systems.
A floating cork floor will have a cork backing in most cases, a "core" or center layer of a moisture resistant composite material, and a top or "finish" layer of cork. then a clear finish is applied for durability and easy cleaning.
The basic cleaning of a cork floor is the same as wood flooring. the general care is also similar to a hardwood floor. As long as you take good care of your new cork floor it will be an enjoyable addition to your home for many years to come. Be sure to check out our cork flooring care and cleaning information to see how easy your new cork flooring can be to take care of.
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