Cork: A natural sustainable alternative

Cork is a very environmentally friendly replacement for some materials used in interiors. It is beneficial to make interior floors out of cork. Here is why.

Environmental Impact

Cork is a renewable resource as it is made from bark of Oak trees, but even better than timber that requires cutting down trees, cork can be harvested from the same tree for hundreds of years because the bark regrows and is ready to harvest again after 9 years, without harming the tree in any way.

Hygiene and comfort

Cork flooring has advantages such as being warmer than tiles or even wood because with over 40 million natural "cushion cells" per cubic centimeter, cork is a natural insulator of heat. Tiles can be slippery and cold. Although under-floor heating can be used to alleviate these problems, it can be expensive to install and run. The insulation also traps sound making cork quiet to walk on , which is why I am proposing cork to be used in my Honours degree project design. The other great thing about cork is that it does not absorb dust and is resistant to bacteria and fungus. Cork floors will not set off allergies or be a risk to people with asthma.Adhesives and finishing products used in the manufacturing of cork floors are formaldehyde-free and Volatile Organic Compounds (VIC) emissions are not detectable.

Durability and maintenance Advanced coating technology gives cork flooring a highly resistant and long-lasting protection even in high traffic environments. Cork coating can seal it right to the edges and make it water resistant so unlike carpets, cork flooring is hygienic, allergy-free, and can be wiped down with ease making it suitable for kitchens, bathrooms or public spaces.