Welcome to AboutHardwoodFlooring.com!

Choosing the Best Hardwood Floors for your Home

Cork Flooring 

Cork flooring comes from the bark of the cork oak, which is a member of the beech family, and grows in western Mediterranean countries.  The bark of the cork trees is stripped every nine to fourteen years.  This does not harm the tree in anyway and the tree is never cut, making cork flooring an environmentally friendly form of flooring.  Cork is comprised of 30 and 40 million air cells that are honeycomb in structure.  It is this unique structure that gives cork the following properties:

INSULATION:  The density of cork is extremely low providing the materials extremely high insulating, thermal, as well as acoustical properties.  This also provides cork with a warm feeling when you walk across it barefooted.  

RESILIENCY:  When subjected to pressure, the air cells in the cork make it very resilient.  Therefore, that if you place a heavy object on your cork floors, they will not dent, but will rapidly regain its original shape.   

IMPERMEABILITY:  Suberin is an inherent waxy substance that renders cork impervious to both liquids and gases, making cork virtually water resistant.    

HYPOALLERGENIC:  Cork does not absorb dust, promote the growth of mold or fungus, and therefore does not cause or contribute to allergies.   

DURABILITY:  Because of its cellular composition, cork is remarkably resistant to wear, as is less affected by the impacts and friction than other surface.    

FIRE RETARDANT:  Cork is a natural fire retardant, and does not promote the spread of the flames, nor does cork release any toxic gases.  

The cork wear layers can be waxed, varnished, urethane, or acrylic coated, providing any desired finish you may choose.  In addition, cork flooring can be installed as parquets or as floating floors.  Cork flooring is quiet, warm, comfortable, and easy to maintain, in addition it is also reasonably priced.  Cork is a beautiful as well as unique material that has so more benefits than any other type of wood floor covering.  If you are considering installing hardwood flooring in your home, consider installing cork, especially if you want the warmth of wood in your bathroom or kitchen area.