Total Imagery Tile

Cork flooring has seen a boom in popularity in the residential market, delivering both durability and comfort. Although a slightly expensive avenue when it comes to flooring, cork has many benefits that make it a great investment. Cork is harvested from cork trees in several Mediterranean countries, and it can only be harvested once every nine years. This makes the supply of cork very limited, driving up prices worldwide. Cork floor tiles are about the same in expense to ceramic tile. The many advantages of a cork floor, however, make it worthwhile to invest in cork.

As the bark of a long lasting tree, cork has natural properties that make it resistant to moisture, insects, and abrasion. Cork is also comprised of over 90% air, allowing it to absorb shocks gently, while also quickly rebounding to its former shape. This property gives a cork great resiliency, allowing it to cushion those standing on it while also remaining level. Like tree bark, cork floor is also very tough against moisture. Unlike a normal hardwood floor that may lose its shape when wet for extended periods, cork floor tiles can retain there shape without cracking. Easy maintenance and clean up of spills will maintain cork flooring in prime condition for many years.

Cork will maintain its beautiful finish for several years, given simple maintenance such as sweeping and mopping. Suberin, a natural compound within cork, works to keep the cork intact. The compound is also fire resistant, and does not emit any toxic emissions when burnt. The springiness of the cork structure also provides great noise cancellation, absorbing noise instead of reflecting it as hardwood is prone to do.

With little maintenance, a cork floor tiles are known to last for many years, just as it has in a variety of commercial and government buildings. As cork floor has grown in acceptance, the options associated with it have also multiplied. Cork today can be ordered in a wide variety of colors, shades, and patterns. Cork floor tiles can normally be installed by either gluing down sections, or using interlocking sections known as a “floating floor.” Interlocking panels are a little more expensive, but you will save on installation costs, as well as improved general reliability. Cork flooring is a excellent alternative to hardwood, and is found today in many affordable models.

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