Cork is a great flooring option. It’s attractive and easy to clean. Its anti-microbial properties reduce allergens, plus it’s fire retardant, water resistant and a natural insect repellent. Wow! Not only does it feel amazing on your feet, its natural shock absorption allows you to stand on it longer without feeling tired. Since cork is an insulator it helps with sound absorption, which can come in very handy in a condominium where people are living close by and noise can be an issue.
Where Does Cork Flooring Come From?
Cork comes from the outer surface of the cork oak tree that grows in the Mediterranean region. Portugal is the biggest exporter. Cork flooring is environmentally friendly as harvesting it does not kill the tree. It’s actually doubly eco-friendly because cork flooring is made from the cork left after bottle stoppers are punched out. Cork can also be installed as a floating floor that does not require adhesive or nails.
Cork has a honeycomb cell structure with a lot of empty air space. Since there are millions of empty cells per inch it’s great for cushioning and insulating against both temperature and noise. It’s used as both flooring and as underlay beneath hardwood in locations with noise restriction policies.
Just like wood, cork flooring can be finished in a variety of paints or stains. Cork can bring instant texture to a space. Because its durability is not the highest, it wouldn’t be ideal for high traffic rooms, but cork flooring’s cushiony surface makes it ideal for places like the kitchen where you tend to stand for longer periods. Cork flooring can last up to 30 years.
At Straightline Custom Flooring, we have decades of experience with flooring installation and we offer a large selection of cork floors to choose from, making us your one-stop flooring store where you can shop with complete confidence. Contact us today to discover the exciting world of cork floors available in Canada!
We carry the following Cork brands:
Eco Friendly Flooring and Green Options
Do you care deeply about the environment? Are you building a project for an eco-friendly customer base? Ethical flooring choices are here to save the day for your residential, commercial or industrial reno or build. Today’s environmentally-conscious customer can truly have the best of both worlds: ethical flooring that also looks great!
If your heart is set on hardwood flooring and you’re confused as to whether it is considered ethical flooring due to deforestation concerns, you can relax. There are three types of hardwood that fit the bill for you. Reclaimed hardwood is wood from trees already chopped down. Salvaged hardwood is particularly well suited to an older home or cottage as it has a settled-in feel. The third option is hardwood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which promotes responsible management of forests.
Linoleum was universally popular before vinyl was introduced in the 1940’s. It is a natural product made of linseed oil, wood, limestone, cork and resins. Linoleum flooring is available in glue-down tiles, click-together planks or large sheets. It is made with renewable, biodegradable materials including linseed oil, wood and cork, and produces no harmful vapors.
Cork is a completely organic product harvested from cork trees. It is attractive, easy to clean and anti-microbial. Amazingly, it’s also fire retardant, water resistant and a natural insect repellent. Cork’s natural shock absorption allows you to stand on it longer without feeling tired. And, since cork is an insulator, it helps with sound absorption
If you’re looking for carpet, the obvious eco-friendly options are the natural fibers such as sisal, jute, cotton and wool. Wool was one of the first materials to be used as a floor covering. It is very durable and can last centuries if cared for properly.
Polyester Berber is a sustainable carpet option made from recycled plastic bottles. It is durable, spill-resistant and comes in a variety of colours and patterns. It has a flecked appearance that works with most colour schemes. However, if snagged it can unravel if not repaired immediately. It also feels a little rough on bare feet.
At Straightline Custom Flooring, we have decades of experience with all types of flooring installation and we offer a large selection of ethical flooring to choose from, making us your one-stop store where you can shop with complete confidence. Contact us today to discover the exciting world of eco-friendly, ethical flooring!
We carry the following Eco-Friendly Flooring and Green Options brands:
