That is surely a brilliant thing. With bamboo forests it is necessary to chop down the bamboo to turn it into furniture and flooring. In contrast there are 25,000 square kilometers of ancient cork forests in the Mediterranean region that provide habitat for a great diversity of wildlife including the endangered Iberian lynx and also supply an income for many rural communities. Cork oaks have been protected by royal decrees since the medieval period. They are fundamental to both the ecology and the economy of the region.

The harvested cork bark or cork cambium has a number of properties that make it ideal as a flooring material. Cork is composed of a honeycomb structure that is 85% air-like gas. Although it is mostly gas, the structure is strong and elastic. This accounts for cork flooring’s ability to ‘spring back’ after pressure is applied to it. And it also accounts for the good thermal and acoustic properties of cork. Cork is a great thermal insulator that makes warm flooring under foot that will retain heat in the cold winter months and save you money on heating costs. The padding afforded by cork flooring also muffles the sound of footsteps and makes for quiet flooring.

Finally, cork flooring contains a waxy natural substance called suberin which makes cork flooring mold and mildew resistant. Cork flooring is also allergen free and the suberin acts as a fire retardant. Thus, cork flooring is recommended for allergy and asthma sufferers and is not a fire risk. Add all of these benefits together and consider that cork flooring is long lasting and a fraction of the price of hardwood flooring and it is hard not to want to rip up your dust mite ridden carpets and install cork flooring.

Cork flooring is made from bark harvested from the Cork Oak tree that is found in large numbers in the Mediterranean. The process does not kill the trees, so cork flooring is made from a renewable resource, and laws are in place to prevent trees from being harmed through being harvested too frequently or while still too young. Cork has a unique structure that makes it strong, but very light and low density, which gives it most of its amazing properties.

Due to the fact that cork is largely made up of air, it gives under pressure, which prevents excessive friction from being generated during normal use, preserving the integrity of the flooring. In addition, this softness makes cork flooring feel more cushioned underfoot and cause less of an impact on the body than traditional flooring materials, and often can provide relief for people who suffer from joint pains.

The low density and unique structure of cork also makes it ideal for use as an insulator. It absorbs sound, greatly reducing the transmission of noise and creating a quieter environment. Additionally, cork flooring does not transfer heat very effectively, so it remains a fairly constant temperature unlike tile flooring, and is always comfortable to walk on.

Elasticity also makes cork a very durable flooring material when it is subjected to daily use. Dents or impressions can be made through pressure, such as furniture or high-heeled shoes, but cork always returns to its former shape. This allows cork to give under pressure and prevent damage through daily wear and tear, but still retain its appearance after the pressure is removed.

Cork also has natural substances which repel mold, dust, mites, and insects as well as make it very resistant to water and rotting. These substances make cork a very hypo-allergenic material that is ideal for people who suffer from indoor allergies, and they also greatly increase the lifespan of cork when compared to other flooring materials. In addition to reducing the presence of allergens, these substances make cork fire resistant, and upon combustion, cork does not release any toxic fumes making it safer than traditional hardwood floors.

In addition to all of these wonderful benefits, cork flooring is environmentally-friendly (green!) and easy to install. Its manufacture does not require the cork trees to be harmed permanently, and this makes it a renewable resource with potentially limitless supply. Also, cork flooring can be laid very easily, especially when made into tiles, making it possible for homeowners to lay their own flooring in a cost-effective and efficient manner. Cork can also be colored by various techniques used by the manufacturers, so patterns and colors seen in traditional tile floors can often be replicated using cork flooring, providing a colorful and beneficial alternative.