Natural cork flooring is made from the bark of the Cork Oak tree, which grows all around the Mediterranean Basin. Currently, the Portugal produces most of the world’s cork supply, and has a very high concentration of cork trees. The bark is harvested by hand using centuries-old techniques intended to minimize damage to the trees so they will regenerate more quickly and continue to be a productive source for decades. For this reason, cork flooring is very environmentally friendly, and is considered to be a ‘green’ alternative to hardwood floors, as the production of hardwood floors has a much greater impact on the environment. The tree is not permanently damaged or felled, and many cork trees produce usable amounts of cork for over a century.
Cork has a number of natural properties that make it very ideal for use without the need for excessive processing. Cork is naturally resistant to rotting and insects due to a waxy substance called suberin. Cork is also made up of a large number of small air-filled cells, which makes it very light and low-density. The structure of cork allows it to give under pressure, and then return to its former state, making a much smaller impact on joints when walking. Cork is ideal for people suffering from joint pain or who spend a lot of time on their feet. Another health benefit of cork is its natural anti-static and anti-allergenic properties. The waxy suberin deters pests that can spark allergies, such as mites, and the natural anti-static properties of cork prevent it from gathering excessive amounts of dust. Cork is also very fire-resistant, and when burning it does not release toxic fumes that may cause further damage. Cork has a very unique appearance as well, similar to wood but without the grain, that offers a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional hardwood floors
Cork flooring generally is manufactured in one of two ways: panels or tiles. Cork flooring panels are made of large cork veneers laid over a fiberboard core that provides stability to the paneling and a way to interlock the panels together. These panels are then covered with a sealant, and are left fairly intact in terms of natural state of the cork. Tiles, in contrast, are often made of cork waste that has been processed into small pieces and then bound together with synthetic resins. While the cork retains most of its properties, this type of tile is not completely natural and may not impart the full benefits of a natural cork floor. There are no completely synthetic alternatives to cork, however, though some materials are made to imitate the unique appearance of cork
With proper installation and care, natural cork flooring can last an extremely long time, and is a very durable and resilient choice that can be used either in homes or commercial buildings. The famous Mayo Clinic has over 70,000 square feet of cork flooring to provide a comfortable environment for those who work and stay there, and many libraries and churches have implemented cork flooring into their design to minimize noise and maximize comfort as well.