Of course, there are many materials that are suitable for domestic flooring; hardwood, vinyl, stone and composite materials can be used, yet the best choice is cork. The list of benefits of using cork is long, but among the most notable include: being the only material that offers a soft and silent walking experience, and being a material harvested in a sustainable way, which means you can reduce your carbon footprint.
Choosing Cork Flooring
You can find a variety of cork flooring at your local flooring showroom, where you can experience the product in a real-life environment, plus the knowledgeable staff are at hand to advise you on every aspect of flooring. There are many designs with all shades of brown and beige. The product comes in roll and tile form. Most homeowners prefer the tiles, as there is less wastage. Cork can be installed on any substrate and may or may not require backing, depending on the material.
FSC Accredited
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an organisation dedicated to sustainable forest management and any cork product that is FSC accredited, such as high quality Perth cork flooring tiles, has been sustainably harvested making for an eco-friendly choice. To find a cork supplier near your area, all it takes is a quick online search.
How Is Cork Harvested?
The cork orchard is tended for 25 years before the initial harvest; then every 9 years, which actually promotes new growth and does not harm the tree in any way. The orchard does what nature intended – it reduces carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and that continues throughout the harvest period. With multiple orchards, a cork farm can continually rotate the harvest process, producing a high volume of cork to be processed.
Softening Sound
The acoustics inside a building can vary greatly; hard surfaces bounce sound waves, causing those slight rebuffs, which amplifies sound. Cork is soft and absorbs the sound, which greatly diminishes the ambient sound.
Saving On Energy
Cork has thermal properties that insulate, which means less heat exchange between different environments; energy conservation is more important than ever and choosing cork tiles makes total sense. To get more information on energy saving, approach a leading flooring supplier with a showroom in your area that also lets you experience the material in a real-life setting.
Professional Installation
Unless you happen to be whizz at DIY, cork flooring should be left to the professionals, who know the importance of substrate preparation to ensure a first-class job. The supplier employs teams of flooring specialists and they regard each project as a challenge. Once you choose the design, a date can be set and you can prepare the room by removing all furniture. The floor is sanded after installation to achieve a smooth and soft surface, finally a sealant is applied. The supplier issues a comprehensive warranty and after a day or two, you can use the floor.
The number of homeowners who choose cork for their floors is a reflection of the many attractive properties that this natural material possesses. Search online for your nearest flooring showroom and check out the high-quality cork products to complement your home.