Corking material is most commonly associated with bottles and posting notes. In the case of bottles, corks are used to seal the lid of the bottle. In offices, cork boards are used to post notes and reminders. Cork for bottles has been used for centuries and was first used in the Middle East to close jugs of many types of liquids. In the case of cork boards, corking has been used for nearly one hundred years as a way for creating postings that could be interchanged. But one interesting use for the material is cork flooring.
At one time, cork floors were not well known in the case of many homeowners. However, it is a substance that has been used for many years to floor churches and libraries. The soft substance was found to be a great flooring material in these structures, where sound control is a major concern. Cork flooring is a material that provides a soft landing for feet, there for controlling loud footfalls and noises of items dropped upon them.
Recently, cork flooring has become a popular consideration in private homes. Because the flooring is great for sound control, it has gained the interest of homeowners with children. Aside from sound control, cork flooring provides a great cushion for comfortable walking, crawling, and seating. It is an excellent flooring choice for a newly crawling or walking baby because is softens the blow of tumbles and spills.
Additionally, this substance is an excellent source of insulation. Because the material is ultra-absorbent, it will hold heat very well, providing added insulation to any room. This makes cork flooring attractive in colder climates for the homeowner looking to lower heating cost. It is a great substance for winter feet as it will keep them warm.
Cork flooring has also become a trend among those looking for sustainable materials with which to build. Because there is such an interest in “going green”, this natural substance has been seen as innovative and useful. Although cork flooring is made from soft cork oak trees, because cork is easy to recycle and has been used for other things for many years, there is a considerable amount of recycled cork flooring on the market today.
Usually, cork bark is harvested every nine years which allows for the inner bark layers of the oak tree to mature enough to provide protection for the tree. This means that no tree need be cut in order to create cork flooring. The cork is left to dry for several months before it is manufactured. For cork flooring, the bark is ground and boiled. After it has dried, the cork is pressed together and cut into panels. The process does not require chemicals or substances that lead to air and water pollution.
Cork flooring is very versatile. Because the substance is so workable, it can be produced in many flooring designs. In some cases, it is cut into panels similar to hardwood flooring. In other cases, it is cut into sheets to create a solid cork floor. As well, the substance holds dye and can be manufactured in any color.
Overall, cork flooring is a very functional option. It is very efficient for homes in the fact that it provides both comfort and insulation. The substance is very easy to recycle making it an excellent choice for a person looking to be earth friendly. The production and manufacturing of cork flooring sustains earth consciousness, preserving trees and using simple production methods. Cork is versatile enough to be cut into many different designs and can hold any color.