Euro Wood Floors

Examining cork flooring in Auburn and the benefits of installing it.

Everyone knows that cork is used to stop wine and made into boards as to pin notes on, however cork is also used as an eco-friendly and green flooring product in Auburn.  What makes cork so eco-friendly?  First you must understand what cork is.  Cork is a bark from cork oak trees that are native to the Mediterranean.  The bark is carefully stripped off as not to damage the actual tree.  The cork oak tree is well over twenty years old before the bark can even be harvested.  Once it is harvested it will take a good none to ten years before the tree can be harvested again.  One cork oak tree can be used for its bark for a good one hundred to one hundred fifty years.  Since the cork tree is still alive, cork is considered a renewable and sustainable source.  In other words, nothing is being killed off in order to use the resource.

About the flooring.  Once cork shavings are heated up, the resins from the bark work as an adhesive or a natural binder.  This was discovered in the late 1800's and the process was patented which paved the way for cork tiles to be manufactured.  In the early to mid 1900's cork flooring gained popularity as being the most resilient hard surface flooring.  Unfortunately it was not long after that the flooring industry boomed with a plethora of other products and the competition was on.  As well, after WWII the supply of cork became limited.  Today cork is becoming popular again as more homeowners try to find the most green alternatives possible.  Cork is not a cheap option and will cost a small fortune to purchase and install, however sometimes the price will out weigh the fact that it is a natural product with a plethora of redeeming qualities.

Cork flooring is considered a quiet wood.  It absorbs sound and gives off the feel of a well insulated room.  Speaking of insulation, cork is extremely insulating.  It keeps room cool in summer and traps the heat in during the winter.  As well, it is mold resistant.  One of the most appealing qualities of cork is that it lasts a lifetime therefore it is a one time investment.  Cork flooring today comes in many different color shades, is easy to clean, and require no maintenance or extra care.  It does not stain and moisture does not effect it.  It can be installed anywhere such as in high humidity rooms or in areas where foot traffic is rampant.  To conclude, cork flooring is a wonderful eco-friendly investment and will increase the value of a home drastically.