Cork flooring is one of the best kept secrets around. But its quickly losing its secrecy – here’s why.
Cork flooring has a unique look that makes it look like a hardwood floor. Until you step on it. That’s when you’ll know its different as the surface beneath your feet gives way, providing your with a soft, cushiony feeling that’s surprisingly comfortable for walking on, standing on, and even sitting on.
In addition to the feel, there are many more benefits to cork flooring. After you weigh the odds, come in and feel it for yourself. Then consider it for some of the main rooms in your home.
Temperate Flooring
If you’ve ever had tiles in a kitchen, you know how they feel under your feet on a cold winter morning. The only way to solve the coolness is to install radiant heating under the tiles to get rid of that fridged feeling. But with cork tiles, you won’t have that feeling. Cork has an insulation quality because cork is made up of tiny air pockets that act as a cushion to insulate the surface. That means heat will be retained instead of seep out of the room, making your room more energy efficient.
Sound
The same insulation properties that make a cork floor retain heat and coolness will also help block out unwanted noise. If you live in a multilevel home, it can help block out noise filtering to the rooms below.
Maintenance
Cork flooring is a softer material than hardwood, which means it will show wear over time. Maintaining it means regular sweeping and vacuuming to remove dust and debris that can scratch the surface. A damp mop can also be used to remove stains. Keep in mind that furniture legs, high heels, or other sharp objects can cause chunks of material to rip from the surface. If you are thinking of installing cork in a high traffic, high entertaining area, this may be something to consider.
Cork flooring can be refinished to remove scratches and dents every few years. However, unlike hardwood, it can only be refinished a few times before the thickness wears thin. Refinishing every 5 to 10 years with a polyurethane finish will accent the natural features while creating a strong protective coating over the surface. With proper maintenance and refinishing, a cork floor can last upwards of twenty five years.
Which rooms are best?
Cork flooring is soft, hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and in general a great choice for many rooms throughout your home. Living rooms, bedrooms, family rooms and even kitchens are a great place for cork. However, because of the humidity and water in a bathroom, cork typically won’t hold up well in these rooms. Also think twice about installing cork in a room where you’re kids will be playing with toys and roughhousing.
But if you’re looking for a soft alternative that looks beautiful too, cork can be a welcome addition to any room in your home.
For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.
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