Images courtesy Capri Collections
Is this the Floor you’ve been looking for?
Cork flooring has been used in Europe for over a century; and we are starting to see more of this elegant and functional material right here at home. At ACo, we want you to love where you live – and the floors on which you walk every day play a starring role. What are the benefits of cork flooring, and how can you ensure your floors live their longest, most beautiful, life?
CORK FLOORING: THE ADVANTAGES
✓ SUSTAINABILITY. Cork flooring is one the most environmentally friendly flooring solutions on the market. To manufacture hardwood planks, the entire tree must be cut down. Cork, on the other hand, is harvested by stripping cork oak trees of about 50% of their bark. This is done every nine years to allow regrowth. The tree is unharmed and simply regenerates another layer of bark.
✓ EFFICIENCY. Thanks to cork’s natural insulative properties, it maintains an optimal temperature year-round. No more frozen toes when you wake up in the winter! Likewise, in warmer months, the floor will feel cool underfoot and help contribute to the overall indoor temperature.
✓ COMFORT. Cork is inherently flexible; so, whether you’re working out, cleaning, or prepping dinner, you are reducing strain and pressure on your muscles, joints, and tendons.
✓ DURABLE. There’s a reason cork is used to stop wine bottles: it is exceptionally resistant to moisture. Your floor will not rot, even if it is in humid areas, such as the bathroom or kitchen. The honeycomb structure of the material also provides terrific shock absorption to ensure it holds up to heavy foot traffic. With proper care, including resealing about every five years, cork flooring stands the test of time.
✓ NOISE-ABSORBING. Shh… Life gets loud sometimes. Each cubic centimeter of cork has 40 million cells, all of which can absorb the sound of your lively party in the great room while the kids are sleeping upstairs.
✓ CLEAN. If you struggle with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues, you fully understand how important it is to have good indoor air quality. Your floors are critical to this, and some surfaces and materials trap dust, dander, mites, mold, and mildew. Cork is antimicrobial and does not absorb these allergy/asthma triggers. Simply vacuum regularly and wipe it with a damp mop now and again.
✓ BEAUTY AND ELEGANCE. All of this – and it’s sophisticated and attractive. Aesthetics are a key consideration as you search for the right flooring products for your home. Cork flooring is available in a wide range of finishes and patterns, ensuring you will achieve the look you want.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR CORK FLOORS
What are you looking at in terms of maintenance? As mentioned, cork floors should be resealed every five years or so to protect it from moisture, grit, and grime. But when it’s chore time, how do you take care of your flooring?
✓ WIPE UP ANY SPILLS IMMEDIATELY. Like hardwood, you want to move fast when liquid is involved!
✓ VACUUM OR SWEEP YOUR FLOORS REGULARLY. “Regularly” depends on a few different factors. It could be weekly; it could be daily if you have pets and/or children. Dust and grit can scratch the floor, so more frequently is always better than less.
✓ DAMP MOP once a week or more frequently as needed. Notice we said “damp,” not “wet.” Again, excess moisture is your enemy.
✓ DO NOT USE REGULAR CLEANING PRODUCTS, oils, waxes, ammonia-based products, abrasives, or solvents. Damp mopping with water only is fine. For a once-in-a-while clean, you can use a gentle wood floor cleanser.
✓ GIVE YOURSELF A LITTLE EXTRA PROTECTION. Use door mats with porous backings at your entrances to keep dirt and grit from making themselves at home.
FLOORING FOR YOUR LIFE
The right flooring makes a significant impact on the overall aesthetics and functionality of your home. Cork offers an abundance of natural charm, and ACo carries a wide selection of flooring options from top manufacturers like Capri Collections.
To learn more about cork flooring and other options connect with ACo for a free consultation. With help from our team, you will soon be popping the cork to celebrate a successful project!
