Sustainable Cork Flooring: An Environmentally Friendly Choice

Cork Flooring is a Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Choice for Homeowners and Builders

This natural floor covering not only offers unique aesthetics and comfort, but also contributes to environmental protection. In this article, we will discuss the basics of sustainable cork flooring, its origin, supply, cost and comparison with other sustainable floor coverings.

The Advantages of Cork Flooring

Cork is a renewable material obtained from the bark of the cork oak. It is known for its elasticity, thermal insulation and sound absorption. In addition, cork is hypoallergenic and resistant to mould and mites, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.

Origin and Production

Most of the cork produced worldwide comes from Portugal, which supplies around 50% of the supply. The cork oak also grows in other parts of the Mediterranean, including Spain and North Africa. Harvesting the cork bark does not harm the trees and allows the forests to be utilised sustainably.

Delivery and Manufacturing

After harvesting, the cork bark is dried and then transported to a factory where it is processed into floor tiles. Modern cork floors are often made with water-based resins that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contributes to the sustainability of the product.

Cost Comparison

The cost of cork tiles varies depending on quality, colour, format and thickness. On average, prices range from € 50.00 to € 130.00 per square meter, including materials and installation.

Differences to Other Sustainable Flooring

Compared to bamboo flooring, which is also considered sustainable, cork offers better sound insulation and is more comfortable underfoot.

Bamboo, on the other hand, is generally more durable and better suited to high-traffic areas.

Other sustainable flooring options such as linoleum or recycled wood also have their own advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when making your choice.

We also invite you to read Four Sustainable Flooring Materials: Eco-friendly and Stylish Options for a Greener Future

Renowned Brands

Some of the most renowned brands that produce cork flooring are:

• USFloors
• WE Cork
• Wicanders
• Globus Cork
• Expanko
• APC Cork
• AmCork
• Capri Cork

Maintenance

The care of cork floors is crucial to maintaining their beauty and longevity. Here are some tried and tested methods to keep your cork floor in top condition:

• Regular vacuuming or sweeping: This is the first and most important step in keeping your cork floor clean. Use a hoover with a soft brush or a broom to remove dirt and dust.
• Damp mopping: When it is time to mop your cork floor, make sure that the mop or cloth is only damp. Too much water can damage the cork, so it is important not to leave any puddles.
• Use cleaning agents suitable for cork: Choose mild cleaning agents that are especially suitable for cork floors. Avoid aggressive chemicals as these can damage the surface of the cork floor.
• Do not use microfibre cloths: Microfibre cloths can scratch the surface of cork floors. It is recommended to use cotton cloths instead.
• Protection from direct sunlight: Cork floors can fade if exposed to too much sunlight. Use curtains or blinds to protect your floors from direct sunlight.
• Be careful with furniture: Avoid pushing heavy furniture over the cork floor. Use felt glides under the legs of furniture to prevent scratches.
• Immediate wiping up of spillages: If liquids get onto the cork floor, wipe them up immediately to avoid staining.
• Regular maintenance: Depending on the type of surface treatment of your cork floor, it may be necessary to treat it occasionally with special oils or waxes to keep it fresh and resistant.

Indem Sie diese Pflegepraktiken befolgen, können Sie sicherstellen, dass Ihr Korkboden viele Jahre lang schön und funktional bleibt. Für weitere Informationen und spezifische Produkte zur Pflege Ihres Korkbodens können Sie die Websites von Fachhändlern besuchen.

We also invite you to read Sustainable Wood Flooring and Sustainable Architecture and The Bamboo Flooring Revolution

Reconditioning and Restoring

Scratches on a cork floor can be annoying, but fortunately there are methods to repair them and restore the floor to pristine condition. Here is a guide on how to effectively repair scratches on your cork floor:

1. Damage assessment. Before you start the repair, it is important to assess the extent of the damage. Is it superficial scratches or deep cracks? The type of damage determines the repair procedure.
2. Clean the damaged area. Clean the area around the scratch thoroughly to ensure that no dirt or dust will affect the repair. A clean area is crucial for a successful repair.
3. Selection of the right filling material. Hard wax, which is especially suitable for cork floors, is suitable for small scratches and dents. It is important to choose a hard wax that matches the colour of your floor to make the repair as inconspicuous as possible.
4. Apply the hard wax. Heat the hard wax according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Carefully apply the liquid wax to the scratch without damaging the surrounding surface. The wax should spread evenly by itself.
5. Smoothing the surface. After the wax has cooled and hardened, use a spatula or similar tool to remove excess wax and smooth the surface.
6. Resealing. To complete the repair, you should reseal the repaired area with a suitable product. This can be an oil, wax or clear varnish, depending on what was previously used on your floor.
7. Allow to cure. Allow the repaired area to cure sufficiently before using the area normally again.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your cork floor remains well maintained and protected. For more detailed instructions and specific products, you can consult specialised dealers or the websites of cork floor manufacturers.

Conclusion and Further Information

Sustainable cork flooring is an excellent choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

It not only offers a variety of benefits for the home, but also supports the conservation of our forests. For more information about cork floors and their manufacturers, you can visit the websites of the brands mentioned.

Cork flooring is more than just a floor covering; it is an investment in the future of our planet and in the health of our living spaces. By choosing cork, we can take a step towards a more sustainable world.

Sources

• The cork | www.visitportugal.com
• Cork Flooring Tiles, Cork Floors – Green Building Supply
• Cork Flooring Brands (greengoodsusa.com)
• How to Care for & Clean Cork Flooring (floorfactors.com)
• Refinish Cork Flooring: A How-To Guide | Hunker
• Cork Flooring Review: Pros and Cons (thespruce.com)

Image

• Altan Can, Brunette Woman with Orange Fruit on Ground, Pexels