Cork Flooring - 225 items found
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Cork Flooring...?
Mar 20, 2008 by Jeanette | Posted in Decorating & Remodeling
I am looking into some flooring options for my first floor. We have laminate wood now, which I don't like very much, and want something different. I have two dogs so I need something that will keep up. I don't know much about cork flooring. Any info would be very helpful. Pricing, durability, installation...Thank you.
Cork would be a huge mistake with pets. It is very porous.
Ben J | Mar 20, 2008
Cork is a good product.. A renewable and environmentally good product.. Can be a bit pricey .. Try a cork laminate? I actually installed it in a restaurant setting GL
rob s | Mar 20, 2008
Hi, I have read that cork flooring is extremely durable Chicago's First Congregational Church has had their floor since 1890. My friends ripped out their carpet in their bedroom and put it in and love it as it is hypo-allergenic due to a natural substance in it. The carpet was giving my friend sinus trouble and is better now with the cork. I would phone a reputable flooring store and talk to them about it standing up to dogs. Hope this helps.
Jenny C | Mar 21, 2008
Is cork flooring a good idea when you have two dogs?
Nov 14, 2006 by mellow_mellie | Posted in Decorating & Remodeling
I'm thinking of putting in a cork floor in my kitchen but I have two dogs and am wondering about the durability. Any other feed back about cork flooring would be appreciated.
Yes cork flooring is very durable it is not at all like cork board, it is harder and tougher. I have it and love it, it is very easy to clean up.
samanny | Nov 14, 2006
What has been your experience with cork flooring?
Jun 20, 2007 by blossom | Posted in Decorating & Remodeling
I am considering cork flooring in my dining room. Is it durable enough to withstand the pressure of the table legs and the sliding of the chairs? If you love yours, what brand is it?
Cork flooring is fantastic! It is durable, will withstand your table and chair legs and is also waterproof. Unfotunately, I haven't installed any in my home yet but I have quite a number of clients who have and they love it! We usually get it at Home Depot, as that's the least expensive place. Oh... and did I mention that it's cool in the summer and warm in the winter? And has good sound-proofing qualities? You can't go wrong with it!
The ReDesign Diva | Jun 20, 2007
what are some cons for cork flooring?
Jun 16, 2007 by carpentergry | Posted in Decorating & Remodeling
I Know alot of good things about cork flooring but what are some bad things?
I found a brand that is sealed and also wax on the tounge and groove to prevent water from getting through
Cork doesn't have the variety of colors and floor patterns to choose from that other resilient floors (i.e. linoleum, vinyl, etc.) offer.
Cork isn't as durable as other resilient flooring choices.
It requires sealing (and maintenance) in order to keep it waterproof and to protect it from dirt.
GracieM | Jun 16, 2007
does anyone know how cork flooring is made? What is used to make it suitable for floors? Can it be replicated?
May 23, 2006 by shoegirl | Posted in Do It Yourself (DIY)
I'm trying to figure out if I can replicate cork flooring with natural cork. I don't want to pay $4-5 sq. ft.
I don't need any info on how it's grown or where...what I'm interested in is the actual process of making it durable to be used for flooring. Is it requires sealant, or wood hardening process.
Cork flooring is made from the bark of an oak tree, known botanically as QUERCUS SUBER. 75% of all cork is grown in Portugal and Spain. With increased concern for the environment, cork remains the only tree which can regenerate itself after each harvest. A thin layer of protective inner bark gives the cork oak its unique ability to survive and regenerate itself after the debarking process.
The Harvesting of Cork
Cork is the bark of an oak tree known botanically as QUERCUS SUBER. It is an evergreen which grows in commercial stands only in areas bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Of the important cork producing countries, Portugal supplies approximately 50%, Spain 25%, with the balance being divided between Algeria, France, Morocco, Italy and Tunisia. As early as 2,500 BC cork was being used for fishing floats in ancient Egypt. In 400 BC cork was commonly used as stoppers for containers as well as for soles of shoes. One of the many famous users of cork was, according to reports, conqueror Alexander the Great; a cork piece once saved him from drowning when crossing a turbulent river.
In these times of increased concern for the environment, cork remains the only tree which can regenerate itself after each harvest. The cork bark is stripped off 2/3 of the tree. The first harvest does not occur until the tree is approximately 20 years old. A thin layer of protective inner bark gives the cork oak its unique ability to survive and regenerate itself after the debarking process. Stripping the bark requires great skill, as the inner bark must not be damaged. A specially designed hatchet is used for the stripping process.
The first bark taken from a tree is called "virgin" bark. It has a very irregular exterior surface and is grayish in color. This bark is suitable for grinding into various minute sizes ideal for cork insulation and composition cork. Interestingly, it has also become a very popular material for the manufacturing of decorative items.
The subsequent strippings of the tree will take place every nine years until the cork oak is approximately 150 years old. The tree is then replaced by a much younger one. The bark which grows out after the "virgin" bark has been stripped is called "refugo" bark. It looks entirely different as it has a much smoother surface which is brown in color. The first crop of "refugo" is used mostly for grinding purposes. The subsequent strippings yield better quality cork composed of fewer and more closed pores (grains). The majority of these harvests is used for the production of cork stoppers or other items requiring a finer looking appearance.
After the stripping process, the bark remains in the forest for some days to dry or, perhaps, to be inspected by potential buyers. To purchase cork bark is not an easy task as the quality not only varies from forest to forest as well as from tree to tree, but even the same tree may produce varying degrees of quality cork depending on its exposure to sunlight.
Once in the factory area, the "refugo" bark is boiled to ease the removal of the woody outer layer and to make the bark more elastic in order to flatten it out - should it be sold later on. Thereafter, the bark is sorted into various thicknesses which are then, in turn, sorted into many different qualities which help to determine its sale price and/or suitable manufacturing use.
Cork is a natural product with remarkably unique qualities unmatched by any other natural material. One cubic inch of cork consists of not less than 200 million completely enclosed air cells each measuring l/1000" in diameter. Each minute cell is 14 sided which virtually eliminates empty spaces between the cells.
Well, as there is no cork tree in America, I guess you have to pay or change your mind.
Blah | May 23, 2006
| Cork Flooring News |
Mid-century 'gem'
Louisville Courier-Journal - Jan 27, 2012
Mid-century 'gem'Distinctive Elements: Remodeled kitchen and living area; mid-century modern furnishings; original art; cabinetry from IKEA; original tile work in the bathrooms; family collectibles throughout the home; cork flooring; and an amazing view of the busy and more »
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A peek inside Sangren Hall: Western Michigan University project entering final ...
Kalamazoo Gazette - MLive.com - Feb 03, 2012
“We have used renewable cork flooring, all the doors, mill work and hand rails are bamboo,” she said. “There's a real focus on sustainable materials in this project.” Besides getting a view of the rest of campus and downtown Kalamazoo from the third and more »
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Invest In Your Floors For Dividends Down The Road
North American Press Syndicate - Feb 03, 2012
Resilient: This category includes vinyl, cork, rubber and linoleum. Resilient flooring can be great for kitchens and bathrooms because it's easy to keep clean, is durable, water resistant, and doesn't fade, stain or dent. It comes in many colors,
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Roy Sanborn - Super Bowl Man Cave
The Laconia Daily Sun - Feb 04, 2012
This home also has all the bells and whistles for the ladies including a well appointed kitchen, first floor master suite, tile, granite, hardwood floors, and breakfast nook. The lower level Man Cave is truly great; cork flooring, widescreen, and more »
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An eye for modern living
The Seattle Times - Jan 27, 2012
Cork flooring upstairs and walnut cabinetry soften the home's geometric forms and give the house a comfortable vibe. "Any time that we had to make a decision about something that could be either super modern and possibly sterile, we consciously and more »
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“We have used renewable cork flooring, all the doors, mill work and hand rails are bamboo,” she said. “There's a real focus on sustainable materials in this project.” Besides getting a view of the rest of campus and downtown Kalamazoo from the third and more »
