If you are considering a change of flooring, you surely must be doing a lot of research and reviewing various options. A tiled floor is very durable but tends to be cold-looking and is literally cold as well. Wood is a tad warmer but seems to be a little retro. Have you considered cork flooring? It can be very sustainable and is in great demand as well. When you opt for something as permanent as a floor you will surely want to know what the pros and cons are, so let’s take a look at them: What is cork? Basically it’s the material that is used to “cork” wine and champagne bottles and table coasters are made from this material as well. A cork floor is made from the very same material and is an extract from the bark of a cork oak tree. It is a renewable material which makes it environment friendly. Cork flooring is made in sheet and tile form and is now available in a variety of colors and patterns as well. The pros… What this means is that your neighbors may have a cork floor but your floor need look nothing like theirs. This material is versatile enough to be used in all areas of you home including the kitchen and bathrooms. Let’s look at the pros of this flooring option: • Comfort- The structure of cork is made of cells which fill up with air and make it very soft underfoot. This is a definite positive in areas such as kitchens where you tend to stand a lot. • Acoustics- The air pockets that add the bounce to it make it sound absorbent. Loud noises within a room get muted and it also reduces echoing. Footsteps get softened too. When you have cork on the floor you don’t have to bother with wall-to-wall carpeting. • Hypoallergenic- This natural material does not irritate the respiratory system like synthetic material does and it also does not attract dust mites the way carpets do. • Durability- It repels mold and insects and is rot and fire-resistant. • Aesthetics- It adds warmth to the interiors and looks attractive as well. You can take your pick from traditional as well as ultra-modern patterns. The cons… Like every material, cork too has its cons: • Tearing- Cork is durable but you have to be careful with. The indentations caused by heavy furniture can cause divots or punctures. You can use coasters to prevent this from happening. • Discoloration- Over a period of time, direct rays of the sun can cause cork to get discolored. This can easily be prevented by drawing the blinds and protecting it from direct sunlight. • Cost- Cork is not a prohibitively expensive material but it cannot be categorized as a budget-friendly one. Nevertheless, it is durable and if you look maintain it well, will last for several years. Now that you are aware of all the pros and cons of a cork floor you can make a well-informed decision about the material that will adorn the floor of your home. Resource box: You need to look no further than Cork Floor Sales for your Cork flooring requirement. They offer you a stunning range of Cork floor designs that can add beauty to your home.
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