What durable flooring material is harvested from trees? Wood used in hardwood floors, right? Not always. For some manufacturers, the answer is cork. Throughout history, people have used this versatile material for everything from sandals to bottle stoppers. Of course, flooring manufacturers have put the spongy substance to good use to manufacture tiles, planks and sheets. Although cork may not be an obvious choice for many consumers, this renewable natural resource can provide seemingly endless benefits in both residential and commercial flooring installations.

The number one benefit of cork flooring is that it’s natural. Cork flooring is environmentally friendly because only the bark is used, the tree is not cut down. Companies harvest their raw material from the cork oak tree, which is grown primarily in Portugal, Spain and Italy. A cork tree must be about 20 years old before its bark can be stripped for further processing. Each tree is harvested no more than once every eight to ten years.

Cork flooring also provides natural noise insulation, unlike some other harder types of flooring. Because it is hypoallergenic, cork flooring is great for people with allergies. It also helps to enhance indoor air quality in commercial settings such as office buildings.

In addition to its environmentally sound properties, cork flooring provides another important benefit that cost-conscious consumers would be wise to consider—durability. Cork floors can last a lifetime even in commercial settings.

In residential settings, cork is commonly installed in kitchens and bathrooms. It’s unique natural beauty is unmistakable and because it is thermally efficient, your feet stay warm when you walk across it.

In addition, cork floors are easy to maintain because they are treated with a polyurethane finish and can be cleaned with soap and water. In a residential installation, a new coat of polyurethane should be applied every eight years.

In conclusion, cork offers natural beauty, insulation, durability, environmental responsibility, and ease of maintenance.